Recreation Manager

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Recreation Manager
ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE:
$101,103-107,259 Annually
POSITION STATUS:
Full-Time; Exempt; Non-Union; Benefits Eligible
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
07/27/2025 11:59 PM Central Time
TO APPLY:
Apply online at www.BloomingtonMN.gov/hr
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
The Recreation Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight to a team of recreation professionals responsible for delivering a diverse array of programs and services that enhance the well-being of the Bloomington community across all ages and abilities. This position ensures effective operation, programming, and utilization of park and recreation facilities, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Aligned with the City of Bloomington’s mission “to cultivate an enduring and remarkable community where people want to be,” the Recreation Manager plays a pivotal role in assessing community needs, developing innovative and sustainable programming, managing departmental budgets, and supporting staff development. The role also involves cultivating collaborative partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to extend the reach and impact of recreation services. A commitment to equity, sustainability, and continuous improvement is essential to ensure Bloomington’s recreation offerings remain engaging, adaptable, and meaningful for all residents.
CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS
• Develops, supports, and models a positive and productive workplace culture based on respect, dignity, honesty, and integrity. Allows staff to grow and succeed by providing opportunities for increased responsibility and creating a positive work culture
• Supports and advances organizational development efforts such as developing a high performing organization, employee engagement, workforce development, inclusion and equity, and performance measurement efforts
• Works cooperatively with others; develops and maintains respectful and effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Proactively resolves conflicts and misunderstandings in order to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace
• Seeks to understand the legacy of structural racism, and its impact on employees and the residents we serve; identifies any implications and adverse equity impacts when developing or reviewing policies, projects, activities and interactions with stakeholders
• Embraces the City's shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City's vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
• Direct, coordinate, and oversee the delivery of a wide variety of recreation programs and services, including aquatics, adult sports, 50+ programs, youth and family programming, athletic associations, and special events, to serve residents and visitors of all ages
• Direct, coordinate, and oversee the delivery of a wide variety of recreation programs and services delivered at Bloomington outdoor parks, community partner sites, and in city-owned park and recreation facilities including the Community Health and Wellness Center
• Find opportunities to collaborate with facility managers on recreation programs scheduled at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, Bloomington Ice Garden, and Dwan Golf Course
• Set performance metrics and monitor cost recovery expectations for recreation programs as appropriate.
• Review, approve, and systematically monitor all recreation program budgets
• Systematically review and create quarterly reports and updates on parks, program, and event attendance for Parks and recreation administrators and leadership
• Provide formal supervision and evaluation, as well as regular coaching and development, for five full-time recreation staff. Define the level of expected performance, provide the necessary resources and support, and hold staff accountable for achieving performance goals and completing responsibilities
• Oversee the hiring and utilization of part-time, temporary and seasonal employees within assigned recreation program areas, in accordance with established City policies and procedures. Make recommendations for wage schedules for part-time, temporary and seasonal positions, based on market conditions and budgetary resources. Ensure fair and consistent enforcement of personnel rules and policies, including disciplinary action when necessary
• Guide the development and presentation of requested operating budgets and proposed fee schedules for assigned areas of responsibility. Manage revenues and expenditures in accordance with adopted operating budgets and the City’s financial policies and procedures
• Collaborate with communications staff to ensure recreational programs and services are strategically and effectively promoted to the public through a diverse range of channels, including print materials (flyers, brochures), digital media (social media, website, e-newsletters), and traditional advertising platforms
• Oversee program registration system and ensure the delivery of excellent customer service to patrons and the general public
• Direct and participate in the preparation and implementation of policies for the delivery of safe and inclusive recreation programs and services, based on industry best practices
• Seek continuous innovation, improvement, and expansion of program offerings, service delivery, scheduling and pricing, to best meet the changing needs and preferences of Bloomington residents and to maximize cost recovery goals and the investment of City resources
• Track and report on program enrollment and participation trends, customer satisfaction and other performance measures and ensure such data is applied to decisions regarding program and service offerings, scheduling and pricing
• Provide information, answer questions and resolve escalated complaints from program participants and the general public
• Develop reports and make recommendations to the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission and City Council
• Develop, support and model a positive and productive workplace culture based on respect, professionalism, collaboration, equity, and accountability
• Maintain professional affiliations and attend training courses, professional development opportunities, and conferences to keep abreast of best practices in the Parks and Recreation field
• Keep Community Health and Wellness Manager informed of important developments related to the delivery of recreation programs and services within that facility and spaces
• Work flexible hours to attend evening and weekend meetings, activities and events as needed
• Perform other related duties as apparent or assigned KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED Recreation Programming:
• Strong understanding of principles, practices, and trends in public recreation, community programming, and leisure services across diverse populations
• Understanding of how to implement inclusive and equitable programming for all demographics Facility and Operations Management:
• Knowledge of effective strategies for managing programs in community centers, parks, athletic facilities, and public-use amenities Local Government Procedures:
• Familiarity with municipal government structure, budgeting processes, and relevant policies, ordinances, and regulatory standards Public Administration:
• Understanding of organizational planning, performance measurement, and service delivery models in the public sector
Risk Management:
• Knowledge of safety standards, liability reduction, and risk mitigation practices in recreational settings Customer Service and Community Engagement:
• Strong grounding in public relations, community outreach, and constituent service principle
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff, manage teams, and work collaboratively across departments and with community partners
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team
• Must have leadership skills as well as organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, completes work assignments accurately, on time and within budgetary limits
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other City department personnel, community organizations, volunteers, contractors, artists, and the public
• The ability to set up and strike facility equipment such as tables and chairs with or without modifications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including managing meetings, public speaking, and report writing
• Effectiveness in interacting with the public, staff, and other agencies in a tactful and courteous manner
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Effective goal and priority setting
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in data visualization and reporting tools
• Accepts and analyzes feedback on programs and services from recreation supervisors, facility managers, directors, and staff
• Seeks and troubleshoots creative and innovative solutions for improvements to programs and services
• Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Ability to perform all essential functions of the position
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Management, Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Studies, or a closely related field
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community recreation programming, parks and recreation administration, or facility management
• A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or managerial experience overseeing full-time recreation or facility staff including recruiting, interviewing, directing and supervising work of subordinate staff
• Experience and proficiency in recreation management software (e.g., RecTrac, CivicRec) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of budgeting, scheduling, and performance measurement tools used in public-sector recreation services
• Experience with financial/budget management, and budget forecasting for recreation staffing, programs and services
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools
• Valid driver's license or ability to secure individual transportation as needed, including on short notice
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Advanced degrees or certifications from an accredited college or university in Recreation Management, Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Studies, or a closely related field
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation preferred but not required
• Experience with AI analytical model building and predictive analytics is a plus
• Experience working with contracted service providers, partner organization, and resident (lease-holding) groups SUPERVISION OF OTHERS This position will directly supervise five FT recreation supervisors (Youth and Family, Adult Sports, 50+ and Adaptive Programs, Youth Association, Farmers Market and events).
Apply: Apply online at www.BloomingtonMN.gov/hr. The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.