Recreation Services Manager

This management position is responsible for the establishment, operation and evaluation of recreational programs, services and facilities for the community, including the management and supervision of all Recreation Division personnel.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 430pm
Starting salary range: $82,339.12 - $98,901.64
Initial interviews: May 5 and/or May 6, 2025
Tentative start date: June 10, 2025
Explore the City's benefits here: City of Waukesha Benefit Guide (Download PDF reader)

It is not typical for someone to be hired at or near the top of the salary range. The specific compensation offered to a candidate is reviewed and based off a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, certifications, and internal equity.

Please complete the application in lieu of attaching a resume and/or cover letter.

Essential Job Functions: The job functions listed herein are neither exclusive nor exhaustive but are intended to be illustrative of the types of tasks the employee will most likely be expected to perform on a regular basis. The employee may be asked to perform different or additional tasks than the ones listed here, as the needs of the employer and/or the requirements of the position change.

1. Supervises and evaluates Recreation Division professional staff and oversees the supervision of part-time, seasonal employees and volunteers.
2. Plans, directs, and supervises a diverse program of year-round recreational services for all age groups, interests and abilities.
3. Manages the daily operations related to Community Recreation Programming, Special Events, Recreation/Athletic Facility Rentals and Pools/Aquatics.
4. Prepares and manages Recreation Division budgets, including related capital improvement projects, special revenue funds, contracted services, related invoices, and payroll.
5. Seeks out, develops and maintains cooperative partnerships within the community.
6. Works in conjunction with the Customer & Administrative Services Manager (CASM) to develop and implement an effective marketing plan that promotes Department services and increases public awareness and participation.
7. Works in conjunction with SPARS (Sponsorship, Partnership & Alternative Revenue Sources Coordinator) to develop sponsorship and underwriting opportunities within the community.
8. Assists in long-range/strategic planning and direction initiatives for the Recreation Division; develops and implements approved programs.
9. Oversee program registration procedures in conjunction with the CASM and periodically evaluates and recommends recreation fees and charges, and associated policies.
10. Manages departmental policies related to daily operations of recreation services and recommends policy changes as needed.
11. Serves as liaison to assigned City departments, committees, , boards, and community organizations.
12. Participates on local, state, and national professional boards and committees.
13. Develops and evaluates training programs for Division employees.
14. Evaluates and implements standards for customer service and delivery and responds to citizen feedback.
15. Develops and assists with reports and studies concerning recreation services.
16. Proactively seeks out related grant opportunities and oversees grant application, data collection and evaluation processes related to grants.
17. Oversees plans and specifications for purchasing and/or installation of recreation supplies and equipment.
18. Attend seminars, workshops, and classes to develop and enhance job-related skills.
19. Oversees the coordination of Recreation Division activities with other Divisions in the Department (e.g., coordination of facility maintenance and preparation with the Parks & Forestry Division).
20. Coordinates project management for a variety of park/recreation projects related to recreation programming.
21. Coordinates and oversees on-call duties and scheduling for the Division.
22. Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes, and maintains responsive community relations.

Requirements of Work: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Management, Public Administration, Public Relations/Journalism, Business or a closely related field, supplemented by at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability and skills:
Knowledge of *Theory and philosophy of recreation planning for municipalities.
*Principles and methods of program planning and evaluation.
*Budgeting and budget analysis.
*State and federal laws related to personnel management and human resources issues.
*General office procedures and the use of standard office equipment, computers, and related software programs.
Ability to *Become certified as a Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Review Team Member.
*Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City departments, coworkers, media, and the general public.
*Establish and maintain positive relations with community groups, contracted service organizations and the general public.
*Assess the recreation needs of the community and develop, implement, and supervise programs, activities, and services to meet those needs.
*Manage the effective use of media (print, television and social) to promote Department programs and activities.
*Assign, supervise, evaluate, and review the work of others.
*Multi-task and prioritize responsibilities.
*Handle difficult situations in a courteous and tactful manner.
Skill in *Leadership and organization.
*Public speaking.
*Oral and written communications.
*Public relations and customer service.

Necessary Special Requirements: Valid Wisconsin Driver's License; ability to pass a criminal background check; CPR/AED Certified within 6 months of employment.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
*Work is performed primarily in an office setting; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, prolonged visual concentration, and the ability to adjust focus.
*The employee may also work outdoors and may occasionally be exposed to adverse weather conditions such as heat, cold, wetness and humidity in the performance of his or her duties.
*While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
*The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
*The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.