Position Summary

Do you have an interest in serving the public and working for a great city? Join Brooklyn Center and be a part of an amazing group of city employees who are proud of the work they do every day. The Recreation Department is currently recruiting a full-time, benefit-eligible, Recreation Manager.

Reporting to the deputy director of parks and recreation, the recreation program manager is responsible for the overall development, coordination, and management of recreation programming. This division is responsible for a comprehensive approach to city-wide programs and events. It’s essential for the person in this role to be able to deliver a high level of customer service and coach and teach others. They also must be committed to and capable of creating equitable programs and a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people.

Examples of Duties

Administration

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  Provide input into the development and implementation of recreation programming’s objectives, policies, and processes.
• Keep supervisor and other City staff informed in a timely way to ensure they are informed when it comes to programming plans and the value created in the community.
• Provide project and program reports to the director of parks and recreation, the Parks and Recreation Commission, City Council and other groups as assigned.
• As assigned, oversee and coordinate special projects including researching best practices, analysis of options, and implementation strategies that meet intended outcomes.
• Attend department and other meetings as required. Represent the department and the City at various meetings, events and site visits.

Recreation

• Understand the recreational needs of youth, teens, adults and senior citizens by gathering information through formal and informal means, including, but not limited to, surveys, program evaluations, and conversations with patrons and staff.
• Use data to plan new programs, review existing program effectiveness, fulfill grant reporting requirements, steer customer service training, and create effective marketing plans.
• Coordinate, supervise, and direct all phases of recreation programs.
• Oversee planning and implementation of collaborative City-wide efforts with contractors and instructors, citizen groups, City departments and elected officials.
• Ensure safety standards are met.
• Coordinate volunteer programs to ensure volunteers are properly trained, evaluated and recognized for their work.
• Coordinate with the deputy director and parks supervisor on any special needs or requests that are necessary for the efficient operation of programs and events within the community.

Budget management

• Assist the director of parks and recreation with the development and management of programming budgets.
• Manage programming budget.
• Purchase equipment and supplies for programs and facility as needed.
• Negotiate contracts and use agreements with school district, independent contractors, vendors and service providers.

Marketing and public relations

• Develop and implement marketing strategies for programs offered through the division.
• Prepare program descriptions for the parks and recreation seasonal catalog.
• Prepare and distribute program flyers; prepares promotional ads and press releases.
• Ensure program information is kept up to date and publicized as necessary.
• Maintain and update department website as program responsibilities dictate.
• Handle complaints, investigate problems, and take appropriate action.

Supervision

• Establish a collaborative, productive, equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Model the values, ethics and performance standards for the team.
• Establish performance goals, assign accountabilities, monitor staff performance and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Delegate work, providing clear expectations regarding due dates, budget and any quality-related requirements.
• Coach and develop staff using a supportive and strengths-based approach.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Interpersonal Relationships: Passionate about customer service. Committed to establishing a safe, productive, collaborative culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion. Strong track record managing an engaged and productive team. Fair and equitable when working with people. Able to build strong relationships with a variety of people.

Communications: Able to actively listen to others and ask effective questions in order to understand people’s needs and situations. Ability to speak and write English clearly.

Decision Making: Use sound judgment. Assess problems and situations and bring issues to a timely and appropriate resolution. Anticipate needs and evaluate alternatives. Resourceful.

Professional Skills: Strong organization skills. Good project management skills. Takes initiative. Dependable. Able to represent the organization to other agencies and citizens with a courteous, helpful, and friendly attitude.

Quality of Work: Ability to work independently and take initiative. Committed to producing quality, accurate work. Able to detect and correct errors. Efficient.

Technical Knowledge: Bachelor's degree in recreation, park administration, related field, or equivalent work experience (5 years) in a recreation setting. Sound working knowledge of the principles, practices, organization, administration and purpose of recreation programming. Knowledge of public/business administration principles, practices and techniques. Working knowledge of marketing principles. Proficient in Microsoft Office software products. Ability to quickly learn new information and initiate improvements as needed.

Physical Abilities: This position involves evening and weekend work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, park administration, related field, or equivalent work experience (5 years).
• Supervisory experience in recreation setting.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license upon employment.

Supplemental Information

• Advanced degree in recreation, park administration or related field or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience as a recreation program supervisor, or in a related field directly supervising the work of others.
• Experience working with a registration/facility scheduling software program. (RecTrac preferred)

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Therefore, it is also not, nor can it be implied to be, a contract of employment. The contents of this position description may be changed without notice, and employment may be terminated by either party, at will. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. All employees are responsible for following applicable policies and procedures as defined by their manager or as described in the personnel handbook.

Completion of an on-line application is required. Do not refer to your resume – the staff member reviewing the application will not have access to your resume during the review
process. The City does not allow attachments to the on-line application. If you would like to submit a cover letter, resume or other documentation, please e-mail it to HR@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us – please reference the job title in the subject line.

Regular full-time employees are eligible for City benefits. The City offers a benefit package that includes health, dental, long and short term disability, life insurance, and deferred compensation.