Recreation Specialist II - Senior Programs

We're looking for an enthusiastic, community-driven professional to join our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department team as a Recreation Specialist II- Senior Programs. In this role you'll help enrich the lives of Chesapeake's 55+ community through creative programming, engaging events, and inclusive recreational opportunities. If you're ready to make a difference in your community and grow your career in public service, this may the position for you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops, schedules, promotes, and evaluates senior-focused programs and events, ensuring alignment with participant interests and community needs.
• Provides outstanding customer service to program participants, visitors, staff, volunteers, and community groups in accordance with the City's Customer Care standards.
• Coordinates all aspects of program logistics, including securing instructors, reserving locations, processing payments, entering programs into recreation management software, and ensuring proper documentation and background checks for instructors and volunteers.
• Actively participates in programs and events, including day trips, special activities, instructional sessions, games, and crafts.
• Assists with daily facility operations such as opening/closing centers, setting up/taking down equipment, performing light custodial duties, and conducting facility inspections.
• Supports and participates in citywide special events, facility rentals, and community celebrations, which may require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Coordinates logistics for rentals, classes, and programs including entertainment, catering, and vendors for themed events.
• Ensures compliance with all city policies, safety standards, health codes, and permit requirements.
• Supervises and evaluates part-time staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Collaborates with internal departments, other Parks, Recreation and Tourism divisions, and external community organizations to implement and promote programming.
• Maintains strong community relationships while identifying new sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
• Handles monetary transactions, including collecting fees, reconciling daily deposits, and using specialized software for financial reporting.
• Manages inventory and procures program supplies, maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Conducts research to stay informed on recreational trends and identifies opportunities for innovative new programming.
• Develops and implements marketing strategies, including creating flyers, newsletters, brochures, and social media content to promote programs and events.
• Represents the department at speaking engagements and community outreach events, promoting awareness of available programs.
• Assists in preparing annual budgets, monitors expenditures, and compiles reports and documentation for program effectiveness and accountability.
• Resolves issues and responds to inquiries from staff, contractors, and the public in a timely and professional manner.
• Attends meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Completes other duties as assigned.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in recreation administration, business administration, recreation/sports management, physical education, or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of one year of full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Requires a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards. Requires CPR and First Aid certification within the first year of employment. Depending on position, specific certifications/designations may be required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

Must have the ability to exercise independent judgment; effectively communicate with the public. Advance skill level in customer service.

Previous experience in maintaining and monitoring an annual budget

Experience in planning, marketing, and conducting indoor and outdoor 55+ activities and events; working with vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, media outlets and citizen groups.

Knowledge of certification, licensing, permit and compliance requirements, and policies related to 55+ programs and recreational activities.

Must possess knowledge of recreational games, sports, arts and crafts, fitness programs, cultural awareness programs and special events primarily related to 55+