Parks & Community Services Manager

Overview

The City of Bellevue’s Parks & Community Services Department is seeking an experienced manager to lead the Community Recreation division, which includes 13 distinct work groups operating across community centers, recreational facilities, and other service venues. The successful candidate will inspire and support staff, develop short‑ and long‑range plans, and ensure programs align with the City’s strategic plans while fostering equitable access and high performance.

• Develop and implement short‑ and long‑range plans for assigned recreation facilities and program areas; establish performance outcomes and goals.
• Provide strategic guidance based on Parks & Community Services and city planning documents, and community feedback.
• Supervise employees, including direct reports, program and administrative staff, and temporary staff; manage human resources functions such as hiring, performance management, mentoring, and training.
• Oversee financial development and management of budget and revenues for assigned recreation facilities and programs.
• Lead or participate in team and group projects; direct group work and outcomes.
• Provide leadership on marketing, promotions, technology, equitable and inclusive program access, evaluation, and customer service.
• Correspond with program participants, City Council, boards, commissions, City management, and residents regarding policies, procedures, service levels, and program goals; provide written reports and presentations.
• Develop, review, and implement policies and procedures related to program area, including equitable access and inclusion, program pricing, service offerings, operating procedures, legal and risk management, facility maintenance, and building security.
• Meet with outside vendors, pursue new customers, and negotiate partnerships.
• Attend off‑site scheduled or unscheduled events or meetings on time, including department special events as assigned.
• Respond to and support the needs of facilities, events, programs, and staff in person within a reasonable timeframe.

• Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Parks & Community Services.
• Exercises supervision over Community Services Supervisors and Managers, and directly or indirectly over program coordinators, administrative support staff, and temporary employees.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a degree in business, public administration, recreation management, or related field(s).
• Five or more years of related professional experience in recreation management, program planning and/or project management.
• Supervisory and personnel management experience required.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must pass a criminal background check prior to hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of modern principles, practices, and planning of recreation program development and administration.
• Knowledge of public administration principles, including municipal governance, inter‑agency collaboration, and the legal framework impacting park and recreation services.
• Extensive knowledge of access, inclusion, and modification of general recreation programs to support and provide opportunities for everyone to participate.
• Extensive knowledge of budget development, review, and analysis.
• Skill in conflict resolution, negotiating, and customer service, proactively addressing inquiries and resolving concerns and complaints.
• Ability to relate to and experience working with a broad and varied population.
• Strong ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures to ambiguous situations.
• Strong professional communication (oral, written) and analytical skills required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to develop effective teams and coordinate efforts across work groups, adapting communication styles and management approaches as needed.
• Proficiency in office skills, including use of Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and recreation registration programs; ability…