Recreation Program Manager; Inclusive Services

The Town of Garner is seeking a Recreation Program Manager with a focus on inclusive recreational programs. This role plans, organizes, and supervises a specialized combination of recreation, athletics, and community center programs that foster inclusivity and reduce barriers for participation in leisure and life‑long learning activities. This role provides guidance and direction to the department as it relates to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The manager provides strong leadership by supervising staff, recruiting volunteers, negotiating contracts, and engaging with the community to enhance inclusive programming and build long‑term support. Duties also include collaborating with community organizations and service providers to support inclusive recreational programs. Success in this position requires strategic planning and data analysis to assess program performance, inform future programming offerings, and align operations with municipal goals.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to the vitality of the community through recreation, athletic and cultural programming.

• Evaluates community needs and effectiveness of programs by working with Town officials, community groups and stakeholders in determining needs and interests; recommends programs, priorities, budgets, and methods necessary to meet those needs; evaluates program successes and needed improvements; implements necessary changes.
• Plans, organizes and manages a variety of programs and activities both directly and through subordinate supervisors oriented toward department mission, vision and goals. This includes planning and scheduling programs and aligning resources, facilities and staff to maximize their impact.
• Coordinates maintenance, construction, and repair for buildings, parks, vehicles, open space, trails, fields, and related facilities with staff in other departments.
• Maintains the master calendar for inclusion programs. Manages rental requests for assigned spaces.
• Monitors and assures the safety and clean and neat appearance of recreation centers, community center, theater, parks, and facilities; gives directions to staff for preparation of activities; coordinates maintenance and repair needs with Town staff.
• Participates in, performs and supervises hiring processes for full and part‑time staff; this includes supervising and participating in employee orientation, training, scheduling work assignment, performance coaching and evaluation. Provides team building, coaching, mentoring, and articulation of vision of excellence in leading the division; works proactively to enhance morale and performance excellence.
• Recruits, orients and trains volunteers including instructors, coaches, game officials, facility attendants, and auditorium technicians.
• Develops and administers division budget; projects revenues and expenses; purchases materials and maintains inventory of equipment and supply needs; provides input into parks and recreation capital needs planning.
• Leads the marketing and community outreach efforts for the program by developing and executing strategic communication plans across various channels, including social media, the Town website, and the annual program guide.
• Collects community member feedback through surveys, focus groups and other listening tools; analyzes program data to evaluate success; and uses these insights to drive enrollment and enhance program quality.
• Provides necessary liaison with other public and private groups and agencies.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports as needed.
• Represents the department and Town on various committees and groups; establishes and maintains community and regional partnerships; develops and maintains sponsorship plans.
• Provides support to other staff as needed. Performs other related duties as required.

Applicants must:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with degree in Sports Tourism, Parks, Recreation, Business, Physical Education or related field
• Have at least (3) three years of experience in sports/or athletics
• Have a valid driver’s license in the state of North Carolina
• Have a CPR and/or First Aid certification or be able to obtain within 6 months

A Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is highly desirable.

The salary range shown is the hiring range. The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications.

This position frequently requires work on nights, weekends, and holidays to support recreation programs and special events. The normal work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, with standard hours from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays.

Initial interviews may be conducted before the Final date to receive applications.

Equal Opportunity Employer