Directing and coaching recreation staff and overseeing the daily operations of recreation centers and outdoor adventure programs is central to this management position. The role involves implementing strategic plans, engaging with the community, and managing fiscal responsibilities. This position suits an experienced recreation professional passionate about building strong teams and delivering high-quality community services.
Responsibilities
Oversee daily operations for up to four recreation centers, Adventure Hubs, and associated Outdoor Adventure programs
Implement policies, operating procedures, and practices aligned with departmental and city-wide strategies, including DPR
Mission, Vision, and Values, Game Plan for a Healthy City, Outdoor Adventure/Alternative Sports plan, and Parks Legacy Plan
Create weekly, monthly, and annual work plans that support recreation standards and strategic goals
Review, develop, and adjust work plans, priorities, schedules, and staffing levels to ensure efficient and effective service delivery
Support contractors, volunteers, collaborators, and community partners to deliver high-quality programs
Inspect and approve contract work to ensure compliance with specifications
Participate in planning efforts including Denver Bond projects, CIP projects, and recreation maintenance initiatives
Direct, coach, and mentor recreation supervisors and staff across recreation centers, Adventure Hubs, and Outdoor Adventure programs
Ensure staff understand and implement customer service expectations and departmental performance standards
Lead staff development initiatives, including training, succession planning, and continuous improvement practices
Develop goals, document performance, conduct evaluations, and issue recognition for exceptional performance
Provide guidance on complex or unusual assignments and promote teamwork, communication, and innovation
Conduct hiring interviews and select candidates for vacancies
Review disciplinary actions and respond to formal/informal grievances
Represent the department and its initiatives with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service
Mediate conflicts, resolve issues, and determine appropriate solutions during daily operations
Coordinate projects with other city agencies, external partners, and community groups
Cultivate community engagement opportunities, events, and communication efforts to expand program reach and participation
Handle sensitive public relations issues and maintain positive relationships with community members, vendors, collaborators, and elected officials
Oversee My Outdoor Colorado coalition efforts and Great Outdoors Colorado grant management (contract and fiscal oversight)
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Collaborate with internal DPR teams to implement the Outdoor Adventure/Alternative Sports vision plan and support Adventure Hub operations
Optimize team performance and achieve KPIs, departmental goals, and strategic objectives
Champion innovation, creative problem-solving, and new opportunities to enhance resident and customer experiences
Manage operating costs and ensure all budgets remain within approved limits
Allocate funds and resources effectively to complete assigned work programs
Provide oversight of checkbook reconciliation and monthly expense reporting
Maintain compliance with fiscal accountability rules and deadlines
Assist with facility inspections, equipment inventory, and management of recreation equipment, vehicle fleets, and capital assets
Perform additional tasks as assigned in support of Recreation Division priorities and departmental needs
Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as Parks and Recreation Management, Business Administration, or another related field
Three (3) years of experience at the type and level of functional or operational management, which must have included management of professional individual contributors
Valid Driver’s License at the time of application
Certification in CPR and First Aid at the time of application or by the completion of probation
Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment
Experience implementing best management practices, procedures, and techniques
Experience in outdoor recreation programming and risk management
Experience managing grants
Experience overseeing recreation equipment, vehicle fleets, and recreation and aquatic facilities in a medium to large municipal system
Experience managing capital equipment, building operations, and the ability to learn DPR recreation standards
Experience with capital planning, design, and building operation plans
Skill in using data analysis to develop return-on-investment operational plans
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with systems such as ActiveNet, Jaggaer, Salesforce, Qualtrics, Microsoft applications, and Workday
Demonstrated expertise in accounts payable, purchase requisitions, and budget management, preferably within local government
Ability to influence others and hold teams accountable
Proven record of building and maintaining effective relationships with coworkers, management, vendors, volunteers, collaborators, and contract service providers
Benefits
Guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
457B Retirement Plan
140 hours of PTO earned within first year
11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year
Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
Important Details
Application deadline: November 8, 11:59PM
Schedule: Based on program and business needs, may vary based on the day of the week and may include evenings or mornings
Application Process
Submit a resume and cover letter with your application
About the Company
The City and County of Denver's Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) manages a dynamic system of 30 recreation centers and nearly 20,000 acres of urban and mountain parkland. DPR is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and improving the health of residents and the environment through innovative programs and the creation of safe, beautiful, and sustainable spaces. The organization employs more than 11,000 team members.
