Recreation Specialist - New Jersey

Summary The Recreation Specialist will be responsible for finding opportunities to consult organizations on their upcoming park and recreation projects. The Recreation Specialist will work with municipalities (Parks & Rec, Mayors, City Administrators), "specifiers" (Civil Engineers and Landscape Architects), schools, developers, churches, recreation facilities, and other interested parties to advise, consult, design, sell and install products such as splash pads, playgrounds, shade and shelter structures, site amenities, and more that meet the recreation needs and budget limitations of the organization. Essential Duties Essential job duties for this position include the following items. Other duties must be performed as assigned or required. Sales and Business Development (50%) Generate leads and actively pursue new business opportunities in the recreation sector. Promote and sell a range of recreational products and services to clients, such as municipalities, schools, and community centers. Conduct market research to identify potential customers and stay updated on industry trends. Present product demonstrations and pitch services that fit client needs. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and close sales to meet or exceed sales goals. Client Relationship (20%) Build and maintain relationships with existing clients to ensure repeat business. Conduct annual business reviews, site visits, and assessments to understand client requirements and propose appropriate solutions. Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner. Product Knowledge and Expertise (10%) Stay current on the latest trends, products, and innovations in the recreation industry. Provide expertise and guidance on the selection and use of recreational products and equipment. Train and educate clients on the safe and effective use of products. Collaborate with internal teams such as design, marketing, operations, and project coordinators to ensure a smooth sales process. Participate in sales meetings, training programs, networking events and trade shows to enhance industry knowledge and build networks. Maintain accurate records of sales activities, opportunities, and client interactions in the CRM system. Qualifications Education / Experience Two years’ related experience and/or training. Language Skills Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization. Mathematical Skills Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Computer Skills Ability to use/navigate the Internet and email, computers, word processing, graphics and multimedia, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to create presentations and spreadsheets. Utilization and proficiency in industry-specific software. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations (None listed) Desired Qualifications Experience or interest in splashpad systems, playground systems, park infrastructure, shade structures, or park shelters. Experience working with landscape architects, municipalities, and school districts through the design-build process. What Success Looks Like in This Role A high drive to win new business through proactive outreach, not just inbound opportunities. The ability to engage decision-makers early (parks directors, superintendents, school leaders, municipal stakeholders). A consultative sales approach—asking thoughtful, sometimes tough questions to uncover real needs. Comfort leading budget and funding conversations, including grants, phased projects, and long-term planning. The discipline to qualify opportunities thoroughly before investing time in design and proposals. A focus on selling value over price, positioning solutions as long-term community investments. High accountability for results. Who Thrives in This Role Are comfortable asking direct questions and challenging assumptions to better serve your customers. Can stay fully present in conversations, actively listening instead of jumping to solutions. Are energized by multi-month/year sales cycles with multiple stakeholders, rather than quick transactions. Focus on earning trust through insight and leadership. Are resilient and bounce back quickly from rejection or stalled projects. Take initiative to create opportunities, not wait for them. Business Development Expectations Proactively prospect within your territory (municipalities, schools, A/E firms, landscape architects). Build and maintain a robust pipeline of future park and playground projects. Generate opportunities through networking, referrals, cold outreach, and community engagement. Consistently schedule meetings with new and existing accounts. Financial & Funding Conversations Discussing project budgets ranging from $50K to $1M+. Helping clients navigate funding constraints, grants, and phased investments. Having direct conversations about cost, value, and ROI. This Role May Not Be a Fit If You: Prefer to wait for inbound leads rather than prospect. Avoid conversations about budget or pricing. Need to be liked by every customer and avoid difficult conversations. Jump to quotes and proposals before fully qualifying the customer and their needs. Sales Process Discipline Follow a structured, milestone-based sales process. Consistently use CRM tools to manage pipeline and activity. Are intentional about who, when, and how they present solutions. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commercial Recreation Specialists