Recreation Program Manager - Sports Program Manager

Salary

$75,000.00 Annually

Location

4503 - Recreation - Commissioners Office

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

10420-HR

Department

4503 - Parks and Recreation - Recreation

Division

450301 - Recreation - Commissioners Office

Opening Date

03/27/2026

Closing Date

4/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

## Description

Recreation Program Manager - Sports Program Manager

## Examples of Duties

Under administrative direction, plans, manages, and oversees recreational programs, facilities, and services. Responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of recreation initiatives that support community engagement, health, and wellness. Supervises staff, manages program operations, develops partnerships, and ensures programs are delivered safely and effectively. This position may also oversee the use and operation of recreation facilities, including scheduling, coordination of activities, and monitoring facility conditions to ensure safe, efficient and accessible conditions.

*Specific program area assignments:*

Sports Program Manager

Responsible for planning, developing, implementing and evaluating all sports and recreational programs at the Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers.

Key responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and overseeing the delivery of sports programs, leagues, tournaments, and special events.

Manage day-to-day program operations; including recruiting, training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating program staff, coaches, officials, and volunteers.

Develop and manage program budgets; establish program policies and procedures and safety standards.

Coordinate facility usage, permits, equipment and vendor relationships.

Serve as primary contact for participants, community partners and sponsors; promote programs through marketing, outreach and community engagement efforts.

Monitor program participation and prepare reports to evaluate effectiveness and identify improvements.

Aquatics Manager

Responsible for supporting the operation and administration of aquatic facilities and programming including coordinating the recruitment, training, and in-service development of American Red Cross lifeguards and aquatic staff, and assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program and other aquatic health and wellness initiatives. Ensure that aquatic facilities and programs operate safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established standards while providing accessible, high-quality services to residents.

Arts/Cultural Program Manager

Responsible for the development, coordination, and oversight of arts and cultural programming offered through the Division of Recreation. Duties may include planning and implementing community arts initiatives, cultural programming, classes, workshops, performances, and special events. Provides instruction and guidance that develop skills in various art forms including; ceramics, drawing, painting, crafts, performance arts and more. Other duties include supervising instructors or program staff, coordinating facility use, developing partnerships with community arts organizations, managing program promotion and participant recruitment, and ensuring programs are delivered safely and effectively.

## Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration, Sports Management, Public Administration, Physical Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university required. Four years of progressively responsible experience in recreation program management, facility operations, or community programming, including supervisory responsibilities required. (Substitution: Two years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.) Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.

## Supplemental Information

Preferred Qualification
Sports Program Manager:
Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Recreation, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university required. Substitution: Two (2) years of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking. Four (4) years of full-time professional experience developing, coordinating, or managing sports and recreational programs, including experience with league and tournament administration and officiating organized sports required. Demonstrated experience supervising staff and/or volunteers.
Knowledge of risk management practices, safety protocols, and program compliance in sports or recreational program settings. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, events, and activities simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and Recreation software. Experience with transportation coordination for teams, events, or program participants preferred.
Aquatics Manager:
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. (Substitution: Two years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.) Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.
Minimum of five years supervisory experience in aquatics management is required. Management experience overseeing multiple aquatic facilities or pools is preferred.
Certifications:

• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
• American Red Cross Lifeguarding, including Deep Water, with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)
• Red Cross Instructor Trainer (IT) preferred.
• Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) or Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT) certification must be obtained within one year of employment.

Arts/Cultural Program Manager:
Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Recreation Administration, Cultural Studies, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. (Substitution: Two years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.) Minimum of three years of experience developing, coordinating, or administering arts, cultural, or community programming. Experience planning classes, workshops, exhibitions, performances, cultural events, or community arts initiatives is preferred. Experience in community outreach, and partnership with arts organizations, cultural institutions, or community groups is preferred.

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, EmpoweringEmployees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.

Employer

City of Cleveland

Address

601 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio, 44114

Phone

216-664-2493