Deputy Director - Recreation Services

Join our Great City

The City of Alexandria is in Northern Virginia bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. Once within the original boundary stones that demarked the area of the Nation’s Capital, Alexandria is a part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 157,600 Alexandria is the sixth largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unique and historic, Alexandria is a place that is experiencing substantial redevelopment appeal and business growth opportunities because of a high market demand for urban living in a quality environment. About one-quarter of the City’s 15.47 square miles has been designated as a national or local historic district. 

The City of Alexandria is an independent City with no county affiliation and derives its governing authority from a Charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, allowing local governments only the authority granted to them by the Virginia Constitution or by the Virginia General Assembly in the City Charter or in general law. City Council is the governing body, which formulates policies for the administration of the City. The mayor is chosen on a separate ballot and presides over sessions of the Council. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Deputy Director Recreation Services for Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA). 
 

About Us

The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) plays a vital role in shaping the quality of life, health, and character of our community. With more than 900 acres of parkland, 100 parks and open spaces, and over 30 recreation, nature, and cultural facilities, RPCA delivers programs and services that connect people to each other and to the world around them.

From Old Town’s Waterfront Park to Ben Brenman Park, Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, Patrick Henry Recreation Center, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center, our facilities and programs reflect the City’s commitment to inclusion, creativity, and service. RPCA’s employees help ensure that every experience, whether a community event, park visit, or recreation program, is safe, welcoming, and enriching for all. The Department is organized into four core operating divisions: Recreation Services, Park Operations, Cultural Activities, and Leadership & Management.

• The Department’s mission- We create meaningful experiences that inspire community, foster creativity, and enhance quality of life for everyone.
• The Department’s vision– The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities envisions Alexandria as a vibrant, connected, and thriving community where every resident feels a sense of belonging. Through safe, inclusive and innovative programs and spaces, we strengthen well-being, celebrate diversity, and create opportunities for joy and discovery. Guided by equity and excellence, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work and play in our city.

The Deputy Director:

• Provide strategic leadership for Recreation Services, including aquatics, recreation centers, youth and adult programming, therapeutic recreation, out-of-school time programs, customer service, and community engagement.
• Advance a culture of exceptional customer service by implementing department-wide customer service standards, strengthening the customer experience, and centralizing customer service and registration functions.
• Develop and implement innovative recreation programs, services, and operational strategies that respond to evolving community needs and expand access to high-quality recreational opportunities.
• Lead the implementation of a comprehensive Youth Sports Affiliate Policy that strengthens partnerships, promotes equitable access, and improves the management of athletic programming and facilities.
• Strengthen operational excellence by establishing performance measures, documenting standard operating procedures, implementing data-driven decision-making, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Build and develop high-performing teams by investing in leadership development, succession planning, employee engagement, and professional growth opportunities throughout the Recreation Services Division.
• Manage financial resources responsibly by overseeing division budgets, identifying operational efficiencies, maximizing revenue opportunities, and ensuring fiscal stewardship.
• Collaborate with City departments, Alexandria City Public Schools, community organizations, nonprofit partners, and regional agencies to enhance recreation services, expand partnerships, and improve community outcomes.
• Use performance data, customer feedback, and industry best practices to evaluate programs, measure organizational impact, and guide strategic planning and service improvements.
• Serve as a member of the Department’s Executive Leadership Team, helping shape the department’s strategic direction while fostering innovation, collaboration, and organizational excellence.

 
The Deputy Director key work projects FY27-FY28:

1. Lead the implementation of the Recreation Services Master Plan, establishing a long-term vision for recreation programs, facilities, aquatics, community centers, and equitable access to services.
2. Conduct a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment to evaluate current and future recreation needs, identify service gaps, and develop recommendations that respond to changing community demographics and priorities.
3. Modernize Recreation Operations by implementing standardized operating procedures, performance measures, and data-driven decision-making to improve consistency, accountability, and service delivery across all Recreation Services divisions.
4. Transform the Customer Experience through the implementation of department-wide customer service standards, customer service training, and the centralization of customer service and registration functions.
5. Strengthen Community Partnerships by expanding collaboration with Alexandria City Public Schools, youth sports affiliates, community organizations, nonprofit partners, and regional agencies to enhance programming, maximize shared resources, and increase access to recreation opportunities.
6. Develop Future Leaders and Build Organizational Capacity by implementing leadership development, succession planning, workforce development, and employee engagement initiatives that strengthen organizational culture and prepare the next generation of Recreation Services leaders.
7. Collaborate with other City departments on joint projects involving planning for and deployment of programs for youth and adults (Library, OHA, DCHS, Schools).  

What You Should Bring

We are seeking a collaborative, innovative, and people-centered leader who is passionate about creating exceptional recreation experiences and strengthening communities through public service. The successful candidate will bring executive-level experience leading complex recreation and community services organizations, with a demonstrated ability to inspire teams, foster a high-performing organizational culture, and lead meaningful organizational change.

You should possess a proven track record of building collaborative relationships across departments, partnering with schools, community organizations, and regional stakeholders, and using data and performance measures to guide strategic decision-making, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance the customer experience. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who embraces innovation, develops future leaders, and is committed to continuous improvement and service excellence.

Bachelors’ degree in recreation and parks or related field; seven (7) years of related experience, of which three (3) years must be at the supervisory or managerial level, in planning, coordinating, and conducting park maintenance, forestry, land management, park design, community planning, and park construction operations or equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Master's degree, executive municipal leadership experience, presentations to elected officials, organizational transformation, and professional certifications (CPRP, CPRE, CPM, or similar)