Recreation Manager

The City of Valdez is a picturesque coastal community located in the heart of Alaska, known for its stunning natural surroundings and robust outdoor lifestyle. Nestled amongst the Chugach mountains and bordered by the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, Valdez offers an exceptional quality of life with access to world-class fishing, skiing, hiking, ice climbing, snow machining, and endless recreational opportunities. The community is home to approximately 4,000 permanent residents and experiences a substantial increase during the summer months due to tourism and seasonal workers. The City of Valdez Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department is dedicated to enhancing the community’s quality of life by providing diverse recreational, cultural, and social opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The department manages multiple recreational facilities including a Recreation Center, Ski Hill, Rock Wall, and Archery Range, all designed to serve citizens of all ages and abilities with programs that foster connection, activity, and engagement.

The City of Valdez is seeking a dynamic and visionary Recreation Manager to lead and inspire the Recreation Division. This full-time, exempt position offers a flexible 40-hour workweek and competitive benefits. The Recreation Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of recreation for the Valdez community by overseeing the planning, development, and execution of diverse programs and special events. Reporting to the Director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, this role demands a creative and people-focused leader who possesses strong managerial skills and a passion for community engagement and outdoor recreation.

The Recreation Manager will oversee a talented team, including Coordinators of the Recreation Center and Aquatics & Athletics, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure the delivery of exceptional programs encompassing outdoor adventure, aquatic activities, skills clinics, camps, and year-round social offerings. This role requires collaboration with various community stakeholders, including local schools, NGOs, and governmental agencies, to design and implement programs that reflect community needs and priorities. A deep understanding of municipal parks and recreation management principles, budgeting, facility operations, and compliance with safety standards is essential.

Critical responsibilities also include budget management for the Recreation Division, revenue generation through program delivery, record keeping, and the preparation of monthly reports for senior leadership. The Recreation Manager will assist with strategic planning to establish long- and short-term goals for recreational programs and facilities, ensuring alignment with community growth and trends. The position demands an individual who is comfortable handling public relations, responding to inquiries and complaints with professionalism, and fostering a welcoming environment for all program participants.

Moreover, the successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge of aquatic facility safety, emergency first aid and CPR, risk management, ADA compliance, OSHA regulations, and liability mitigation strategies. They will lead efforts to maintain required certifications, recruit and train staff and volunteers, and ensure that the recreational facilities operate safely and effectively. The physical demands of the role include frequent standing, walking, swimming, lifting, and working outdoors in all weather conditions, making fitness and stamina important attributes.

This opportunity is excellent for someone passionate about community recreation, eager to make a tangible impact in a vibrant Alaskan community, and ready to embrace both the challenges and rewards of managing a comprehensive public recreation program. Applicants should be prepared to undergo a thorough background check and hold a valid State of Alaska Driver's License upon hire. CPR and First Aid certifications must be obtained within one month of employment, supporting a safe and secure recreation environment for all community members. The recruitment process is ongoing with interviews commencing after June 23rd, providing an excellent window for qualified candidates to apply and contribute to enhancing the community's active lifestyle experiences.