Recreation Manager

Position Summary

The Recreation Manager will collaborate in the development, planning, coordination and execution of recreational programming throughout World Equestrian Center – Ocala, including the property's two hotels, pool environments and other locations suited for recreational activities and guest experiences.

This position will create and manage a diverse portfolio of recreation offerings designed to enhance the overall guest experience, increase engagement and complement the World Equestrian Center calendar of events. Programming may include entertainment, sports-infused activities, wellness and leisure experiences, family programming, seasonal activations and custom experiences developed in alignment with signature events and property initiatives.

The Recreation Manager will combine creativity with strong operational and financial discipline, ensuring programs are engaging, appropriately staffed, financially responsible, safely executed and reflective of World Equestrian Center's standards of Quality, Class and Distinction.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Recreation Programming & Operations

• -Develop, plan and execute recreational programs and guest experiences across World Equestrian Center.
• -Oversee recreational programming at the property's hotels, pools and additional indoor and outdoor locations as appropriate.
• -Create a balanced calendar of activities appealing to a variety of guest demographics, interests and group sizes.
• -Develop entertainment, sports, leisure, wellness, family and seasonal programming appropriate to the WEC guest experience.
• -Create custom recreational programs that complement signature events, holidays, equestrian competitions and other major property initiatives.
• -Identify opportunities to expand or enhance recreational offerings based on property activity, guest demographics, seasonal trends and available venues.
• -Develop detailed operating plans, timelines, staffing requirements, equipment needs and program logistics.
• -Lead recreational programs and provide confident direction to groups of varying sizes.
• -Coordinate setup, operation, reset and breakdown of recreational activities.
• -Ensure recreational areas, equipment and program materials are maintained in a professional, organized and guest-ready condition.
• -Maintain awareness of industry trends and identify new activities, concepts and programming opportunities appropriate for World Equestrian Center.
• -Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend modifications or new opportunities based on participation, guest feedback, operational performance and financial results.

Program Development & Guest Experience

• -Develop programming that reflects WEC's commitment to Quality, Class and Distinction.
• -Create experiences appropriate for resort guests, families, event attendees, groups and other property visitors.
• -Adapt programming based upon seasonality, occupancy, event calendars and guest demographics.
• -Develop both scheduled and pop-up programming to respond to property needs and opportunities.
• -Ensure activities are engaging, professionally presented and appropriate for the environment in which they are offered.
• -Look for opportunities to transform recreational activities into memorable guest experiences rather than simply scheduled activities.
• -Maintain a visible and approachable presence during programs and engage guests in a warm, polished and professional manner.

Financial & Budget Responsibilities

• -Develop preliminary budgets and cost estimates for proposed programs and activations.
• -Analyze costs associated with staffing, equipment, supplies, entertainment, vendors and other program requirements.
• -Evaluate program feasibility in relation to anticipated participation, guest value and available budget.
• -Identify opportunities to maximize existing property assets and resources.
• -Obtain and evaluate vendor proposals when outside services or equipment are required.
• -Track program expenses and maintain appropriate financial documentation.
• -Identify opportunities for revenue-generating recreational programming when appropriate.
• -Provide post-program analysis to help determine the effectiveness and future viability of -programs.
• -Balance creativity and guest impact with responsible financial decision-making.

Leadership & Team Management

• -Lead, motivate and provide clear direction to team members.
• -Communicate program objectives, responsibilities and guest-service expectations.
• -Develop program-specific training and operating information.
• -Conduct pre-program briefings and ensure employees understand their assignments.
• -Assign staff according to program requirements and anticipated participation.
• -Monitor employee performance and provide coaching and direction as necessary.
• -Foster a collaborative, positive and service-oriented working environment.
• -Recognize when operational circumstances require additional resources or leadership assistance and escalate appropriately.

Collaboration & Property Integration

• -Build strong working relationships with Hotel Operations, Special Events, Food & Beverage, ---Marketing, Facilities, Security, Guest Services and other property departments.
• -Participate in planning meetings for property events and initiatives where recreational programming may enhance the guest experience.
• -Coordinate schedules, locations and operational requirements with appropriate property stakeholders.
• -Communicate program information clearly and in a timely manner.
• -Work collaboratively to identify potential conflicts involving locations, guest flow, event schedules or operational requirements.
• -Develop presentations and proposals to communicate new program concepts, budgets and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
• -Maintain organized documentation, schedules, calendars, program plans and financial information.

Safety & Operational Standards

• -Assess recreational activities for potential operational and safety considerations.
• -Establish appropriate procedures for recreational equipment and activities.
• -Coordinate with appropriate property departments regarding safety, security and emergency considerations.
• -Ensure vendors and external program providers comply with applicable WEC requirements.
• -Monitor environmental and weather conditions for outdoor activities and modify programming when necessary.
• -Maintain appropriate documentation related to program operations and incidents.
• Immediately communicate safety concerns or operational issues to appropriate leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• -Previous professional experience in recreation, resort activities, hospitality, sports programming, entertainment, attractions, camps, community recreation or special events.
• -Demonstrated experience developing and executing recreational programs.
• -Experience confidently leading and facilitating groups of varying sizes and demographics.
• -Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• -Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• -Strong organizational and time-management abilities with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• -Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments and disciplines.
• -Experience developing program budgets, estimating costs and managing expenses.
• -Strong presentation skills with the ability to develop and communicate program concepts to leadership and stakeholders.
• -Ability to think creatively while maintaining strong operational and financial discipline.
• -Strong attention to detail and ability to anticipate operational needs.
• -Ability to remain flexible and adapt programming based upon changing property needs, attendance, weather or other operational circumstances.
• -Proficiency with standard business software used for scheduling, budgeting, presentations and communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• -Education in recreation, hospitality, sports management, event management or a related field, as well as relevant professional accreditation or certifications, is considered a plus but is not required.
• -Equivalent hands-on experience and demonstrated success in recreational programming will be strongly considered.
• -CPR, First Aid, AED or other recreation-specific certifications are a plus and may be required based upon assigned responsibilities.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• -Work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• -Work in and around pool and aquatic environments.
• -Stand and walk for extended periods.
• -Bend, reach and assist with recreational equipment and program setup.
• -Work in varying weather conditions.
• -Work in environments with large groups, varying noise levels and changing operational conditions.
• -Work evenings, weekends and holidays based upon property and event schedules.
• -Move or carry program materials and equipment within established safety guidelines.

Our Service Commitment

At World Equestrian Center, recreation is an extension of the overall guest experience.

The Recreation Manager is responsible for creating thoughtful, engaging and memorable opportunities for guests to enjoy the property beyond their primary reason for visiting. Through creative programming, exceptional organization, collaboration and genuine hospitality, this role helps transform available spaces and moments into experiences that strengthen the guest's connection to World Equestrian Center. Every program should reflect the same commitment to Quality, Class and Distinction that defines the World Equestrian Center experience.