RECREATION OPERATIONS MANAGER

Krpa; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

KPERS Retirement

Job summary

Krpa seeks a Recreation Operations Manager to plan, direct, and coordinate daily activities across parks, recreation and culture facilities in Lawrence, KS. You will oversee concessions, customer service, and RecTrac usage, ensuring efficient operations and excellent service delivery.

The role emphasizes improving practices, managing budgets and contracts, and building partnerships with sponsors and vendors to support programs and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation or related field.
• Five years of increasing responsibility in recreational programming and operating public facilities.
• Minimum of three years of managerial or supervisory experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain CPRP certification and a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate daily operations of department facilities and programs.
• Manage budgets, contracts, inventories, and purchasing; coordinate with vendors and contractors.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to maximize facility usage and program participation.
• Recruit, supervise, and coordinate staff for daily operations; ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Contract management

Staff supervision

Grant funding

Marketing collaboration

Risk management

Customer service

RecTrac knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation

CPRP certification (preferred)

Driver’s license

Tools

RecTrac software

Job description

Summary:
The Recreation Operations Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the daily operations of all Parks, Recreation and Culture Department facilities, including aquatic facilities, recreation centers, nature center, gymnasiums, ball fields, park shelters, sports complexes, fitness facilities, and historic rental properties such as the Carnegie Building and Union Pacific Depot. Responsibilities include overseeing concessions and customer service, assisting with the department’s recreation management software (RecTrac), and ensuring facilities, programs, and services operate efficiently and effectively.

The position evaluates operational practices, facilities, and services to identify opportunities for improvement and collaborates with division supervisors to implement strategies that enhance performance, service delivery, and operational efficiency. Additional responsibilities include managing contracts, developing and monitoring operating budgets, coordinating budget preparation, overseeing inventories, and purchasing, and researching and securing grant funding to support recreational programs and initiatives.

The Recreation Operations Manager prepares and maintains operational, financial, facility, and safety reports; develops bids, memoranda, and administrative procedures; coordinates with vendors and contractors; and implements facility operations and risk management policies. The position also works with division supervisors to recruit, supervise, and coordinate staff responsible for the daily operation of city facilities and programs.

In collaboration with marketing staff, vendors, and community partners, the Recreation Operations Manager develops and implements marketing strategies to maximize facility utilization and program participation. The position also identifies and cultivates sponsorships and community partnerships to support, promote, and expand recreational programming and special events.

Qualifications:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in parks and recreation, leisure studies, or related field. Five years of increasingly responsible experience in recreational programming and operating public facilities. A minimum of three years of management or supervisory experience. Possession of or ability to obtain the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification from the National Recreation and Park Association, as well as appropriate First Aid and CPR certifications. Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Note: Please provide three references with the application.

The successful candidate must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid driver’s license and pass City background, physical, and drug screens.

Benefit Information:
Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance: Various dependent on coverage levels available, and other ancillary benefit options.
Paid Time Off: 12 Vacation days, 12 Sick days accrued per year; 2 days Personal Leave, 10 Paid Holidays
Retirement: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)