Recreation Programs Manager

About the Role

The Town of Wake Forest Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department is recruiting for one Recreation Program Manager due to an internal promotion. This role performs advanced professional and administrative work in planning, directing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive system of recreation programs, community centers, special events, specialized recreation services, and community partnerships. Provides leadership and strategic direction for assigned divisions while supervising staff, managing budgets, developing policies, and ensuring exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

What We Offer

• Organizational Culture: The Town's vision is that Wake Forest's vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community fosters its distinct character, thriving economy, and high quality of life. Core Values are Caring, Commitment, Character, Innovation, and Collaboration. Quarterly core value highlights with peer nominations to recognize exemplary work.
• Professional Development: Toastmasters group, Supervisory Bootcamp, Leadership Academy, Effective Supervisory Practices course, and other professional growth opportunities.
• Employee Appreciation: At least three annual Employee Appreciation food truck events.
• Collaborative Environment: Close-knit team where ideas are valued. Regular team-building events to celebrate departmental and personal accomplishments.
• Work-Life Balance: Wellness Wednesday once a month (one hour early release), free access to recreational facilities, discounted fees for youth athletic programs for employees' families, management leave opportunities, and flex time.
• Location: Town Hall is in the Downtown area, allowing walkable access to lunch and other amenities.
• Competitive Benefits Package: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; long-term and short-term disability programs; retirement plan; paid time off; volunteer leave; paid parental leave; paid elder care leave; non-matching required 401k contributions; longevity pay bonuses; Employee Assistance Program; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); Health Savings Accounts; Pension; Deferred Compensation (457) Plan; Social Security; Credit Union.
• Salary Increase: Upon completing a six-month probationary period, receive a 5% increase in salary.
• Hiring Range: $88,406 – $94,186

Leadership & Administration

• Direct and oversee the daily operations of Community Centers, Special Events, and Specialized Recreation programs.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees.
• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and train employees.
• Develop work plans, assign projects, monitor progress, and evaluate operational performance.
• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

Strategic Planning & Operations

• Develop and implement division goals, objectives, and operational plans aligned with departmental strategic priorities.
• Evaluate existing services and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Develop policies, procedures, and standard operating practices to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Lead implementation of department-wide initiatives, technology improvements, and organizational changes.
• Analyze community needs and recommend new programs and services.

Financial Management

• Develop, administer, and monitor operating budgets exceeding $2 million.
• Forecast expenditures and revenues.
• Recommend staffing, equipment, and capital improvement needs.
• Evaluate financial performance and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency.
• Identify grant, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities that enhance services.

Recreation Programming

• Direct development, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs serving all ages and abilities.
• Oversee planning and execution of large-scale community events, festivals, inclusive recreation programs, and special initiatives.
• Ensure programs meet safety, accessibility, and customer service standards.
• Evaluate participation trends and community feedback to improve services.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, and local businesses.
• Collaborate with Town departments including Communications, Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, Planning, IT, Police, Fire, and Public Works.
• Represent the Department on committees, advisory groups, and community initiatives.
• Promote programs through public presentations, marketing initiatives, and community outreach.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with departmental policies, CAPRA standards, Town policies, and applicable laws.
• Develop operational procedures that support safety and risk management.
• Monitor facilities and programs to ensure quality standards and operational consistency.
• Investigate and resolve customer concerns and operational issues.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare reports, presentations, strategic plans, and performance metrics.
• Support departmental accreditation efforts and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate department-wide projects and leadership development opportunities.
• May perform related duties as assigned and within the scope of this classification.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Services, Business Administration, or a related field, with five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in municipal parks and recreation management, including supervision, budgeting, strategic planning, program development, and operational leadership, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of municipal parks and recreation operations.
• Thorough knowledge of recreation programming, event management, community engagement, and facility operations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and public administration.
• Ability to lead multiple divisions while balancing competing priorities.
• Ability to analyze operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, elected officials, community partners, and residents.
• Ability to communicate effectively through presentations, reports, and public engagement.
• Ability to lead organizational change and develop employees.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• First aid, CPR and AED certifications are required.
• Obtain CPRP within one year of hire date.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, talking, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. This position may require more than normal activity and movement due to the nature of the work.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer terminal, do extensive reading, utilize measuring devices, and inspect work of others.