Commercial Recreation and Events Manager

Salary : $116,505.77 - $159,495.49 Annually
Location : Point Defiance Visitor Center, WA
Job Type: Career Full-time Non Represented
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: 4/30/:59 PM Pacific

Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $116,505.77 yearly
To allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is $116,505.77- $159,495.49 annually. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases.

Who We Are Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks' mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You'll Love it Here Come work where you play. You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.

Position Information
Under the general direction of an assigned Deputy Director, the Commercial Recreation and Events Manager is responsible for managing the planning, administration and direction of key regionally focused recreational programs, facilities, festivals and events for Parks Tacoma. Focused within a commercial setting, this role involves strategic planning, tourism market development and coordination, staff management, budget oversight, and ensuring exceptional customer experiences. The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating memorable experiences, fostering community engagement and ensuring financial sustainability, coupled with strong leadership skills and business acumen.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
•  Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
•  Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
•  Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
•  Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
•  Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards. Essential Duties
•  Manage assigned recreational facilities and program areas, ensuring that all operations and programs run efficiently and effectively while also charting new and exciting opportunities to serve the Tacoma community.
•   Evaluate existing assigned recreational programs, activities, festivals and events and manage the expansion, design, development, and implementation of new recreational programs that attract and engage local and regional customers while adhering to industry standards and best practices.
•  Collaborate and partner with the City of Tacoma, Chamber of Commerce, Visit Tacoma-Pierce County and other local tourism offices, hotels, and other businesses to create programs, festivals and events that draw audiences to Tacoma and enrich the community.
•  Foster an inspired, forward-thinking, entrepreneurial culture, which encourages employee development and practices effective leadership by empowering staff to make decisions; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions; plan, coordinate and arrange for appropriate employee training programs to provide for opportunity for development and advancement.
•  Develop, manage and control annual budgets for assigned programs and attractions with a keen focus on revenue generation; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations and policies; oversee inventory/resale systems; manage and deliver service agreements within budget; manage and develop advanced cost modeling, projections, resource management and cost recovery plan allocations, level of service delivery and analysis in regards to cost of maintenance related activities; track operational effectiveness, establish benchmarks, participant/attendance and program outcome data etc. Keep deputy director apprised of challenges, opportunities, and accomplishments.
•  Provide top-tier customer service by addressing customer concerns, resolving issues promptly, and ensuring a welcoming environment for all program participants, visitors and constituents.
•  Work with the Department marketing and communication team to promote facilities, programs and services, ensuring they are aligned with the District's goals and brand.
•  Build and maintain relationships with local organizations, vendors, and community stakeholders to enhance recreational offerings and expand service offerings.
•  Implement departmental responsibilities within the department and district's Strategic Planning directives and initiatives; establish benchmarks and performance measurement objectives in accordance with the adopted comprehensive Strategic Plan for the District. Develop, monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), analyzing program effectiveness and making recommendations for improvements. Minimum Qualifications
•  At least 5 years of experience in recreational or visitor services management, preferably in a commercial or hospitality setting.
•  Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Leisure Services, Business Administration, or a related field. An additional 4 years of experience can substitute for the degree requirement.
•  Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities, with proven experience managing staff and cross-functional teams.
•  Experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and resource allocation.
•  Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to resolve complaints and exceed customer expectations.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
•  Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or similar certification is a preferred
•  Candidates with strong professional networks in the field are preferred. Additional Information

ENVIRONMENT:
•  Office environment.
•  Extensive contact with the public.
•  Driving a vehicle to conduct work. PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
•  Sight to read and develop written and visual materials; monitor personnel and assigned operations and activities.
•  Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
•  Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment.
•  Safe operations of a motor vehicle. HAZARDS:
•  Possible contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals. KNOWLEDGE OF:
•  Comprehensive knowledge of the philosophy and principles of public park and recreation services.
•  Industry safety regulations, best practices, and trends in commercial recreation
•  Planning, organization and direction of assigned divisions and programs.
•  Methods, techniques and requirements for the maintenance and upkeep of buildings, facilities, grounds, and equipment.
•  Methods in the operation, maintenance, and administration of public access sites.
•  Requirements for launching sites, docks, and other public access sites.
•  Rules, regulations, and enforcement methods for controlling public use of facilities.
•  Objectives in the use of forest and other wild lands for recreation.
•  Current recreational needs, interests, trends, and facilities.
•  Property management and lease administration/negotiation.
•  Principles of marketing, advertising, and communications.
•  Governmental structures and their interrelationships, responsibilities, functions and limitations.
•  Fiscal management, including budget preparation and cost control methods.
•  Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training.
•  Characteristics of controversial situations, how to recognize them and guide staff through controversy
•  Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures. ABILITY TO:
•  Plan, organize and direct a variety of programs, projects and activities of assigned divisions.
•  Think critically, address challenges and make decisions effectively under pressure.
•  Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
•  Provide financial analysis . click apply for full job details