Description
The Recreation and Events Manager provides professional leadership for a multifaceted recreation department within the Hunter’s Creek Community Association (HCCA). This role is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing all recreation programs, youth sports leagues, special events, and recreational facilities. The manager ensures safe, engaging experiences for residents while building a strong sense of community.
The position requires strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and hands-on management of budgets, staff, volunteers, and vendor relationships. A primary focus of this role is the development and growth of youth sports programming, sports field operations, and facility maintenance coordination.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Youth Sports Program Development & Operations
Develop, implement, and grow youth sports leagues and programs (e.g., tennis/pickleball, RecXpress, basketball, baseball) across multiple age groups and skill levels.
Recruit, train, and manage volunteer coaches, referees, and volunteer staff for all youth sports programs.
Create seasonal schedules, manage team registrations, and coordinate league logistics including scheduling, standings, and playoff brackets.
Prepare and monitor individual program budgets.
Establish and enforce player safety protocols, codes of conduct, and age-appropriate playing rules.
Evaluate program performance through participation data, resident feedback, and financial results; adjust offerings to meet community demand.
Field & Facility Maintenance Coordination
Coordinate with the HCCA Facilities Department and vendors on preventative maintenance schedules, turf management, and field preparation for sports fields, courts, and parks.
Inspect fields, courts and structures regularly; report conditions, recommend repairs, and coordinate equipment replacement or additions.
Oversee reserve project bid processes, contractor selection, project oversight, and budget tracking for facility improvements.
Manage daily operations of the Osprey Park Recreational Center, including opening/closing procedures, security, equipment inventory, and resident access.
Events & Community Programming
Plan and execute community-wide celebrations, parades, and annual events serving 4,000+ residents and local businesses.
Manage all aspects of event sponsorship including solicitation, fulfillment, and relationship management.
Oversee Spring Break and Summer Camp programs for up to 80 children per day in partnership with the Recreation Leaders.
Coordinate the permitting process for individuals, instructors, and groups using recreational facilities; conduct site visits to ensure compliance.
Create and manage timelines, calendars, and operational plans for all programs and events.
Budget & Administration
Prepare and manage the annual recreation department operating and reserve budgets; monitor revenue, labor, and expenditures against budgetary guidelines.
Identify and propose capital and reserve projects as part of the annual budget process.
Forecast departmental challenges and opportunities on a 3–5 year horizon.
Prepare reports for General Management, Board of Directors and Council meetings; attend monthly Board meetings and provide departmental updates.
Manage member services including ID cards, court/field reservations, and event registrations; reconcile and submit revenues to accounting.
Staff Leadership & Communication
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate all Recreation and Special Events staff and volunteers.
Conduct performance counseling, facilitate ongoing training, and promote a positive, retention-focused work culture.
Collaborate with the Communications Department to produce marketing materials, social media content, and articles for the Life at Hunter’s Creek Magazine.
Respond to resident concerns professionally and promptly in accordance with HCCA policies.
Perform other duties as assigned by Management.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, or related field; or 5+ years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience in youth sports program development/field maintenance and management preferred.
Certifications & Licenses
Valid Driver’s License (required)
CPSI Certification (Certified Playground Safety Inspector)
LCAM (Licensed Community Association Manager)
FRPA Membership (Florida Recreation and Park Association)
Skills & Competencies
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations to boards and large groups.
Creative, goal-oriented, and able to foster a fun, inclusive environment for children, families, and staff.
Proficiency in budgeting, financial analysis, and data-driven decision making.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents; write reports, articles, and proposals.
Competence with mathematical concepts including percentages, ratios, and statistical fundamentals as applied to budgets and program analysis.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages all Recreation and Special Events staff and volunteers. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Recreation Department. Carries out supervisory duties in accordance with HCCA policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, performance evaluation, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution in consultation with the Assistant General Manager.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and communicate verbally. The employee must regularly lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in both indoor office/facility settings and outdoors at parks, sports fields, and event venues. The employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level varies from moderate to loud during events and programming. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities. Work frequently occurs outside regular business hours, on holidays and weekends.
