Recreation Manager

The city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department's mission is to encourage active lifestyles and create healthy environments for people, nature and community. 

The award-winning operation consists of seven divisions (Golf, Open Space and Natural Resources, Parks Operations, Planning, Design and Construction, Recreation, Business Services and Communications) that collectively manage more than 8,000 acres of open space, 100+ parks, 180+ athletic fields, over 100 miles of trails, three nature centers, two reservoirs, five recreation centers, five golf courses, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, and one of Colorado's largest municipal urban forestry programs. 

Aurora PROS is committed to delivering exceptional public service while being responsible stewards of its diverse system of parks, programs, natural resources, and amenities that enhance the daily quality of life for Aurora residents.

The hiring range for this role is $95,460 - $119,325 annually.

The full salary range for this role is $95,460 - $149,157 annually.

Salary to be commensurate with experience. 

The deadline to submit applications is November 30, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing application screenings on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. 

Position overview

The Recreation Manager provides leadership, administration, and oversight for assigned programs, services, and facilities by guiding subordinate staff. This role translates executive vision into actionable operational strategies to maintain a safe, efficient, and customer-focused division. Key responsibilities include long-range strategic planning, operational performance, fiscal management, staff leadership, community needs assessment, and continuous service improvement.

• →Serve as an executive member of the division management team and assist in developing and implementing long-range plans, strategies, and complex projects
• →Recruit, select, assign, supervise, develop and evaluate staff
• →Administer corrective action, discipline, and termination procedures as necessary

• →Develop budgets, monitor and forecast revenue, expenditures, and cost recovery

• →Monitor and propose fee changes for programs, services, and facilities

• →Administer contracts, procurement activities, and agreements in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
• →Evaluate and collaborate on corporate and community partnership proposals and grant opportunities
• →Provide recommendations on facility design and construction priorities, and may serve as the agency representative for projects

• →Assess the condition and functionality of facilities and equipment and recommend capital improvements and replacements as needed

• →Continuously evaluate programs, services, and operations to improve consistency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction and align with community needs
• →Propose, develop and institute divisional policies, procedures and SOPs
• →Ensure compliance with a myriad of regulations, safety standards, and legal requirements by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential hazards or compliance issues
• →Coordinate marketing, outreach, and customer communication efforts to support awareness, enrollment, and participation

• →Provide general oversight of software usage (memberships, program registrations, permits) and customer-facing systems

• →Build and maintain positive relationships with department and city staff, vendors, contractors, community organizations, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public

• →May serve as a liaison to boards and provide reports and presentations to committees, boards, and City Council as requested

• →Perform other duties as assigned

The listed primary duties and responsibilities are not a comprehensive list of expectations for the job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience in local government
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• Industry-related certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in programming, facility operations, community services, or a related field serving a community of at least 100,000 citizens
• 5 years of supervisory experience managing full-time and/or part-time staff

• Business English, spelling, math
• Customer service best practices
• Industry-related software (memberships, program registrations, permits)
• Intermediate knowledge of facility design, construction, and/or renovation projects including interfacing with planning and maintenance staff
• Strong knowledge in managing public facilities, including operations, risk management, and customer service

• Developing and managing budgets and monitoring revenues and expenditures
• Planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and services
• Researching, developing, and/or deploying policies, procedures, and SOPs
• Managing customer concerns, conflict resolution, and public engagement
• Managing large, diverse teams
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Public speaking and presenting

• Coordinate marketing, outreach, and customer communication efforts
• Develop innovative and authentic programming
• Navigate cultural dynamics and unique accessibility challenges
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with department and city staff, vendors, contractors, community organizations, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public
• Motivate staff, promote professional development, and hold employees accountable for results
• Apply critical thinking and sound judgment to identify challenges, develop innovative solutions, and
• make informed decisions
• Communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through presentations
• Synthesize complex information into a useful format for decision-makers
• Understand, interpret, and apply applicable rules, regulations, and policies
• Set goals, prioritize and implement initiatives, and drive results
• Perform effectively in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment
• Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports as needed
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all city of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

• Light physical work that involves moving no more than 20 pounds at a time

• May require occasional pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping 

• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing for extended periods

• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate computer keyboard and office equipment  

• Clear vision to read and interpret reports, computer data, and other written material 

• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens 

• Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment; requires offsite work at various recreational facilities, public buildings, and/or parks; works both indoors and outdoors in varying types of weather

• Standard office equipment including personal computers
• Equipment common to recreation functions

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
 

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. 

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.  

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.

Notice Regarding Colorado Identification Document Protections (HB26‑1283)
As part of the employment eligibility verification process, the city of Aurora may request government-issued identification documents as permitted by law. Original identification documents will be reviewed only as necessary for employment eligibility verification and will not be retained longer than permitted by law. Applicants will retain possession and control of their original identification documents except for any temporary retention permitted or required by law.