Recreation Services Director

The City of Eugene is searching for a passionate and visionary Recreation Director who understands the central role of accessible recreation in fostering a healthy, connected, and thriving community.

Our ideal candidate is creative, collaborative, and a champion for staff and community, embodying the concept of servant leadership to successfully guide a dedicated and experienced team of recreation managers and staff. Please see our brochure for more information: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/lboHiXOzTkWP6.

Initial Application Review Date: Friday, January 31, 2025 

If all positions are filled after this closing date, the posting will close.

Accepting Online Applications Only

Information on How to Apply

Classification: Recreation Services Director 

Salary: $125,798.40 - $169,811.20 Annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).  

Department, Division: Library, Recreation, and Cultural Services / Recreation

Union Representation: Non-represented, exempt

Work Location: Eugene Public Library, 100 West 10^th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401, may be eligible for some remote work.  Locations also include recreation centers across Eugene area.  Must reside in the State of Oregon and be able to report onsite in Eugene, Oregon for work as needed.  

Schedule: Full time with flexibility per business need to occasionally work outside of normal working hours and responding to after-hours emergencies. 

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as benefits packages. 

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information. 

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.  

• Develop and articulate a clear vision for Recreation that aligns with the City of Eugene’s strategic plan.
• Unify policies and processes across programs to ensure operational consistency and efficiency.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Rec programs and services, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals.
• Lead the development of division-wide goals, benchmarks, and metrics to measure success.
• Actively engage with patrons, staff, and partner organizations to build strong, meaningful relationships.
• Champion equity and inclusion initiatives across Recreation programs, ensuring all community members feel welcomed and valued.
• Build and sustain a culture of belonging within the Recreation division and the broader community.
• Foster a supportive, collaborative work environment where staff at all levels feel empowered and valued.
• Provide clear direction and hold team members accountable while promoting professional growth.
• Manage multiple workgroups in a variety of locations across the City including driving between locations as needed.
• Performs related and other duties as assigned. 

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Recreation Services Director 

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. 

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position. 

Experience 

Five years of experience in recreation, social or cultural program development and implementation including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. 

Education 

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation administration or related field.

Background 

Must pass a background check. 

License 

Valid Oregon driver’s license [or, the ability to obtain by date of hire]; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).  

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities  

Knowledge 

• Modern principles and practices of community recreation planning, administration and service evaluation.
• Knowledge of the design, construction, and maintenance of recreation facilities.
• Recent developments, trends, current literature and sources of information related to community recreation program planning and administration.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, personnel management, performance evaluation and labor relations.

Skills 

• Maintain relationships with appropriate private and public agencies to facilitate cooperation with programs and community needs.
• Organize publicity concerning new and ongoing programs and services.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals and plans.
• Develop short and long-term visions for the division that support departmental, City and community goals and needs.
• Implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into organizational structures, policies, and programs.
• Create an inclusive work environment where all individuals experience belonging.

Abilities 

• Plan, organize, assign and coordinate the activities of the division in a manner conductive to optimum employee performance and morale.
• Prepare and administer a division budget.
• Understand community needs for activities and evaluate activities according to those needs.
• Manage, direct, coordinate, and promote the implementation of programs suited to the diverse needs of the community.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Working conditions 

Work performed primarily in an office environment with regular focus on a computer screen. Daily standing and sitting for prolonged periods. Occasional attendance at meetings or activities outside of normal working hours. Frequent operation of a motor vehicle on public roads. Physical exposures when visiting and inspecting facilities and equipment.

Bilingual Pay Benefit 

This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division. 

Non-Represented Retirement Program 

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%. 

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement. 

What to Expect from our Selection Process 

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.  In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. 

Salary : $125,798 - $169,811