Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Recreation Manager

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a creative, energetic leader with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences? As a Recreation Manager, you are the heart and soul of our leisure and activity programs. You will be responsible for orchestrating a vibrant array of events and managing state-of-the-art facilities, all while leading a dynamic team. This role is perfect for a strategic thinker who thrives on engaging with people and building a lively, fun-filled community atmosphere. You will be instrumental in driving guest satisfaction, fostering community spirit, and ensuring the smooth, safe, and profitable operation of the entire recreation department.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recreation Supervisor
Lead Activity Coordinator
Assistant Recreation Manager

Advancement To:

Director of Recreation
Director of Guest Experience
Area / Regional Recreation Director

Lateral Moves:

Events Manager
Guest Services Manager
Community Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, plan, and execute a comprehensive and diverse calendar of recreational, social, and wellness activities tailored to guests, residents, or members of all ages.
Manage the day-to-day operations of all recreational facilities, including pools, fitness centers, sports courts, kids' clubs, and activity centers, ensuring optimal functionality and presentation.
Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and directly supervise a team of recreation staff, including activity coordinators, lifeguards, fitness instructors, and attendants.
Create and meticulously manage the annual recreation department budget, including forecasting expenses, tracking revenue, managing payroll, and implementing cost-control measures.
Ensure all recreational programs, activities, and facilities strictly adhere to the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance (e.g., health and safety codes).
Design, market, and implement innovative recreational programs and special events to increase participation, enhance guest satisfaction, and drive ancillary revenue.
Conduct regular performance evaluations for recreation staff, providing constructive feedback, coaching, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Establish and maintain positive, engaging relationships with guests and members, proactively addressing inquiries, feedback, and resolving complaints in a timely and professional manner.
Oversee the procurement, inventory management, and routine maintenance of all recreational equipment, assets, and supplies to ensure availability and safety.
Collaborate effectively with other key departments, such as Food & Beverage, Sales, and Marketing, to create integrated guest experiences and cross-promotional packages.
Monitor and analyze current trends in the recreation, leisure, and hospitality industries to ensure a competitive, fresh, and appealing program offering.
Prepare and present detailed reports on departmental performance, including participation statistics, revenue generation, expense tracking, and guest satisfaction scores.
Conceptualize, coordinate, and flawlessly execute special events, holiday celebrations, group tournaments, and themed activity weeks for a wide range of demographics.
Develop, implement, and enforce all departmental policies, procedures, and safety protocols to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all participants and staff.
Manage relationships with third-party vendors, contractors, and entertainers, negotiating contracts and ensuring quality service delivery for specialized activities.
Act as a visible, energetic, and hands-on leader, actively participating in and promoting recreational events to engage the community and lead the team by example.
Utilize guest feedback, survey data, and performance analytics to continuously refine and improve the quality, variety, and appeal of all recreational offerings.
Oversee the creation and distribution of all marketing and promotional materials for recreation, including activity guides, flyers, and digital content, ensuring accuracy and appeal.
Handle all departmental administrative duties, including payroll processing, management of scheduling software, incident reporting, and financial reconciliation.
Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies and emergency action plans for all recreational areas and programmed activities.
Lead regular departmental meetings to communicate organizational goals, operational updates, and safety training initiatives to the entire recreation team.
Champion a culture of exceptional service, positivity, and enthusiasm within the recreation team to consistently elevate the overall guest and member experience.

Secondary Functions

Represent the recreation department in inter-departmental leadership and planning meetings.
Assist the marketing team in creating engaging promotional content, including social media posts, videos, and brochures, for recreational activities.
Conduct competitive analysis of recreational offerings and pricing at similar properties or organizations to identify opportunities.
Participate in property-wide manager-on-duty (MOD) shifts as required, handling broader operational issues and guest concerns.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Budget Management & Financial Acumen: Proven ability to develop, manage, and report on departmental budgets and P&L statements.
Program & Event Planning: Expertise in conceptualizing, organizing, and executing a wide range of events and activities from start to finish.
Staff Management & Scheduling: Experience in hiring, training, scheduling, and managing performance for a diverse team, often using scheduling software.
Safety & Risk Management: Strong knowledge of safety protocols, liability issues, and emergency procedures. CPR/First Aid/AED certification is often required.
Facility Operations Management: Understanding of the operational needs of various recreational facilities, including basic maintenance and safety checks.
Inventory & Asset Management: Skills in procuring, tracking, and maintaining departmental equipment and supplies.
Knowledge of Recreation Software: Proficiency with industry-specific software for membership, scheduling, or reservations (e.g., ActiveNet, Club Automation, EZFacility).

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Building: Ability to inspire, motivate, and lead a team to deliver exceptional service and achieve common goals.
Exceptional Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Articulate and effective at communicating with staff, management, guests, and vendors.
Creativity & Innovation: The drive to constantly develop fresh, new, and exciting programs that capture interest and set the property apart.
Customer Service Excellence: A relentless focus on guest satisfaction and the ability to handle guest relations with empathy and professionalism.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Capacity to think quickly, handle unexpected situations calmly, and find effective solutions in a dynamic environment.
Organizational & Time Management: Superior ability to multitask, prioritize a heavy workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
High Energy & Enthusiasm: A naturally positive and energetic demeanor that is contagious to both staff and guests.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or similar industry certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Recreation Management or Leisure Studies
Hospitality or Tourism Management
Business Administration
Physical Education

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of progressive experience in recreation, hospitality, or a related field, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.

Preferred:

Direct experience managing recreation programs and facilities in a luxury resort, large-scale residential community, or a municipal parks and recreation department.