Superintendent of Recreation Services

• Creativity and innovation.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Exceptional customer service.
• Continuous improvement.
• Leadership at every level.

• Build meaningful relationships with staff, instructors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Preserve what makes Ridgeville special while identifying opportunities to innovate and improve.
• Develop new programs and events that respond to the evolving interests of our community.
• Foster a culture of accountability, creativity, collaboration, and exceptional customer service.
• Lead with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Help shape the long-term vision of recreation services at Ridgeville Park District.

We're Looking for Someone Who...
? Sees opportunity where others see routine.
? Enjoys building teams and developing people.
? Thinks strategically while executing operationally.
? Isn't afraid to ask, "How can we make this even better?"
? Values tradition but isn't limited by it.
? Wants to leave a lasting impact on a community.
This is a unique opportunity for a leader who doesn't simply want to maintain programs—but wants to help define what recreation can become.

Position Summary
Reports To:  Executive Director

The Superintendent of Recreation Services provides leadership for the Ridgeville Park District's recreation programs, camps, special events, community recreation initiatives, and assigned specialty services. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position is responsible for developing innovative programs, supervising staff, managing departmental budgets, fostering community partnerships, and delivering exceptional recreation experiences that enhance the quality of life for Ridgeville residents.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the district’s recreation services.
• Provide leadership and recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate full-time, recreation, part-time, seasonal, and volunteer staff.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and customer focused department culture.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations.

Recreation Programming

• Provide leadership and oversight for assigned recreation programs, camps, special events, community recreation initiatives, garden and environmental education programs, and other assigned specialty services.
• Supervise assigned staff and support the successful planning, implementation, and evaluation of specialty programs.
• Collaborate with community organizations, volunteers, and district staff to expand recreation opportunities.
• Develop, implement, supervise, and evaluate year-round recreation programs serving all ages and interests.
• Assess community needs and participation trends to expand and improve recreation opportunities.
• Monitor program quality, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
• Recommend new programs and operational improvements based on community feedback and data.

 Camps & Youth Services

• Provide leadership for the District's camps and youth recreation programs.
• Ensure programs are safe, inclusive, engaging, and aligned with District standards.
• Coordinate seasonal staff recruitment, orientation, training, and supervision.

Special Events

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate district festivals, community celebrations, and special events.
• Oversee event logistics, staffing, vendors, volunteers, permits, and risk management.
• Collaborate with community partners to enhance event offerings and participation.

Financial Management

• Develop, administer, and monitor departmental operating budgets.
• Recommend program fees and pricing strategies.
• Monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local businesses, and governmental agencies.
• Represent the district at meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives that support the district's mission.

Marketing Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Marketing Department to support the effective promotion of recreation programs, camps, special events, and community initiatives.
• Provide timely program information and content to support marketing and communications efforts.

Administration

• Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for the Executive Director and Board of Commissioners.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Evaluate departmental operations and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency and customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Recreation Administration, Leisure Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible recreation management experience.
• Experience supervising full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing recreation programs, special events, and departmental budgets.
• Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Illinois Park and Recreation Association and/or National Recreation and Park Association involvement.
• CPRP certification or the ability to obtain certification.
• Grant writing, partnership development, or community engagement experience

 
Salary

• $65,000-$80,000 per year DOQ (dependent on qualifications).

 
Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

 
It is the policy of Ridgeville Park District to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
 

Are you the perfect candidate for this position? Send your resume to mrodas@ridgeville.org.