Recreation Manager | Denver Parks and Recreation

About Our Job
With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills, and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive, and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.
Application Deadline and Required Materials
This job posting will accept applications until 11:59PM on Sunday, November 8.
We kindly request that you submit a resume and cover letter with your application.
What we Offer
The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The hiring range for this position is $101,050/year - $125,000/year, based on experience. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:
A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service.
457B Retirement Plan.
140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year.
Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date.
More information about the perks and benefits we provide to full-time employees to allow them to find balance, thrive, and build a mile high career can be found on our website.
Location and Schedule
In this position you can expect to work at the Denver Post Building (101 W. Colfax, Denver, Colorado) or assigned recreation centers and/or program sites. Employees work in-person for the Recreation Division where needed, based on business need. The working schedule for this role is based on program and business needs and may vary based on the day of the week and may include evenings or mornings.
Who We Are
As stewards of Denver’s legacy park system, the City and County of Denver’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and improving the health of our residents and environment. Through innovative programs and the creation of safe, beautiful, and sustainable spaces, DPR manages a dynamic system of 30 recreation centers and nearly 20,000 acres of urban and mountain parkland, including off-street trails, parkways, and natural areas. This work is made possible by a dedicated team of professionals who design, promote, and preserve these world-class spaces for generations to come.
DPR recognizes diversity as a strength in the representation of our organization to best serve our customers and community. To that end, DPR is committed to:
Examining department policies and processes that value diverse perspectives and eliminate barriers to inclusion.
Identifying where inequities exist and implementing strategies to ensure equitable outcomes.
Strengthening diversity in Parks and Recreation services by transforming policies to institutionalize equity.
Reinvesting in resources aimed at ensuring DPR is an equitable and just organization.
What You’ll Do
Denver Parks and Recreation is seeking a Recreation Manager to play a key role in the operation of recreation centers and program infrastructure throughout the City and County of Denver. This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and knowledgeable recreation professional who is passionate about building strong, cohesive teams and delivering high-quality services to the community.
In this role, the Recreation Manager will oversee a section of the Recreation Division, including up to four recreation centers. The position also manages the My Outdoor Colorado coalition work and the Great Outdoors Colorado grant, including contract and fiscal responsibilities. The Recreation Manager works closely with internal DPR teams to advance the Outdoor Adventure/Alternative Sports vision plan and support the operation of DPR’s Adventure Hubs. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, and monitoring work programs aligned with division standards; leading full-time, on-call, and seasonal staff; and supporting the efforts of contractors, volunteers, community collaborators, customers, Denver residents and visitors, City Council, and division partners.
As a Recreation Manager, you will act on:
Operations & Program Management
Oversee daily operations for up to four recreation centers, Adventure Hubs, and associated Outdoor Adventure programs.
Implement policies, operating procedures, and practices aligned with departmental and city-wide strategies including:
DPR’s Mission, Vision, and Values
Game Plan for a Healthy City
Outdoor Adventure/Alternative Sports plan
Parks Legacy Plan
Create weekly, monthly, and annual work plans that support recreation standards and strategic goals.
Review, develop, and adjust work plans, priorities, schedules, and staffing levels to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
Support contractors, volunteers, collaborators, and community partners to deliver high‑quality programs.
Inspect and approve contract work to ensure compliance with specifications.
Participate in planning efforts including Denver Bond projects, CIP projects, and recreation maintenance initiatives.
Leadership & Staff Management
Direct, coach, and mentor recreation supervisors and staff across recreation centers, Adventure Hubs, and Outdoor Adventure programs.
Ensure staff understand and implement customer service expectations and departmental performance standards.
Lead staff development initiatives, including training, succession planning, and continuous improvement practices.
Develop goals, document performance, conduct evaluations, and issue recognition for exceptional performance.
Provide guidance on complex or unusual assignments and promote teamwork, communication, and innovation.
Conduct hiring interviews and select candidates for vacancies.
Review disciplinary actions and respond to formal/informal grievances.
Customer, Community, & Stakeholder Engagement
Represent the department and its initiatives with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
Mediate conflicts, resolve issues, and determine appropriate solutions during daily operations.
Coordinate projects with other city agencies, external partners, and community groups.
Cultivate community engagement opportunities, events, and communication efforts to expand program reach and participation.
Handle sensitive public relations issues and maintain positive relationships with community members, vendors, collaborators, and elected officials.
Strategic Initiatives & Special Programs
Oversee My Outdoor Colorado coalition efforts and Great Outdoors Colorado grant management (contract and fiscal oversight).
Collaborate with internal DPR teams to implement the Outdoor Adventure/Alternative Sports vision plan and support Adventure Hub operations.
Optimize team performance and achieve KPIs, departmental goals, and strategic objectives.
Champion innovation, creative problem-solving, and new opportunities to enhance resident and customer experiences.
Fiscal & Resource Management
Manage operating costs and ensure all budgets remain within approved limits.
Allocate funds and resources effectively to complete assigned w