Recreation Specialist II - Senior Programs

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, community-driven professional to join our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department team as a Recreation Specialist II- Senior Programs. In this role you’ll help enrich the lives of Chesapeake’s 55+ community through creative programming, engaging events, and inclusive recreational opportunities. If you’re ready to make a difference in your community and grow your career in public service, this may the position for you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops, schedules, promotes, and evaluates senior-focused programs and events, ensuring alignment with participant interests and community needs.
• Provides outstanding customer service to program participants, visitors, staff, volunteers, and community groups in accordance with the City’s Customer Care standards.
• Coordinates all aspects of program logistics, including securing instructors, reserving locations, processing payments, entering programs into recreation management software, and ensuring proper documentation and background checks for instructors and volunteers.
• Actively participates in programs and events, including day trips, special activities, instructional sessions, games, and crafts.
• Assists with daily facility operations such as opening/closing centers, setting up/taking down equipment, performing light custodial duties, and conducting facility inspections.
• Supports and participates in citywide special events, facility rentals, and community celebrations, which may require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Coordinates logistics for rentals, classes, and programs, including entertainment, catering, and vendor services, for themed events.
• Ensures compliance with all city policies, safety standards, health codes, and permit requirements.
• Supervises and evaluates part-time staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Collaborates with internal departments, other Parks, Recreation and Tourism divisions, and external community organizations to implement and promote programming.
• Maintains strong community relationships while identifying partnership opportunities.
• Handles monetary transactions, including collecting fees, reconciling daily deposits, and using specialized software for financial reporting.
• Manages inventory and procures program supplies, maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Conducts research to stay informed on recreational trends and identifies opportunities for innovative new programming.
• Develops and implements marketing strategies, including creating flyers, newsletters, brochures, and social media content to promote programs and events.
• Represents the department at speaking engagements and community outreach events, promoting awareness of available programs.
• Assists in preparing annual budgets, monitors expenditures, and compiles reports and documentation for program effectiveness and accountability.
• Resolves issues and responds to inquiries from staff, contractors, and the public in a timely and professional manner.
• Attends meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.