What are the responsibilities and job description for the PRCA Superintendent (Recreation Programs) position at City of Kettering?
The City of Kettering is accepting submissions for the position of:
Full-Time Superintendent (Recreation Programs)
Salary up to $130,624 annually
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
OPERS retirement
Vacation, sick, holiday pay, and more
Candidates interested in this opportunity should apply via our online application portal at www.ketteringoh.org/jobs, attaching a resume and cover letter.
Submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on May 5, 2025
About the Role
The City of Kettering’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department is seeking an exceptional professional to oversee a vibrant and inclusive portfolio of recreational programs serving residents of all ages and abilities. You’ll lead and support professional staff managing Aquatics, Adult & Senior Programs, Youth & Adult Sports, and Youth & Family Programs & Events, with oversight of key facilities including the Charles I. Lathrem Senior Center, Indoor Pool & Spa, and Adventure Reef Water Park.
This leadership role blends strategic planning, community engagement, program innovation, and staff development to deliver exceptional experiences and services to Kettering’s residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide vision, direction, and leadership for recreation programs and facility operations.
- Develop and manage the Recreation Programs Division’s strategic goals, policies, and annual budget.
- Mentor and evaluate program staff, promoting a high-performing, collaborative team culture.
- Identify and respond to evolving community recreation needs through innovative programming.
- Oversee partnerships, contracts, and relationships with community organizations and vendors.
- Support departmental strategy and long-range planning as part of the Leadership Team.
- Attend public meetings and represent the department in community outreach efforts.
- Participate in evening and weekend facility management duties as needed.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven leadership in recreation services, with experience managing both staff and facilities.
- Strong financial and administrative skills, including budget development and oversight.
- Excellent communication, decision-making, and relationship-building abilities.
- A collaborative spirit and commitment to public service and community engagement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation Administration or related field required; Master’s in Public Administration, Business Management, or related field preferred.
- CPRP or CPRE certification desirable.
- Extensive supervisory and administrative experience in recreation program and facility management.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program development, and community-focused services.
Why Kettering?
The City of Kettering is proud to be a three-time gold medal award-winning CAPRA-accredited agency that delivers nationally recognized parks and recreation services in a welcoming, engaged community. Join a team dedicated to enhancing quality of life through recreation, wellness, and cultural experiences.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online at www.ketteringoh.org/jobs by 5 p.m. (EDT) on May 5, 2025. Please include a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in this leadership opportunity.
The City of Kettering is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and community members.
Job Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Plans, organizes, prioritizes and directs comprehensive recreation programs and services of the Recreation Programs Division, serving the leisure needs of all ages and ability levels within the community. Provides leadership and guidance to staff responsible for Aquatics, Adult & Senior Programs, Youth & Adult Sports, and Youth and Family Programs & Events. Work includes development of policy recommendations, development and implementation of strategic plans, standards and operating procedures for the Recreation Programs Division.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION:
Directs and oversees the staff responsible for programs and operations of the Recreation Programs Division. As a member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts (PRCA) Department Leadership Team, works closely with colleagues to ensure department communication, collaboration and accountability. Accountable for the preparation of annual Recreation Programming Division budget including regular analysis. Collaborates with the Recreation Operations Superintendent to develop, execute and evaluate Recreation Division goals and objectives.
EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only)
- Guides and directs recreation programming as well facility operations of the Charles I. Lathrem (CIL) Senior Center, Indoor Pool & Spa, and Adventure Reef Water Park, including but not limited to responsibility for overall direction, CIL desk operations, aquatic facility rentals, safety, experience and quality service focused on community.
- Leads, mentors, develops and evaluates staff members directly responsible for execution of recreation programs and operation of the CIL Senior Center and Aquatics.
- Evaluates, develops and recommends division budgets; and provides on-going administration and monitoring to achieve financial goals including approving and monitoring purchases.
- Assesses recreation program needs of citizens and community, by awareness of community interests and recreation trends of the future and developing programs, services and events in accordance with data and survey findings.
- Works with the Human Resource Department to recruit, interview and make hiring recommendations; recommends disciplinary action.
- Develops, establishes and monitors partnerships with outside organizations and schools.
- Oversees the negotiation of contracts with vendors, instructors, and outside organizations and monitors for contract compliance.
- Participates in various public meetings and advisory boards.
- Responsible for some evening and weekend facility management duties.
- Cooperatively interacts and engages with the Department Leadership Team regarding strategy, long-range planning and goal setting for the Department.
- Follows through and enforces all policies and procedures established by the City of Kettering and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department;
- Carries out any assigned responsibilities relating to the City of Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department as directed;
- Regular and predictable on-site attendance required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
- Principals, practices and methods of recreation program management;
- Revenue producing programs and facilities, and monetary control procedures;
- Principles and practices of personnel management and supervision;
- Budget and project planning.
Ability to:
- Analyze community recreation needs and develop and evaluate programs, events and services that meet the needs of the community;
- Plan effectively by establishing and monitoring goals, objectives and performance standards;
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with other employees, community members, contractors, vendors and the general public;
- Prepare clear and concise written reports and keep accurate records;
- Research, evaluate and develop new and revised project and program proposals;
- Work independently and use good judgement;
- Be proficient in using a variety of computer applications and implementation of various technology solutions for efficient operations;
- Must be able to foster and maintain a culture of respect and civility where all employees share a commitment to serving the community;
- Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff members, volunteers and the general public.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in Parks and Recreation Administration or a related field or other combination of knowledge, skills and experience required. Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Management or related field preferred. CPRP or CPRE desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Extensive experience in an administrative position managing recreation programs and facilities with supervisory experience required.
