Superintendent of Recreation

Bartlett Park District Apple Orchard Golf Course; Streamwood (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance (basic and voluntary)

Pension plan (IMRF)

457(b) plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Bartlett Park District seeks a Superintendent of Recreation to lead the Recreation Department, including the Donald H. Schrade Gymnasium and Bartlett Nature Center. This exempt, at-will role reports to the Executive Director and guides program development, staffing, and community services.

The position oversees a ~ $2 million annual budget and supervises five full-time managers. Candidates should have CP RP certification and a track record in delivering exceptional community recreation services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation administration or related field required.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in parks and recreation in a supervisory capacity or equivalent.
• Certification as a Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) required.
• CPR/AED certification required.

Responsibilities

• Administer the Recreation Department and programs within Bartlett Park District.
• Directly supervise five full-time staff members across multiple divisions.
• Oversee budgeting and financial performance of the Recreation Department.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Budget management

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration or related field

Job description

JOB SUMMARYThe Superintendent of Recreation is responsible for the administration, supervision, planning, staffing, and operation of the Park District’s Recreation Department including the research and development of recreation programs and the operation of Donald H. Schrade Gymnasium and Bartlett Nature Center. The Superintendent of Recreation is an exempt, at-will position and reports to the Executive Director. This position vacancy arises with the current Superintendent of Recreation announcing retirement after twenty-six (26) years of Creating Fun with Bartlett Park District.PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Administer the Recreation Department as established within the organization of the Park District.- Directly supervise five (5) full-time team members; three (3) Recreation Managers, one (1) Marketing Manager, and one (1) Environmental Education Manager.- Prepare and recommend the adoption of long-range and immediate plans to meet community needs for recreation space, facilities, programs, services, and staffing.- Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of existing Recreation Department programs and services while looking for opportunities to develop new programs and services.- Effectively analyze Recreation Department programs and services revenues and expenditures and perform financial recaps.- Oversee and prepare ~ $2-million annual Recreation Department budget.- Maintain excellent inter-department communication and teamwork with all departments within the Park District.- Establish and maintain effective cooperative planning and working relationships with local community agencies, governmental agencies, and voluntary and private organizations.SALARYAnticipated Hiring Range: $85,000 - $101,000Position Range: $85,000 - $125,000SELECTION PROCESS AND TENTATIVE TIMELINESeptember 14, 2026: Deadline for applicant materials to be receivedWeek of September 21, 2026: Candidate interviews beginWeek of October 5: Candidate finalist interviews beginNovember 2, 2026: Tentative date of employmentABOUT USBartlett Park District is a unit of local government that provides 611 acres of beautiful parks and outstanding recreational opportunities for the residents of Bartlett and surrounding communities. Major facilities of this Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and two-time National Gold Medal finalist include 44 parks, a flagship community center, indoor aquatic center and outdoor water park, a 9-hole golf course and an 18-hole golf course, event venue, ski slopes, athletic field complex, nature center, two gymnasiums, and more.BENEFITS OFFEREDIn exchange for your time and talent we offer a generous benefit package, including but not limited to:- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life insurance (basic and voluntary)- Pension plan (IMRF), 457 (b) Nationwide plan, and Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for self and dependent care- Paid holidays (9 annually) and vacation, sick, personal, and floating holiday time- Facility discounts & usage benefitsQUALIFICATIONS, CHARACTERISTICS, AND TRAITS- Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation administration or related field required.- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in parks and recreation in a supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training required.- Certification as a Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) required.- Obtain and maintain CPR/AED certification.- Ability to maintain and improve community services with a high level of customer and guest satisfaction.- Ability to work independently in day-to-day operations with general direction from the Executive Director.- Ability to work harmoniously with fellow employees, community groups, and other units of local government.- Ability to organize, prepare, and present information effectively both verbally and in written form.- Ability to recognize and manage priorities while meeting deadlines.- Ability to Create Fun!***APPLICANT MATERIALS MUST CONTAIN ALL INFORMATION FOR FULL CONSIDERATION***Formal letter of application (cover letter) indicating reasons you desire to be a candidate.Resume including employment history, duties, and responsibilities.Provide at least two (2) currently dated letters of recommendation.Provide at least three (3) professional references with complete names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Each professional reference must be an individual other than the two individuals writing a dated letter of recommendation (directly above).Provide a written response to each of the questions contained within the employment application via Paycom.Describe your management style.State and discuss your philosophy of recreation programmingIf chosen for the position, what steps would you take as the Recreation Department’s new leader in your first 120 days?*Please upload two (2) separate .PDF files: 1.) resume; 2.) letter of application (cover letter) WITH two (2) letters of recommendation.*