General Manager - Athletics

About this Opportunity!

General Manager - Athletics

(Full Time, Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. April 24,2026

Hiring Range is $79,467 to $99,909 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under general direction of the Assistant Director of Recreation, this position is responsible for assisting the Assistant Director in all assigned areas of facilities operations and programming within the Recreation Department, including, but not limited to general athletics, athletic facilities, tennis, pickleball, 5K/10K races, special events, and rentals. Supervises and directs the activities of Department personnel. Assists in preparing and administering the Department budget; implementing trends to improve overall performance of operations; conducting bidding and procurement of capital purchases and contracts; providing contract management and project management as needed for capital projects; and carrying out the overall mission and goals of the Recreation Department. Responsible for long range planning and oversight of complex projects. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.

Essential Duties:

• Establishes and communicates direction and objectives of assigned areas, ensuring alignment with and support of broad departmental direction/goals. Provides leadership in monitoring progress and providing feedback to ensure accountability for performance.
• Assists the Assistant Director in carrying out the Department’s vision, mission and goals. 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.
• Supervises, mentors and leads supervisory and technical personnel. Performs or oversees the hiring, instructing, training, assigning, reviewing and planning work of full-time, part-time and seasonal staff, and provides backup support as needed. Allocates staff, recommends employee transfers, promotions and salary increases. Ensures compliance with applicable personnel guidelines and employment law. Performs annual performance review of assigned staff.
• Plans and leads the daily operations and staff of the assigned areas within the department with a strong focus on delivering effective programs, services, and/or facilities.
• Performs long-range planning for assigned areas and participates in District departmental long-range planning.
• Coordinates services and activities of assigned areas with other District areas, local agencies, State governmental agencies, and other community partners.
• Provides reports, studies and recommendations to the Assistant Director to justify needs of the area(s) to support the Assistant Director in decision-making.
• Initiates and manages a broad scope of special projects or initiatives of major concern or investment to the department or District.
• Develops and maintains relationships with District employees, vendors, various outside users’ groups and associations.
• Demonstrates appropriate financial management relative to costs, inventory, capital expenditures, personnel salaries, etc. Prepares, justifies, recommends and is administratively responsible for monitoring the assigned budget, managing revenues and expenditures to be accountable to budget goals including interpreting and generating various financial reports. May prepare purchase orders, RFP’s, journal transfers, profit/loss reports, and invoice requests.
• Develops and oversees business plans. Tracks and analyzes data for trends. Makes recommendations regarding fees.
• Coordinates with the Communications Department to develop, implement, and track results of all marketing strategies to notify the public of District events and promote a positive image to the public.
• Develops and implements division policy and procedures. Develops and implements or oversees customer service standards, maintenance standards and training for department.
• Participates in community planning and organizational meetings. Assists the Assistant Director by meeting with interested individuals and groups to discuss issues regarding recreation services and other areas of concern. Collaborates with representatives of public and volunteer agencies in implementing cooperative activities.
• Responds tactfully and timely to inquiries and problems in person, by email, phone and mail providing helpful information and explanations in line with District policies and procedures. Professionally handles confrontational or stressful interactions.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of recreational services.
• Conducts periodic inspection of all facilities the position oversees to ensure proper maintenance and safety protocols are followed.
• Prepares bid documents as well as contract documents for procurement of goods and services and oversees contracts and project management as needed.
• Plans, coordinates and manages multiple short-and extended-term projects, including capital improvement and maintenance projects. May conduct on-site project visits. Ensures successful completion on time and within budget.
• Responsible for staff training and development programs; assessing skill levels and developing training programs or opportunities for staff to learn and advance within the organization.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of management plans in all areas of facility operations. Develops and implements division/department policies. Assists as needed with documentation for accreditation, Gold Medal or other certifications.
• Oversees and manages contractual agreements throughout division.
• 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 Recreation, Public or Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public program administration which includes project planning, recreation services management, and three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience working with community associations and/or partner agencies preferred.
• Management experience in a Recreation Department with similar facilities, functions and programming is highly desirable.
• 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 Executive (CPRE) and/or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Mandatory Reporting certification, or the ability to obtain within 30 days.
• 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:

• Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, objectives, and practices of Public Recreation.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively promote, direct and supervise comprehensive recreation programs and manage recreational facilities.
• Ability to set priorities and adjust as needed to effectively manage multiple projects and organizational priorities.
• Ability to recognize and deal with administrative problems in a constructive manner.
• Excellent communication skills to express facts, data, and ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; build consensus with citizen groups and/or District personnel; and negotiate contract elements with consultants and contractors.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide outstanding customer service, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and interact with others in a professional manner.

Material and Equipment Used :

• Regularly uses standard office equipment including a phone, computer, printer, and fax.
• Recreation/athletic equipment.
• This position is required to drive a motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities.

Working Environment :

• Primarily works in a busy Recreation environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.
• Occasionally works outside subject to variable weather, ecosystems and landscape.

Physical Requirements :

• Sedentary work for long periods of time.
• Occasional physical work lifting up to 25 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 with employees and citizens. Must understand and be understood.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

South Suburban Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.