Recreation Manager

About The Position

Your future begins here! Join one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona and the youngest in Yuma County . Under limited supervision, manages the operations of the Recreation Division, including Recreation, Youth, Cultural, and Municipal Pool programs and facilities. The Recreation Manager is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and administration of division services, ensuring effective program delivery, efficient facility operations, and alignment with departmental and organizational goals. This position provides leadership and oversight of staff, resources, and community partnerships while ensuring compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and safety standards.

Ideal Candidate

As the Recreation Manager you will:

• Manage the operations, programs, facilities, and personnel of the Recreation Division to ensure effective, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery.
• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate recreation programs, community events, and leisure services that align with community needs, strategic priorities, and departmental goals.
• Develop, administer, and monitor division budgets; oversee revenues and expenditures, recommend fees, and pursue grant and alternative funding opportunities.
• Manage facility scheduling, program registrations, rentals, permits, contracts, and agreements to maximize facility utilization and enhance customer service.
• Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with community organizations, schools, user groups, contractors, and other stakeholders to support recreation initiatives and services.
• Coordinate with City departments on facility maintenance, capital improvement projects, operational needs, and long-range planning efforts.
• Oversee recreation business operations, including software systems, procurement processes, inventory management, and customer service functions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic plans, master plans, departmental objectives, and organizational initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and operational standards to ensure regulatory compliance, risk management, and consistent service delivery.
• Respond to complex customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints, and represents the department in public meetings, community events, and stakeholder engagements.
• Prepare and present reports, recommendations, agreements, presentations, and other administrative documents related to division operations and projects.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate division staff; establish performance expectations, promote professional development, and foster a positive work environment.
• Monitor performance metrics, analyze operational data, and recommend improvements to programs, services, processes, and business practices.
• Serve in the absence of the Parks and Recreation Director, as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Will possess knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, strategic planning, supervision and staff development.
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and safety standards governing recreation programs, facilities, and public use.
• Recreation program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation, including community events and leisure services.
• Organizational management principles and practices, including performance measurement, program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Project management principles, including planning, scheduling, coordination, and allocation of resources for programs and facilities.
• Recreation facility operations, including scheduling, rentals, permits, and public access management.
• Risk management principles and occupational safety practices related to recreation services and public facilities.

Will possess ability to:

• Plan, direct, and oversee departmental operations and administrative functions.
• Develop, implement, and manage departmental budgets, policies, and procedures.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff while fostering a productive, accountable, and collaborative work environment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, and external agencies.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects, assignments, and competing demands effectively.
• Analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions aligned with organizational objectives.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and departmental policies.
• Oversee operational activities, including facility and grounds maintenance, and evaluate work quality and compliance.
• Manage the use, maintenance, and safe operation of tools, equipment, materials, and vehicles.
• Represent the City before boards, commissions, and external organizations as assigned.
• Respond effectively to public inquiries, concerns, and City Council requests.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Minimum Requirements

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Sports Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field, and
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in a Parks & Recreation environment, with two (2) of those years in a supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications: All required licenses and certifications must be valid at the time of appointment and maintained throughout employment.

• Arizona Driver's License
• Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
• First Aid/CPR Certification

Special Requirements:

• Residency in the United States and within 25 miles of the City of San Luis
• Ability to pass an extensive background check.

Desired/Preferred:

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• San Luis residency.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Public Manager (CPM) Certification.

Supplemental Information

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs or landscaped areas; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 50 pounds unaided. Employees must be physically capable of operating City vehicles, for job-related purposes, safely. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied individuals.

Work Environment: The employee works in a balanced environment between an indoor office and active on-site locations. Outdoor-focused activities involve regular exposure to seasonal weather and environmental elements.

Other Conditions of Employment: May be required to work outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs demand.