Recreation Programs Lead

City of West Fargo; West Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of West Fargo is seeking a Recreation Specialist to plan, coordinate, administer, and evaluate recreation programs for the West Fargo Park District. Under the Recreation Director, you will prepare program guides, manage registrations, recruit and train part-time staff and volunteers, and handle administrative duties with accuracy and timeliness.

You will oversee multiple activities such as Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Pickleball, Soccer, and Sports Sampler, analyze participation and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Education, Communications, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field.
• Ability to provide hands-on instruction, teaching, and coaching.
• Ability to independently prioritize responsibilities, anticipate operational needs, problem solve, troubleshoot, and adapt effectively to changing circumstances.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with employees, participants, families, community partners, and members of the public.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills.
• Proficient computer and administrative skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational, time management, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility to work varying hours, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, administers, evaluates, and supports assigned recreation programs and activities, including but not limited to Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Pickleball, Soccer, and Sports Sampler programs, ensuring quality experiences that respond to community interests and needs.
• Leads the administrative preparation of assigned programs for seasonal activity guides, including program descriptions, dates, schedules, locations, fees, age requirements, registration deadlines, staffing needs, and other essential information.
• Coordinates with Marketing Department to ensure activity guide submissions, promotional materials, and program information are accurate, complete, and submitted according to established production deadlines.
• Creates, reviews, maintains, and verifies assigned programs within ACTIVE Net and other registration systems, ensuring accuracy of fees, dates, capacity limits, descriptions, registration settings, and participant communications.
• Monitors program registrations and enrollment trends, including programs with low or no enrollment, and proactively recommends promotional efforts, program modifications, cancellations, or other appropriate actions.
• Coordinates the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of part-time employees and volunteers to ensure programs are appropriately staffed and personnel are prepared prior to program implementation.
• Ensures assigned employees and volunteers understand program expectations, District policies, safety procedures, customer service standards, and their individual responsibilities.
• Coordinates program schedules, facility usage, equipment, supplies, and staffing with appropriate District departments to support efficient and effective program delivery.
• Maintains accurate program records and collects participation, registration, attendance, revenue, expenditure, staffing, and other relevant operational data.
• Analyzes program performance, participation trends, financial outcomes, customer feedback, and community needs to identify opportunities for program improvement, expansion, modification, or discontinuation.
• Research recreation trends, emerging interests, and community needs and develops recommendations for innovative, sustainable, and responsive programming opportunities.
• Assists with developing and monitoring assigned program budgets, including program fees, staffing costs, supplies, equipment, and other operating expenditures.
• Purchases and maintains accurate inventories of program supplies and equipment, coordinates purchases, and ensures appropriate resources are available for quality program delivery.
• Maintains appropriate security and accountability for assigned facility keys, equipment, supplies, and District resources.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with participants, parents, community organizations, instructors, volunteers, vendors, and other program partners.
• Responds professionally and promptly to participant inquiries, concerns, complaints, and program-related issues, exercising sound judgment and involving supervisors when appropriate.
• Provide assistance to customers and respond to inquiries at the West Fargo Park District office.
• Supports District-wide special events, community initiatives, and other assigned programming responsibilities.
• Maintains accurate information and documentation within District systems, including ACTIVE Net, MaintainX, Microsoft 365, and other applicable platforms.
• Maintains confidentiality and complies with District policies, procedures, applicable laws, safety requirements, and administrative expectations.
• Serve as backup support for front desk operations at both the West Fargo Park District office and Rustad Recreation Center.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Hands-on instruction

Prioritization

Professional communication

Budgeting

Microsoft Office

Organization

Flexibility to work hours

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Education, Communications, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

The City of West Fargo is seeking a Recreation Specialist to plan, coordinate, administer, and evaluate recreation programs for the West Fargo Park District. Under the Recreation Director, you will prepare program guides, manage registrations, recruit and train part-time staff and volunteers, and handle administrative duties with accuracy and timeliness.

You will oversee multiple activities such as Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Pickleball, Soccer, and Sports Sampler, analyze participation and