Division Manager, Special Events & Recreation

Under general supervision, manages and oversees the Special Events & Recreation Division, including citywide athletics, aquatics, recreation programs, signature destination events, community events and initiatives, and Senior Center operations. Provides strategic leadership for the planning, development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of programs, services, and events that deliver high-quality, inclusive, accessible, and engaging experiences for the community. Manages division budgets, resources, partnerships, performance measures, and operational activities to ensure effective service delivery and continuous improvement. Collaborates with City departments, community organizations, vendors, sponsors, and other external partners to advance City priorities, strengthen community engagement, and enhance the City's recreational opportunities and identity.

• Oversee the development, implementation, scheduling, and evaluation of recreation programs, athletics, aquatics, special events, senior services, and community initiatives to meet community needs and departmental goals.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Citywide special events, including signature destination events, with responsibility for programming, logistics, resources, vendors, partnerships, risk management, and operational needs.
• Supervise, direct, and develop assigned personnel; establish work priorities; provide guidance, training, and support; and conduct performance evaluations. 
• Establish short- and long-term operational goals, priorities, and strategies to support effective division operations, programming, and service delivery.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the division budget, expenditures, resources, and operational timelines; identify funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and other available resources.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with City departments, community organizations, vendors, sponsors, and external partners to develop initiatives, enhance services, support event and recreation operations, and represent the division at meetings and public events.
• Ensure division programs, facilities, and events comply with applicable City policies, ordinances, regulations, safety standards, and contractual requirements; identify and mitigate operational risks and implement appropriate safety and contingency measures.
• Track and analyze program participation, community feedback, project progress, performance measures, operational indicators, and other data to evaluate effectiveness, maintain accountability, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate operational processes, identify inefficiencies or service gaps, and recommend practical solutions to improve programs, events, and service delivery.
• Prepare and maintain reports, presentations, records, documentation, and operational systems to support consistency, compliance, transparency, and informed decision-making.
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve complaints by providing timely, professional, and customer-focused solutions.
• Support division operations by coordinating cross-functional activities, addressing operational challenges, and responding effectively to changing priorities and needs.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess, or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire, a valid Texas Driver License and be eligible for coverage under the City's vehicle insurance provider.
• Bachelor's degree in recreation, event management, hospitality, kinesiology, public administration, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in recreation programming, event planning or production, facility management, public programming, or community services, including a minimum of three years in a supervisory capacity.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certifications, or the ability to obtain both within six months of hire.

• Knowledge of event planning, production, coordination, logistics, and execution principles for community, City-wide, and destination events.
• Knowledge of facility operations, risk management practices, safety standards, accessibility requirements, and regulatory compliance related to recreation programs and special events.
• Knowledge of public relations, communications, marketing strategies, outreach practices, and methods for promoting programs, events, services, and community participation.
• Skill in planning, developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating diverse recreation programs, activities, community initiatives, and special events.
• Skill in managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, allocating resources, coordinating project timelines, and supporting effective operational planning.
• Skill in building partnerships, developing professional networks, and collaborating with City departments, community organizations, vendors, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Skill in providing professional customer service, resolving conflicts, and building positive relationships with community members and partners.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, events, projects, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining organization, attention to detail, and quality service delivery.
• Ability to adapt and respond effectively to emergencies, high-pressure situations, changing operational demands, and organizational priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with employees, City departments, community organizations, stakeholders, vendors, partners, and the public.