Recreation Program Manager (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Recreation Program Manager (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Working with general direction, this position organizes and manages a district or Citywide function within the Parks and Recreation Department.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Reviews current and future requirements from needs assessments and develops both short- and long-range plans to anticipate and meet those needs.
  
• Develops, coordinates, implements, and monitors district or Citywide facilities, programs, and events.
  
• Develops, implements, and approves program service guidelines for facility operations and use.
  
• Develops, implements, and approves promotion of programs and events.
  
• Ensures proper maintenance of assigned facilities and equipment.
  
• Communicates project and program information to management and others as needed.
  
• Coordinates organization's programs and activities with other City and public organizations.
  
• Develops and monitors the budget for the assigned area.
  
• Monitors contracts and contractors to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
  
• Attends meetings representing the organization. Represents the City and department at boards, commissions, and public meetings.
  
• Investigates and responds to complaints from citizens as well as managers and other employees.
  
• Prepares and reviews reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating the organization's performance.
  
• Recommends major purchases and capital expenditures and maintains financial security by following established internal accounting controls.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities: selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of recreation programs.
  
• Knowledge of fiscal and budget planning.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Recreation, Physical Education, Parks Administration, or a related field, plus four (4) years of experience developing and implementing recreational programs and activities, including at least one (1) year of experience which was in a supervisory or management capacity.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• May require certification in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
  
• Texas Class "C" Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.
  
• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
  

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE), or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
  

Preferred Experience:

• Experience managing a government/municipality recreational facility.
  
• Experience supervising, developing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating youth/teen development programs and services in a recreational setting.
  
• Experience supervising, developing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating Senior Adult programs and services in a recreational setting.
  
• Experience managing fiscal planning and operational budgets, expenditures and revenue.
  
• Experience managing contracts and/or grants.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and Outlook.
  
• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of this Recreation Program Manager position is the development, implementation, and monitoring of programming and providing oversight for workgroups in the Community Recreation Division. Flyer about the Recreation Center.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) will be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds. Work environment includes prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Location/Work Schedule Notes:

Montopolis Recreation Center, 1200 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741

• Monday - Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  
• Hours and location may vary depending on departmental needs.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
  
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

Salary Range:

$68,660.00 - $85,830.00 annually.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-23