About Company
The City of Newark, Delaware, is a vibrant and growing community committed to providing an exceptional quality of life for its residents. Our Parks and Recreation Department plays a crucial role in this mission, managing over 700 acres of parkland, numerous recreational facilities, and a diverse portfolio of programs and events. We are dedicated to fostering community well-being, promoting active lifestyles, preserving natural spaces, and creating engaging experiences for individuals and families of all ages. Our team works tirelessly to enhance the city’s green infrastructure, deliver high-quality public services, and build a stronger, more connected community. We believe in innovation, collaboration, and service excellence, striving to make Newark a truly wonderful place to live, work, and play. Join a team where your passion for community and recreation can make a lasting impact.
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Job Description
The City of Newark, Delaware, is seeking a dynamic and highly organized Parks and Recreation Coordinator to join our dedicated team. This pivotal role is central to the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of a wide array of recreational programs and special events designed to enrich the lives of Newark residents. The Coordinator will be instrumental in fostering community engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring access to diverse recreational opportunities for all age groups, from youth to seniors. This position requires a proactive individual who can manage multiple projects simultaneously, work collaboratively with various city departments, community organizations, and volunteers, and maintain a high level of customer service and professionalism.
Key responsibilities will include conducting comprehensive needs assessments to identify emerging trends and community interests, leading the design of innovative programs, and overseeing their successful execution from conception to evaluation. The Coordinator will also be responsible for managing program budgets, securing necessary resources, and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations, departmental policies, and accessibility standards. A significant aspect of this role involves active community outreach and strategic partnership development, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with residents, local businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations to maximize program participation and impact. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be a creative force in the marketing and promotion of parks and recreation offerings, utilizing various digital and traditional channels to reach a broad and diverse audience across the city.
The Parks and Recreation Coordinator will serve as a visible and enthusiastic representative of the department, actively participating in community events, engaging with the public, gathering feedback, and building positive relationships that strengthen the fabric of our community. This role offers an exciting opportunity to directly influence the quality of life in Newark, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere through well-planned and meticulously executed recreational initiatives. We are looking for someone deeply passionate about public service, who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, and possesses a strong commitment to enhancing the recreational landscape of our beloved city. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and a meticulous approach to program management, helping us to continually elevate the standards of our parks and recreation services and foster a sense of belonging among our residents. Join us in making a tangible, positive difference in the heart of Newark.
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Key Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a diverse range of recreational programs and special events for all ages.
- Conduct community needs assessments to identify program gaps and emerging trends.
- Manage program budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Recruit, train, and supervise part-time staff and volunteers for programs and events.
- Coordinate the scheduling and usage of park facilities and recreational spaces.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community organizations.
- Market and promote programs and events using various communication channels.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, departmental policies, and accessibility standards.
- Respond to public inquiries and provide excellent customer service to residents.
- Prepare reports, maintain records, and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Assist in the preparation of grant applications and other funding opportunities.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, Leisure Studies, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in recreation programming, event coordination, or community services.
- Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute community-based programs and events.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and recreation management software.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for programs and events.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification.
- Experience with marketing and social media strategies for public programs.
- Knowledge of municipal government operations and public sector budgeting.
- CPR and First Aid certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
- Participation in the Delaware Public Employees' Retirement System (DPERS).
- Life insurance and long-term disability options.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Employee wellness programs.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on community well-being.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a resume and cover letter, through the City of Newark’s official employment portal. Please click on the application link below to apply for this job.
