Assistant Director of Sports, Youth & Wellness

The City of Newport News Parks and Recreation Department is seeking an experienced, innovative, and community-focused leader to serve as the Assistant Director of Sports, Youth & Wellness. This executive-level position plays a critical leadership role in shaping high-quality recreation services, wellness initiatives, youth development programs, and operational excellence across the department.

This position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, staff development, and organizational support to ensure exceptional service delivery aligned with the City’s vision, values, and community priorities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist in the overall leadership, management, and administration of the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for Athletics, Aquatics, Facilities, Active Lifestyle, Instructional Classes, and Youth Programs.
• Assist in the development, coordination, and management of annual operating and capital improvement budgets.
• Ensure safe, equitable, and high-quality delivery of recreation programs, leagues, tournaments, aquatic services, wellness initiatives, and youth development programming.
• Oversee recreation and community facility operations, including scheduling, customer service standards, maintenance coordination, and operational efficiency.
• Support and advance community wellness initiatives, fitness programming, senior services, health-focused classes, and strategic partnerships.
• Assist with departmental planning, goal setting, policy development, operational procedures, and organizational alignment.
• Supervise and support division managers and administrative staff through coaching, performance management, professional development, and employee relations.
• Conduct investigations, prepare reports, and provide recommendations regarding employee discipline and performance matters.
• Prepare Due Process and Determination Letters and serve as a departmental representative during grievance proceedings when necessary.
• Analyze operational and statistical data and prepare reports, recommendations, presentations, and position papers for the Director, City leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from residents, employees, elected officials, and agency representatives with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a visionary and collaborative leader with extensive experience in parks and recreation operations, staff leadership, community engagement, and organizational development. The successful candidate must possess strong operational knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead complex divisions while maintaining a strong focus on customer service, equity, and community impact.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Parks and recreation operations, athletics, aquatics, youth development, wellness programming, facilities management, and community recreation services.
• Leadership principles, personnel management, organizational development, and supervision practices.
• Budget administration, operational planning, and customer service excellence.

Skills in:

• Critical thinking and strategic decision-making.
• Leadership, coaching, and team development.
• Conflict resolution and employee relations.
• Data analysis, reporting, and operational evaluation.
• Written and verbal communication.

Ability to:

• Lead multiple operational divisions effectively and efficiently.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives.
• Build strong working relationships with staff, community partners, elected officials, and residents.
• Manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly through presentations, reports, and interpersonal interactions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation, Sports Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation or related operations.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and/or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) designation.
• Experience leading large operational divisions, recreation facilities, or community wellness initiatives.

Why Join Newport News Parks & Recreation?

The Newport News Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating vibrant spaces, meaningful programs, and impactful experiences that strengthen community connections and improve quality of life. This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking leadership team dedicated to innovation, operational excellence, staff development, and community wellness.

The City of Newport News is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, inclusion, and service excellence in the workplace.