Superintendent of Recreation & Special Facilities
JOB DESCRIPTION
SUPERINTENDENT OF RECREATION & SPECIAL FACILITIES
(Full-Time, Exempt)
JOB SUMMARY
The Superintendent of Recreation & Special Facilities provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the District’s recreation programs, facilities, and related services. This position is responsible for planning, developing, facilitating, and evaluating a broad, varied, market-driven portfolio of creative programs, including visual arts, athletics, aquatics, early childhood, nature, museum, rentals, and special events (both contracted and in-house). The Superintendent manages departmental budgets, sets program portfolio goals, and ensures compliance with all policies and regulations. This role fosters a collaborative, innovative, and customer-focused culture that promotes teamwork and high-quality service delivery.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation Administration or related field preferred; CPRP desirable.
- Minimum of five years of progressive full-time experience in parks and recreation management.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required; experience with recreation management software such as Club Automation or RecTrac preferred.
- Valid Illinois driver’s license.
- Certifications in First Aid/CPR/AED and Food Service & Sanitation required or obtainable within one year.
- Aquatics experience preferred.
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Executive Director
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR TRAITS:
- Knowledge of recreation programming, facility operations, and public sector management.
- Ability to lead and motivate staff while fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and community engagement.
- Strong fiscal management and accountability practices.
- Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
- Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills.
- Ability to understand, apply, and prepare Park District policies and procedures, including proposing new policies to improve operations and service delivery.
- Ability to understand and utilize Park District registration software effectively and contribute to improving registration processes by preparing and proposing enhancements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Recreation and Facility Management
- Plan, develop, facilitate, and evaluate a broad, varied, market-driven portfolio of creative programs aligned with community needs.
- Prepare and manage departmental budgets; monitor expenditures and revenues.
- Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and businesses to enhance program offerings.
- Guide marketing and public relations efforts including seasonal brochures and social media.
- Seek out customer input and investigate and act upon requests, suggestions, and complaints regarding club and recreation offerings.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, program evaluations, and financial performance.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Administer employee discount programs.
- Develop long-range strategic plans and annual departmental goals, including setting program portfolio objectives and defining performance metrics to measure success.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and handling.
- Occasional lifting (10–75 lbs; not to exceed 50 lbs without assistance).
- Occasional pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and balancing.
COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS:
- Ability to follow directives from the Executive Director.
- Strong judgment, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Must effectively prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.
- Must be able to make clear and informed decisions.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Competitive Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 based on experience
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Outstanding Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Vacation, personal, and sick days
- Paid holidays
- Company-paid life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- PATH Wellness Program
- IMRF retirement pension
- Company vehicle
- CCAC and Seafari Springs memberships for you and your immediate family
- Recreation and rental discounts
- And more!
If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to HR@hpparks.org. Full job description will be shared upon request.