Contract Recreation Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Recreation Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, administration, and management of the City's Recreation Department. The Director develops and implements innovative recreational programs, special events, youth services, cultural activities, athletic programs, recreation operations, and community engagement initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The position oversees departmental operations, personnel, budgets, capital improvement planning, recreation facility maintenance coordination, marketing, and customer service while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Recreation Director serves as a member of the City's leadership team and works collaboratively with other departments, community organizations, schools, businesses, and elected officials to advance the City's strategic goals.

Role and Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Provides executive leadership and management of all Recreation Department operations.
• Develops departmental goals, objectives, strategic plans, and performance measures.
• Recommends policies, ordinances, and operational improvements.
• Ensures exceptional customer service throughout all recreation programs and facilities.
• Represents the department before the City Commission, advisory boards, community organizations, and the public.

Recreation Programming

• Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates recreation programs serving youth, adults, seniors, and visitors.
• Oversees after-school and summer camp programs.
• Develops new programs based upon community needs and participation trends.
• Coordinates athletic leagues, instructional classes, fitness programs, special events, cultural arts programming, and community celebrations.
• Evaluates participation levels and adjusts programming to maximize community benefit.

Recreation Facilities Management

• Oversees the operation of recreation facilities, athletic fields, playgrounds, and community centers.
• Coordinates maintenance priorities with Public Works, as needed.
• Assists with planning future recreation improvements and capital projects.
• Ensures facilities are safe, clean, accessible, and properly maintained.

Budget & Financial Management

• Develops and administers the department's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitors revenues and expenditures.
• Identifies opportunities for grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and alternative funding sources.
• Oversees purchasing, contracts, and procurement activities.
• Implements sound financial controls and accountability measures.

Personnel Management

• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, mentors, and evaluates departmental staff.
• Establishes performance expectations and professional development opportunities.
• Promotes teamwork, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Ensures compliance with City personnel policies and applicable labor laws.

Child Care Services

• Oversees licensed child care and youth programs.
• Ensures compliance with Pinellas County Licensing Board requirements, Department of Children and Families regulations, and all applicable state standards.
• Serves as liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Maintains appropriate staffing, training, documentation, and licensing requirements.

Community Relations

• Develops partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, youth organizations, businesses, and community groups.
• Responds to citizen concerns and inquiries.
• Represents the City at public meetings and community events.
• Promotes recreation opportunities through outreach and public engagement.

Marketing & Communications

• Oversees departmental marketing and branding initiatives.
• Directs recreation-related social media and digital communications.
• Develops promotional materials to increase participation in programs and events.
• Coordinates public information efforts with the City's Communications staff.

Capital Planning

• Assists in long-range planning for recreation facilities.
• Coordinates capital improvement projects with Community Development, Public Works, and consultants.
• Participates in grant applications and project implementation.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of recreation administration.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting and public administration.
• Knowledge of child care licensing requirements and youth programming.
• Knowledge of recreation maintenance principles and facility operations.
• Knowledge of athletic programming and special event management.
• Ability to effectively supervise, coach, and motivate staff.
• Ability to prepare and administer complex budgets.
• Ability to analyze community needs and develop innovative programming.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, community organizations, and the public.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with recreation management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and financial management systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Services, Physical Education, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in recreation administration.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Preferred Skills

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
• Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE).
• Florida Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI).
• Child Care Director Credential.
• Experience with recreation management software.
• Experience in coastal community recreation programming.
• Grant writing and capital project management experience.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Florida Driver License.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications required for assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to obtain CDL endorsements if operationally required.

Physical Requirements

Work involves both office and field environments. The employee must occasionally:

• Walk over uneven terrain.
• Lift up to 30 pounds.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings and special events.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Operate City vehicles and recreation equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cover letters and resumes may be included but are not accepted in lieu of application form.

All applications will become public record under Florida law.

Ada Compliance:

The City of Madeira Beach, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The statements noted above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be construed as a comprehensive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. These statements are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.