Thrive 55+ Supervisor

Town of Groton; Groton (CT); On-site; USD 86,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

Employer HSA contribution

Traditional Pension

457 Defined Contribution

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness activities

13 Paid Holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Town of Groton is seeking a Thrive55+ Supervisor to lead the Thrive55+ Division within Parks and Recreation, directing programs and operations for residents 55+. You will manage a six-person team, plan and oversee services, and cultivate partnerships across social services, healthcare, and community organizations.

Responsibilities include budgeting, grant administration, program evaluation, and ensuring inclusive, high-quality health, nutrition, and advocacy initiatives for older adults.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Recreation Administration, Gerontology, Human Services, or related field with five years’ progressive management of community programs.
• Master’s degree may substitute for part of the required experience, with at least three years in a comparable administrative role.
• Candidate should demonstrate leadership, organizational skills, and ability to manage personnel, budgets, programs, and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead Thrive55+ Division with strategic direction and operational oversight.
• Direct budgeting, grants, and funding opportunities for services serving residents 55+.
• Build and maintain partnerships with municipal departments, social services, healthcare, and community organizations.
• Supervise a team of six full-time staff and oversee program evaluation and quality control.
• Ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and high-quality health, nutrition and advocacy initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Program coordination

Grant management

Public admin

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Master's degree may substitute portion of experience

Job description

$86,370.65 - $120,918.91/DOQ

The Town of Groton seeks a dedicated and community-focused professional to fill the role of Thrive 55+ Supervisor in the Parks and Recreation Department. The Supervisor will direct and manage comprehensive programs, services, and facility operations dedicated to enriching the lives of older residents. This position plays a key role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality health, nutrition, and advocacy initiatives while leading the team, managing operational budgets, and fostering vital partnerships with local social services and community agencies. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership expertise, sound administrative judgment, and a commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and exceptional public service. This is a non-union, exempt, full-time position.

Groton is located on the shoreline in southeastern Connecticut and is home to a diverse community that celebrates inclusivity. The Town is active in economic development and diversification, and is conveniently located midway between New York and Boston. Groton boasts diverse educational options, historic sites, attractions, and outdoor spaces, for a balanced quality of life.

The Town of Groton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels; it is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, and encourages all individuals to apply.

The total rewards package for this position includes the following:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Employer HSA contribution
• Traditional Pension, or 457 Defined Contribution, Retirement Plan
• Optional Deferred Compensation plans (Roth IRA or 457(b))
• Employer sponsored life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness activities and resources
• Generous accrued leave time (Vacation and Sick)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• The Town is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer

Individuals with disabilities who will need reasonable accommodation to complete the selection process should inform the Human Resources Department on or before the application deadline. Documentation supporting the need for this accommodation may be required. Criminal background, drug testing, and driving record checks required prior to employment.

Position Overview

The Thrive55+ Supervisor serves as the administrative and managerial leader for the Thrive55+ Division within the Department of Parks and Recreation, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership for a team of six full-time team members. The position is responsible for the planning, administration, coordination, and evaluation of comprehensive services and initiatives serving residents age 55 and older, including health and wellness, transportation, nutrition, advocacy, and community engagement. The Supervisor provides leadership in establishing division goals, policies, and priorities; develops and manages the division budget; identifies and administers grant and other funding opportunities; supports and oversees personnel growth, and organizational operations; and develops effective partnerships with municipal departments, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations. The position ensures that Thrive55+ services are effectively managed, responsive to community needs, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the strategic priorities of the Department and Town.

Required Qualifications

The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position are generally acquired through a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Recreation Administration, Gerontology, Human Services, or a closely related field, supplemented by five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the administration, management, and oversight of community-based programs and services. A master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for a portion of the required experience, with a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a comparable administrative or management role. An equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience may be considered in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements. The position requires demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities, strong verbal, written, and presentation skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage personnel, budgets, programs, and community partnerships.

Required Certifications/Licenses

Must possess and maintain a Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Selection Procedure

Review and screen of applications/resumes with best qualified candidates eligible for oral examination(s).