Recreation Supervisor - Cultural Arts & Special Events

The Recreation Supervisor – Cultural Arts & Special Events is responsible for managing the daily operations of cultural arts (such as music, theater and dance), early childhood enrichment, and special events. In addition, collaborating with the Marketing department in securing the Park District mascot program and assisting with sponsorship acquisition for events. This role is responsible for daily operations, program development, staff management, and ensuring quality service delivery aligned with the Park District’s mission. The position requires availability during early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

REPORTS TO: Recreation Programs Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Event Management, or related field, is preferred with two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted (4 years combined education/experience).

CPRP certification preferred (as eligible per NRPA). Must possess CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire. Valid Illinois Class "D" driver's license is required. Must successfully complete a physical exam, drug screening, background check, and road test. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plan, develop, coordinate, promote, implement, and evaluate cultural arts, dance, and early childhood enrichment programs as well as annual and district-wide special events.
• Provide basic audio/visual support for events (PA systems, visual projections)
• Assist with identifying and acquiring sponsorships and volunteers for special events.
• Collaborate with the marketing department to schedule and communicate mascot appearances.
• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and training of new hires; supervise, and evaluate part-time staff, including conducting staff meetings as needed; conduct annual written evaluations and regular trainings.
• Serve as program instructor or provide instructional coverage by filling in for assigned programs and activities as needed to ensure continuity of services.
• Work with Park District SRA liaison to ensure inclusivity in Park District general programming.
• Prepare and monitor annual budgets and track revenue and expenses for areas of responsibility.
• Conduct regular program and event evaluations and implement improvements based on feedback.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Department to strategically market programs and events including to develop and proof promotional materials, including brochures, flyers, press releases, and social media content.
• Responsible for the implementation and administration of contractual agreements with performers and program providers.
• Act as liaison between the Park District and community partners during events.
• Design, execute, and evaluate programming based on participant needs solicited from the community through surveys participation in community outreach programs.
• Manage staff schedules and process bi-weekly payroll for supervised staff.
• Address patron feedback, coworker communication and resolve issues promptly to maintain a positive experience. Must have ability to deal with people and children under stressful situations.
• Participate in professional development, including workshops, committees, and conferences.
• Support Park District initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.
• Ability to represent the Park District professionally.

SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Maintain working knowledge of District and departmental safety rules.
• Attend required safety meetings and in-service trainings.
• Follow the Risk Management Manual, Emergency Response Plan, and OSHA compliance policies.
• Ensure Emergency Operation Plan and Safety Checklist are completed before each event

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Apply common sense and follow verbal, written, or diagrammed instructions.
• Solve problems with several concrete variables.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel and is required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Lift objects up to 40 lbs.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Perform duties in varied environments including office settings and outdoor events.
• Exposure to high noise levels during events.
• Work in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, wet, dry, windy).
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens.
• Protective clothing required only as necessary based on specific tasks.

COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS

• Employee must have the ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
• The ability to read, write, and organize materials
• Employee must possess time management and organizational skills to effectively perform his/her job
• Able to follow directions - oral and written
• Ability to demonstrate good safety awareness and judgment

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements and working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to review the job when circumstances change; e.g. emergencies, deadlines, personnel changes, workload and technological development, etc.

Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Event Management, or related field, is preferred with two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted (4 years combined education/experience).

CPRP certification preferred (as eligible per NRPA). Must possess CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire. Valid Illinois Class "D" driver's license is required. Must successfully complete a physical exam, drug screening, background check, and road test. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential.