Recreation Program Lead City-Wide

Established in 1883, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) oversees a renowned urban park system spanning 6,809 acres of parkland and water. Featured among its 180 park properties are 55 miles of parkways, 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking paths, 22 lakes, 12 formal gardens, 7 golf courses and 49 recreation centers. The MPRB is proud to provide services, programs and activities that meet the park and recreation needs of diverse communities and ensure race equity, gender inclusion and universal access.  Altogether, MPRB properties receive about 23 million visitors annually, and employs approximately 570 full-time and 1,400 part-time and seasonal employees. 

Park it here for an exciting career by joining the #1 urban park system in the United States as recognized by the Trust for Public Land in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020.

SUMMARY: 

Serve as part of a team of strong recreation programmers responsible for development of quality recreational programming for youth and adults in recreation.   Develop specialized programming based on specific board and community priorities with offerings city-wide to meet standards of equitable programing across the organization. Utilize collaborative partnerships with staff and community to deliver high level, quality programs that are in alignment with the mission, vision, values, goals and objectives of the MPRB and meet the needs and interests of diverse communities.  Exhibit an appreciation and respect for a diverse environment, inclusive of many social, economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

COVID-19 Testing and Proof of Vaccination Policy

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has passed a COVID-19 Testing and Proof of Vaccination Policy. This policy allows individuals who are fully vaccinated to opt out of testing. For further details, view the policy.

• Serve as lead and primary resource within a service area to develop, deliver and set up specialized programming for recreation staff to run consistent with how same or similar programming is being run in other parts of the city. 
• Generate specialized programming including, but not limited to, youth centered career development programs, math and science related programming, senior and intergenerational programming, outdoor and fitness related programming, citywide day camps, adapted programming and cultural awareness programs.
• Maintain programming related data and statistics by park, analyze and create reports to manage quality control of all recreation program and work closely to regularly share and review this information with the Recreation Service Area Manager to help facilitate decision making and goal setting.
• Oversee quality and consistency of programming providers within a service area and citywide; review programming information in the registration software for accuracy and consistency, maintain citywide consistency in management of vendor contracts, clean up and maintain fee schedules, and more.
• Perform administrative functions, answer programming questions from staff and patrons, administer free programs, standardize program fees development, including being accountable for program statistic tracking, or other metrics required by the Board.
• Assist MPRB in identifying and addressing the park and recreation needs of underserved and under-represented communities.
• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate part-time recreation staff, provisional staff, and contractors  for development of a professional and support staff with a high degree of competence and sound judgment.   
• Assist in monitoring participation of each program to determine success. 
• Proactively serve on MPRB committees to ensure that safety, maintenance, planning and recreation services compliment and support each other in addressing citizen interests, issues and needs, and are in alignment with the mission, vision, values, goals and objectives of the MPRB.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Foster and demonstrate effective relationship building in a collaborative environment including working across department and division lines and forming partnerships for better access and services; eliminate barriers to achieving results; take full advantage of available resources.
• Establish and maintain effective, respectful, and productive working relationships across a diverse customer base and in diverse work environments.

Need to Have: 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Parks and Recreation Administration, Education, or related field.
• Experience as a successful recreation programmer to include developing, implementing, overseeing, and evaluating diversified recreation programs aimed at all ages at multiple locations: at least four (4) years. 
• Professional work experience coordinating and supervising others:  at least two years
• Experience compiling, tracking and analyzing data to facilitate decision making:  at least two (2) years
• An equivalent combination of related experience and education and training relevant to the essential duties of this position may be considered. 
• Valid driver’s license

Nice to Have:     

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.

Skills Crucial to Success in This Role: 

• Considerable knowledge of recreation program development and marketing of recreation programs.
• Modern principles and best practices for working with young people.
• Excel spreadsheets, recreation program software and how to generate relevant reports, analyze participant and program data and professionally report on recreation program information.
• Cultural competence in engaging people from diverse communities.
• Outstanding customer service principles and practices and standards for a diverse customer base. 
• Determine capacity of program offerings and balance quality vs quantity.
• Be a strong recreation programmer and develop and implement programs on a citywide level.
• Recruit, hire and lead part time staff and volunteer program instructors and leaders.
• Critically evaluate and analyze operations and data and provide meaningful reports to assist with the development of improved program and service delivery; translate data and research analysis to assist with the development and design of service and program improvements. 
• Thoroughly evaluate program alternatives and make recommendations for improvements in MPRB programs and services.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Job Information Session: A 30-minute Job Information Session will be held on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 2:30PM CDT via conference call. This is your opportunity to ask questions about the civil service application process. Interested Parties are encouraged to call 1 612-474-1955,,66740868# and enter 667 408 68#  for the conference ID.

View a full list of qualifications and job description

Learn more about Veteran’s Preference

Selection Process:

To apply for this full-time civil service position, applicants must complete an online application with supplemental questions at www.minneapolisparks.org/jobs.  Late applications will be rejected.

What steps the selection process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your training and experience based on application materials and supplemental questions (30%).
• We conduct a structured panel interview (oral exam) (70%).
• We calculate your civil service score based on the above components and place you on the eligible list if all testing components are passed (passing score for each component and as an overall score is 70.00 or above).  Eligible list will expire in three (3) months.
• We refer the top finalists to the hiring manager for an interview.
• References, including verification of employment, past work performance and discipline may be considered.
• We conduct a background check.  Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be asked to sign an informed consent allowing the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to obtain their criminal history in connection with the positions sought. View the MPRB Background Check Policy at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Background-Check-Policy.pdf

• Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, applicants will also need to successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination paid for by the MPRB.

Please note that HR reserves the right to limit the number of people invited to successive testing events.

The MPRB is a tobacco-free workplace and park system.

Salary : $79,048 - $93,367