Parks Program Coordinator

Are you a highly motivated, passionate parks and recreation professional with exceptional coordinating and management skills?  The City of Kent is currently accepting applications for a Parks Program Coordinator in our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. The responsibilities of this position are integral to the implementation of various youth and adult programs and sports leagues.  Candidates must be flexible and able to handle multiple projects and programs simultaneously in a fast-paced, energetic working environment. This position will present the opportunity to collaborate with other coordinators to achieve the goals and success of various parks and recreation programs. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in recreation or a related field and at least three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in recreation programs. Leadership, technical proficiency, and excellent communication skills are essential for success in this position.

**Please note that you must attach your cover letter and resume to your application in order for your application to be considered complete.  Uploading your resume to auto-fill portions of the application does not automatically attach it to your application.  Incomplete applications may not be considered for this position.  If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our office Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

There is one (1) full-time, benefited position that will be filled by this recruitment process.  It is open until filled, with a first review date planned two weeks after the vacancy announcement date. This is a non-represented position. 

The selection process for this position will consist of at least one panel interview. Finalists may be invited back for a second interview. Dates for interviews have not been determined, but candidates will be notified as soon as possible once a schedule has been set.

Salary:

$6,696.00-$8,144.00/month, depending on qualifications

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of a Recreation Manager or Recreation Supervisor, perform professional, analytical, and technical duties to plan, develop, coordinate, supervise and implement comprehensive recreational, cultural, aquatics, special events, and athletic programs for the City of Kent and Kent and Federal Way School Districts.

Work is characterized by professional level analytical and technical duties in the development and coordination of a wide variety of complex recreational, entrepreneurial, cultural, artistic, leisure, aquatic and athletic programs. The scope and complexity of programs are increased by the lack of predictability and consistency due to weather and personnel. While actual duties of each Coordinator in this classification will vary from time to time, all Coordinators may be assigned to perform work in any or all areas. Incumbent may also serve as lead on a variety of Parks projects as assigned and supervise temporary and part-time staff as necessary.

Work is performed under limited supervision. Manager sets the overall objectives and resources available. Incumbent and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. Incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. Incumbent keeps supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

Work is guided by the Comprehensive Recreation Plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop, organize, implement, and deliver community recreation programs involving education, athletics, aquatics, arts, and special events; supervise, monitor and evaluate programs, classes, leagues, camps, instructors, officials, lifeguards, field/gym supervisors, and volunteers as defined in the Comprehensive Recreation Program Plan. Programs may be designed, organized and managed for specific populations with potential emphasis on persons with special needs, seniors, youth, teens, or various cultural backgrounds.   

Recruit, select, train, schedule, mentor, manage, evaluate, discipline and/or terminate temporary, part-time employees, coaches and volunteers, and other assigned personnel, recommend salary increases; assign work as necessary.  

Oversees and coordinates various operations, services and activities of an assigned recreation program. May include citywide cultural arts, sports, athletics, outdoor and waterfront recreation services, senior services, adaptive programming, youth development, or special events. Includes program development, implementation, sponsorship acquisition, program evaluation, problem solving, marketing and public relations.

May manage, organize, schedule, and maintain use and financial records for indoor and outdoor recreational rental facilities. Establish fees based on regional analysis, internal department mission, goals, and fee structure parameters, and cost recovery guidelines.  

May manage the use of assigned facilities by participants and rental groups; open and close facilities according to established procedures; create and enforce rules and regulations to assure safety and welfare of users.

Assess and evaluate facilities, program and event locations, crowd size and crowd make up for staff and participant safety.  Knowledge of how to contact and communicate with police to ensure timely and appropriate response. Knowledge of how to manage unsafe or dangerous situations prior to police intervention. 

Provide technical review and guidance to community and regional event organizers using city facilities. Convene and lead citywide event planning group when necessary.  

Research, analyze and determine community recreational needs based on statistical data, needs assessments, and participant evaluations. 

Develop and conduct surveys of participants, parents, community stake holders, and general public regarding recreation programming and facility use; compile data and recommend new programs or revisions to existing programs based on survey results. Analyze results for compatibility with the current Recreation Plan.

Research and analyze national program data to identify trends in health, fitness, and cultural programming and events.  

Understand and apply established city race and equity goals and guidelines.

Promote programs, leagues, camps, classes, events and use of facilities through news releases, advertisements, flyers, brochures, social media and other creative outlets according to goals and guidelines established in the department marketing plan. Work collaboratively with marketing coordinator to establish programmatic marketing goals.    

May update and maintain web site pages utilizing CMS web tools in compliance with city standards and policies.

Maintain working relationships and clear and concise communication with other City personnel, departments, and school district personnel to coordinate scheduling, facility use and related program arrangements.

Purchase or obtain equipment and supplies for programs and classes as needed.

Create, negotiate, and oversee personnel and service contracts related to programs, facility use, sponsorships, and special events. Evaluate risk and identify insurance requirements.  

Prepare, analyze, and administer program budgets consistent with established budget goals and within cost recovery plan requirements. 

Monitor and analyze expenditures, payroll, and all revenues including fees, charges, grants, sponsorships and donations in accordance with established procedures.

Review, analyze, and make determinations regarding scholarship support for low-income participants.

Provide information and assistance to staff, City personnel and the general public regarding programs and classes; resolve grievances and complaints as needed. 

Coordinate and conduct or attend a variety of staff and community meetings; provide oral presentations concerning programs and classes.

Prepare and maintain various records, reports, work sheets, daily and weekly, seasonal schedules related to program implementation and operations including registration forms, expense and revenue records, facility requests, quarterly reports and program summaries.  

May receive, account for, and issue receipts for money paid to the city, update records related to payments, and prepare money for deposit.  

Collaboratively coordinate recreational programs with neighboring cities, local service clubs, and local and national organizations.

Participate or lead all elements of emergency management related to Parks Department emergency support functions. May establish, operate, and manage emergency shelters for people and animals in the event of a local or regional emergency.

May be called to support Red/Blue Teams related to Emergency Coordination Center operation or to support Parks DOC (Department Operating Center).    

May make presentations to City Council, Park Commission, and community groups.

Actively support the vision, mission, values and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL HAVE

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of program development, budget planning, cost analysis and administration.

• Oral and written communications skills.

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

• Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary as it pertains to the job.

• Budget preparation and administration.

• Safety and security requirements for programs, events, and facilities

• City and department organization, operations, policies and objectives.

• Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training.

• Basic research methods.

• Rules and regulations specific to sports, health and fitness activities.

• May require knowledge of open water beach and aquatics management.

• May require knowledge of public art policies and procedures, as well as construction management.

• Emergency Management structure, processes and protocol.

• Emergency shelter placement, set up, management, and operation.  

• Specific populations (senior citizens, persons with developmental or physical disabilities, youth, teens, unique ethnic or cultural backgrounds, non-English speakers, etc.)

BE SKILLED IN:

• Working with volunteers, coaches and other participants in Parks programs.

• Monitoring and administering all aspects of expenditure, payroll and revenue budgets.

• Developing, organizing and implementing programs.

• Analysis of program trends and community needs.

• Using proper telephone etiquette and techniques to assist a diverse assortment of inquiries and persons.

• Using effective interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.

• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing with diverse audiences.

• Recognizing, diffusing/managing dangerous or potentially violent situations.

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Develop, coordinate and implement cultural and recreational programs.

• Recruit, select, schedule, supervise and evaluate personnel.

• Effectively plan and organize training.

• Prepare and administer program and other assigned budgets.

• Develop strategies to effectively leverage limited resources.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret community interest data.

• Research and apply national trends in recreation programs and services.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

• Maintain records and prepare reports.

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all unit of measures, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret graphs.  

• Respond to after-hours program and facility use emergencies and conflicts.  

• Pro-actively diffuse potentially dangerous or violent interactions. 

• Analyze situations accurately. Solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  

• Plan and organize work and the work of assigned personnel.

• Read, analyze, interpret, apply and explain City codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, professional journals, financial reports, contracts and legal documents, and governmental regulations.

• Work effectively with ethnic minority communities, citizens from diverse backgrounds, and non-English language speakers.  

• Effectively present information and respond to questions from City leadership, participants, customers, general public, school district personnel, and public groups. 

• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Recreation or related field; and

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years increasingly responsible experience in recreation programs; Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington driver's license.

• First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including but not limited to personal computer including spreadsheet and word processing software, printers, telephone, fax and copy machine, calculator, and projector.

Incumbent may also be required to operate a VCR, DVD player, video camera, 35 mm camera, digital camera and audio slide machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in an office environment as well as at program locations such as sports complexes, gymnasiums, school locations, and parks; subject to driving to a variety of sites to manage, inspect, observe and attend programs and activities. When performing work in the office, the employee is subject to frequent interruptions by walk-in citizens, participants, employees, telephone calls, and inter-office activities. Incumbent may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in the office to loud at sites.  May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. When working at program locations, employee is subject to large, loud, hard to manage and potentially volatile crowds.