Recreation Coordinator /GS 17

The City of Alexandria is in Northern Virginia, bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. Once within the original boundary stones that demarcated the area of the Nation’s Capital, Alexandria is part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 157,600, Alexandria is the sixth largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unique and historic, Alexandria is experiencing substantial redevelopment appeal and business growth opportunities due to high market demand for urban living in a quality environment. About one-quarter of the City’s 15.47 square miles has been designated as a national or local historic district.

About the role

A Recreation Coordinator – Community Outreach plans and coordinates City-wide community outreach special events, activities, and programs for the department. This role performs supervisory and professional recreation work under general guidelines, initiating program activities with various city agencies, non-profits, and other organized groups. The position exercises independent judgment in coordinating and implementing programs, activities, and events, with a focus on developing and maintaining broadly based recreation and community outreach activities serving all ages and interests. Interpersonal skills are essential for coordinating volunteers and responding to public concerns. This role supervises part-time, temporary, and seasonal staff and volunteers, with general supervision received from a recreation supervisor or Division Chief.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive outreach plan to promote programs, services, and events.
• Identify and prioritize target populations, including underserved communities.
• Engage youth ages 11–18, particularly those disconnected or at higher risk, connecting them to mentoring, recreation, workforce, and support services across Alexandria.
• Promote and maintain the Citywide Teen Opportunity Calendar as a centralized tool for increasing youth awareness and participation.
• Support implementation of a youth engagement incentive system to encourage consistent participation and positive behaviors.
• Serve as a liaison between youth, families, schools, and community-based organizations.
• Collaborate with RPCA staff, Alexandria City Public Schools, and community partners to align engagement strategies.
• Support group mentoring, workshops, and youth engagement initiatives.
• Participate in cross-agency efforts focused on prevention, youth development, and community well-being.
• Track outreach activities, mentor recruitment, youth referrals, and program participation.
• Monitor usage and impact of the Teen Opportunity Calendar and incentive system.
• Collect and analyze feedback from youth, families, and partners.
• Contribute to reporting and evaluation aligned with city priorities.
• Conduct direct outreach to unhoused encampments and individuals to build trust and provide supportive services when needed.
• Serve as a liaison between the unhoused and the recreation department.
• Build and maintain relationships with community members, neighborhood leaders, and stakeholders.
• Ensure outreach efforts reflect community needs, voices, and cultural dynamics.
• Work varied shifts to cover programs as needed.
• Supervise seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Assist in marketing efforts by coordinating the distribution of registration forms to schools, recreation centers, libraries, and other community organizations.
• Attend school events to promote the recreation department.
• Conduct Safe Place training for staff and volunteers annually.
• Attend various staff meetings related to programs and participants as needed.
• Promote programs through grassroots engagement strategies and partner networks.
• Provide information, answer questions, and address concerns related to public feedback daily.
• Conduct surveys for all community outreach offerings.
• Monitor the effective implementation of scheduled events through on-site visits.
• Purchase supplies and equipment following department procedures and staying within budget.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional recreation work.
• Good knowledge of budget planning and practices, business management practices, and the care and maintenance of recreation and school buildings.
• Good knowledge of the many phases of community recreation.
• Ability to schedule and coordinate programs.
• Ability to provide working leadership to full-time, part-time staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, parents, activity participants, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of programming and special event planning.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Ability to plan and direct program activities.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability to generate interest and participation in center activities with various age groups.
• Ability to work independently and use judgment within established procedures.
• Experience preparing reports.
• Ability to organize and work with a variety of staff at all levels.
• Ability to handle assignments across sections of the Recreation Services Division.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Four-Year College Degree; completion of college-level courses in recreation, physical education, business management, or related fields.
• Experience in community recreation at a level equivalent to a Recreation Supervisor I, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Preferred: Knowledge of the principles and best practices of recreation work; good business management skills; good knowledge of community recreation; ability to schedule and coordinate programs on a City-wide basis; effective communication skills; good time management skills; computer skills and knowledge of RecTrac, Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal records background check and drug screening prior to employment.