Recreation Manager at DOLTON PARK DISTRICT – Dolton, Illinois

Supervisory Responsibilites

• Recruit & Hire: Review job descriptions, conduct interviews, check references, and select finalists; ensure compliant, equitable hiring practices.
• Onboard & Train: Oversee/arrange training in safety, customer service, DEI, financial controls, and district systems; ensure ongoing professional development.
• Coach & Develop: Hold regular 1:1s; set clear goals and KPIs; provide feedback and mentorship; build succession plans for key roles.
• Support Continued Professional Development: Encourage and provide opportunities for direct reports to pursue certifications, trainings, workshops, and conferences that enhance their skills, leadership capacity, and contributions to the District’s mission.
• Monitor Performance: Track results against KPIs, budgets, schedules, and service standards; document performance; complete evaluations; implement Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) when needed.
• Work Collaboratively: Facilitate cross-department coordination (program launches, seasonal operations, capital maintenance, events); remove roadblocks and align resources.
• Oversee Projects: Oversee timelines, and budgets; assign responsibilities; monitor milestones and risks; ensure compliance with purchasing, safety, and reporting requirements; close out with post-project reviews.
• Ensure Compliance & Culture: Model and enforce district policies, safety protocols, and legal requirements (including HR and financial controls); foster an inclusive, customer-centered, high-accountability culture.
• Delegation & Acting Authority: Delegates responsibilities appropriately and establishes clear lines of authority and backup coverage; may assign an acting manager during absences.

Duties/Responsibilites

• Plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate a comprehensive portfolio of recreation programs, which can include but is not limited to the following:
  • Day Camps – curriculum design, staff training, participant safety, and compliance with licensing requirements.
  • Before & After School Programs – scheduling, coordination with schools, staff supervision, and program enrichment.
  • Special Events – planning, logistics, promotion, sponsorship development, and execution.
  • Athletic Programs – oversee youth and adult leagues, instructional programs, scheduling, and facility use.
  • Senior Programs – coordinate activities, trips, educational and wellness offerings, and partnerships.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate part-time, seasonal, and volunteer staff.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management to recreation staff.
• Develop and monitor program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and revenue generation.
• Maintain accurate program records, reports, and evaluations.
• Ensure programs comply with safety, risk management, and licensing regulations.
• Collaborate with marketing staff to promote programs and increase community engagement.
• Foster partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses to enhance program offerings.
• Assist with facility scheduling, rentals, and operational needs related to recreation programs.
• Represent the District professionally in community outreach and public relations efforts.
• Actively engage in continuing education, professional associations, and certifications (e.g., CPRP/CPRE or equivalent) to remain current with best practices, industry standards, and legislative changes impacting Illinois park districts.
• Performs other related duties to meet the district's Mission and Vision.

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services, Physical Education, or related field required. Equivalent work experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible recreation programming and supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of current trends in recreation, youth development, athletics, and senior programming.
• Ability to manage budgets, analyze program performance, and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in recreation software, Microsoft Office, and digital communication platforms.
• CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.