About this Opportunity!
Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit
your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 29, 2025
Hiring Range is $160,000 to $195,000 annually based on
qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.
Position Summary:
Under general direction of the Executive Director, this position is
responsible for the leadership and management of assigned District
operations and initiatives related to delivery of the District’s parks
and recreation services and facilities. This role is integrally
involved in assisting the Executive Director and the Board of
Directors in strategically developing and implementing initiatives
that will carry out the District’s mission and goals and Strategic
Master Plan. Assumes responsibility for the District during the
Executive Director’s absence. This position must work collaboratively
and cooperatively with other District departments and must represent
the Department and the District in a knowledgeable and ethical manner.
Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.
Essential Duties:
- Upon direction from the Executive Director, organizes and directs
all phases of operational District activities and initiatives with a
focus on maximizing personnel, budgets, and other resources. Ensures
program and service quality, as well as organizational stability, by
developing and implementing standards, controls, systems, and
procedures, and by regularly evaluating outcomes to ensure alignment
with the District’s overall goals and direction.
- Leads and directs the work of other employees, including Managers
and Directors, and has full authority for personnel decisions.
- Responsible for the highest-level decisions on complex
organizational matters related to operation of the district to
include maintenance of parks, trails, and open space and delivery of
golf, recreational programs, human resources, and information technology.
- May perform critical decision-making quickly and without notice
and is given the independence to set up processes and programs.
Develops tools that enable the organization to better evaluate
facilities, programs, and operations.
- Responsible for overseeing operational strategic and master
planning for the District.
- Identifies areas of organizational risk. Works collaboratively
across Departments to develop and implement risk management programs
aligned with the mission and goals of the organization while in
compliance with District policies, insurance coverage, and
applicable State and Federal laws.
- Works on complex organizational wide special projects and
initiatives assigned by the Executive Director.
- Responsible for managing operational District finances; including
but not limited to budgeting, reporting and audits.
- Promotes and fosters an organizational culture based on superior
customer service, the guiding principles and values of the District
and its mission to the community.
- As directed, may oversee securing and managing grants and funding
sources through external entities and/or other governmental agencies
or municipalities as appropriate.
- As requested by the Executive Director, directs the preparation of
information packets for board meetings and dissemination of other
staff-related information from and to the Board. Coordinates and
facilitates effective and positive communication with the Board of
Directors by providing all necessary information proactively and
upon request.
- Attends and participates in District Board of Directors meetings.
- Maintains open communication with all District personnel. Assists
any Departments or areas as needed.
- Represents the District on various internal and external
committees and attends public meetings. Maintains a high level of
customer satisfaction and fosters public participation, information
sharing and effective communication regarding service delivery and programs.
- Assists in designing and development of District policies,
procedures, and best practices. Accordingly, develops methods of
implementation and compliance.
- Assists in the responsibilities for maintaining legal and
regulatory compliance in all areas of District operations.
- Maintains a culture of providing superior customer service and
ensures consistency across all Departments. Responds tactfully and
in a timely fashion to inquiries and problems in person, by email,
phone and mail providing helpful information and explanations in
line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles
confrontational or stressful interactions.
- Attends work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.
This job description should not be construed to imply that these
requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents
may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any
other related duties, as may be required.
Education and/or Experience:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation, Leisure Services,
Parks & Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science,
Public or Business Administration, or related field. A Master’s
Degree in Public Administration is strongly preferred.
- Ten (10) years progressively responsible experience in parks,
recreation, community services, finance and supervision that
includes at least three (3) years of experience in a senior level
management position.
- Experience within the public sector including working with Boards,
Commissions, community associations and/or partner agencies highly desired.
- Any combination of experience, training and education that
demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform
the essential functions of the position may be considered.
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional certification preferred.
- Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to
obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Comprehensive knowledge of state laws regarding public
organizations and specifically special Districts.
- Ability to make high level decisions regarding complex issues and
special projects. Must have the ability to rely on experience and
judgment. Must be able to delegate authority efficiently and promptly.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional working
relationships with other District personnel, the Board of Directors,
representatives of other governmental agencies and the public is a requirement.
- Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent
interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbally.
- Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and
high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
- Ability to effectively supervise staff.
- Must have exceptional written, oral, and presentation
communication skills, and be able to guide and direct individuals
and teams toward achieving common goals.
- Ability to set priorities and make adjustments when the workload
exceeds available staff capacities; manage a multitude of projects
and organizational priorities; recognize and deal with problems in a
constructive manner.
- Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with
coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and
vendors in a professional manner.
- High level of financial knowledge and expertise, particularly in
the development and on-going monitoring of all aspects of the
District budget.
Material and Equipment Used
:
- This position regularly uses a phone, computer, printer, and other
standard office equipment.
- This position is required to drive a motor vehicle to various
District and off-site facilities.
Working Environment
:
- Primarily works in a climate-controlled office environment subject
to continuous interruptions and background noises.
- Required to drive to and visit a variety of District facilities
including those outdoors which may be subject to variable weather,
ecosystems and landscape.
- Occasional environmental conditions encountered may include loud
noises, fumes, odors and exposure to various plants, molds and/or dust.
Physical Requirements
:
- Sedentary work for long periods of time.
- Occasional physical work lifting up to 20 pounds.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing.
- Occasionally required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel
objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop,
kneel, crouch or crawl.
- Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and
office equipment.
- Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Vision
acuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjust
focus allowing a broad field of vision.
- Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective
communication. Must understand and be understood.
This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work
environment and physical demands.
We’ve Got You Covered!
South Suburban Offers:
- Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
- Disability and life insurance
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s)
Happy Employees Are the Best Employees
- South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost
that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and
much more!
- Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to
reduce their medical premium by $360 annually
Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy
- 10 paid holidays per year
- 4 personal days per year
- Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
- Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself
We’ve Got Your Back
- Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3
years of service
- Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
- Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year
Play Where You Work
- Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff
gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili
Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee
Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
- Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors
We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:
- Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice
rinks and swimming pools
- 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
- $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses
SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but
not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview
please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees
About Us
Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the
environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational
services and programs.
We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of
I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of
Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service
recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two
ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event
center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment
center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly
3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119
multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of
trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South
Platte Park.
