COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER

The H-F Park District is a dedicated recreational organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for its community through diverse recreational opportunities, well-maintained facilities, and beautiful parks while also prioritizing environmental care. The district manages several key community assets including the Marie Irwin Community Center and the Dolphin Lake Clubhouse, providing a wide array of programs designed to engage residents of all ages. As a vibrant hub for community engagement, the H-F Park District emphasizes outstanding customer service, program development, facility management, and community collaboration, ensuring that every resident enjoys a safe, welcoming environment to learn, play, and socialize.

The Community Center Manager role plays a pivotal part in maintaining the district’s mission by overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Marie Irwin Community Center, Dolphin Lake Clubhouse, and various related programs. Reporting directly to the Superintendent of Recreation, this full-time position involves planning, organizing, and supervising activities and staff to maximize community engagement and satisfaction. The manager is expected to administer facility operations, manage staffing and scheduling, coordinate events, and ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of the centers. Additionally, the role includes developing and managing the yearly budget for the facilities and implementing strategic improvements to support operational efficiency.

This position requires excellent leadership and organizational skills to supervise multiple staff members, including Recreation Supervisors focused on early childhood and active adult programs. The Community Center Manager recruits and recommends hiring for various positions such as teachers, instructors, attendants, receptionists, and maintenance staff. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are critical to establish and maintain positive relationships with community groups and external agencies. The manager also conducts in-service training sessions, oversees the submission of reports, and participates actively in district committees.

Physical requirements for the role include occasional standing, walking to monitor programs and retrieve files, and lifting supplies up to 50 pounds. Given the nature of recreation programs, some tasks require reaching, stooping, and minimal climbing. The manager must be capable of formal communication and have good vision for typing, reading, writing, driving, and evaluating programs and staff. The job also mandates flexible working hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays, ensuring continuous support for ongoing programs and events.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or a related field coupled with at least three years of full-time experience in the field including supervisory responsibilities, or a Master’s Degree with a minimum of two years of supervision experience. Preferably, candidates should possess Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification. The role also requires certifications in AED and CPR, demonstrating a commitment to safety and emergency preparedness. Candidates should have comprehensive knowledge of recreation theory and philosophy, excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills, and a proven ability to develop and manage program budgets effectively.

Overall, the Community Center Manager’s role is critical to the success of the H-F Park District’s mission, combining operational excellence with community-oriented program leadership. This highly interactive and dynamic position offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to community health and wellbeing through the management of treasured local facilities and programs.