Recreation Program Manager

Overview

The City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) seeks a highly skilled Recreation Manager to oversee a diverse and complex portfolio of recreation services including Aquatics, Athletics, Teen Services, Senior Services, and Therapeutic Recreation. This position requires an understanding of the distinct programmatic, staffing, safety, and accessibility needs of each service area, while ensuring consistency with departmental goals, community priorities, and industry best practices.

The Recreation Manager will provide leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction to ensure high-quality, inclusive, and safe programs that serve residents across the lifespan and varying abilities. This position will require the incumbent to work some nights and weekends.

• Oversee the operation of indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, including pools, splash pads, and aquatic amenities.
• Ensure compliance with all health department regulations, lifeguard certification requirements, and safety standards.
• Supervise aquatic staff including pool managers, lifeguards, instructors, and seasonal employees.
• Manage programming such as swim lessons, aquatic fitness, competitive swimming, open swim, and adaptive aquatic programs.
• Implement risk management protocols and emergency response procedures specific to aquatic environments.

• Plan and oversee youth and adult athletic leagues, clinics, tournaments, and special events.
• Coordinate field, court, and gymnasium usage while balancing community access, maintenance needs, and partner agreements.
• Supervise athletic staff, officials, volunteers, and contract instructors.
• Ensure participant safety through proper equipment standards, rule enforcement, concussion awareness, and sport-specific best practices.
• Collaborate with maintenance and facilities staff to ensure safe, well-maintained playing surfaces.

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive teen programs that promote positive youth development, safety, and engagement, with a focus on serving middle and high school–aged youth.
• Support gun violence prevention efforts through structured recreation, mentorship, conflict resolution programming, trauma-informed practices, and partnerships with community organizations, schools, and public safety agencies.
• Create and manage programs that provide safe, supervised spaces during out-of-school hours, evenings, weekends, and summer months—times when youth are most vulnerable.
• Lead workforce development and career readiness initiatives for teens, including job readiness training, internships, paid and unpaid work experiences, certifications, and leadership development opportunities within PRCF programs.
• Coordinate teen employment opportunities such as lifeguards, recreation aides, officials, camp counselors, and peer leaders, ensuring appropriate supervision and skill development.
• Train staff to effectively address the behavioral, social, and emotional needs of teens, utilizing restorative practices and youth-centered approaches.
• Engage teens in program planning and decision-making through advisory councils, leadership groups, and feedback mechanisms.

• Plan and manage programs that promote active aging, wellness, social connection, and lifelong learning.
• Ensure programs are accessible and responsive to varying physical abilities, health considerations, and mobility needs.
• Coordinate fitness, arts, educational, and social programs tailored to older adults.
• Work collaboratively with health, social service, and community partners to support senior well-being.

• Oversee inclusive and adaptive recreation programs designed to serve individuals with disabilities across all ages.
• Ensure compliance with ADA requirements and best practices in inclusive recreation.
• Supervise certified and specialized staff as applicable.
• Integrate inclusive practices across all program areas to ensure equitable access to City recreation services.
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, schools, and service providers to support participant needs.

• Recruit, train, supervise,…