Salary : $121,340.18 - $217,406.02 Annually
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Recreation Parks & Cultural Activities
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Deputy Director- Recreation Services

The Deputy Director:

• Provide strategic leadership for Recreation Services, including aquatics, recreation centers, youth and adult programming, therapeutic recreation, out-of-school time programs, customer service, and community engagement.
• Advance a culture of exceptional customer service by implementing department-wide customer service standards, strengthening the customer experience, and centralizing customer service and registration functions.
• Develop and implement innovative recreation programs, services, and operational strategies that respond to evolving community needs and expand access to high-quality recreational opportunities.
• Lead the implementation of a comprehensive Youth Sports Affiliate Policy that strengthens partnerships, promotes equitable access, and improves the management of athletic programming and facilities.
• Strengthen operational excellence by establishing performance measures, documenting standard operating procedures, implementing data-driven decision-making, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Build and develop high-performing teams by investing in leadership development, succession planning, employee engagement, and professional growth opportunities throughout the Recreation Services Division.
• Manage financial resources responsibly by overseeing division budgets, identifying operational efficiencies, maximizing revenue opportunities, and ensuring fiscal stewardship.
• Collaborate with City departments, Alexandria City Public Schools, community organizations, nonprofit partners, and regional agencies to enhance recreation services, expand partnerships, and improve community outcomes.
• Use performance data, customer feedback, and industry best practices to evaluate programs, measure organizational impact, and guide strategic planning and service improvements.
• Serve as a member of the Department's Executive Leadership Team, helping shape the department's strategic direction while fostering innovation, collaboration, and organizational excellence.

The Deputy Director key work projects FY27-FY28:

1. Lead the implementation of the Recreation Services Master Plan, establishing a long-term vision for recreation programs, facilities, aquatics, community centers, and equitable access to services.
2. Conduct a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment to evaluate current and future recreation needs, identify service gaps, and develop recommendations that respond to changing community demographics and priorities.
3. Modernize Recreation Operations by implementing standardized operating procedures, performance measures, and data-driven decision-making to improve consistency, accountability, and service delivery across all Recreation Services divisions.
4. Transform the Customer Experience through the implementation of department-wide customer service standards, customer service training, and the centralization of customer service and registration functions.
5. Strengthen Community Partnerships by expanding collaboration with Alexandria City Public Schools, youth sports affiliates, community organizations, nonprofit partners, and regional agencies to enhance programming, maximize shared resources, and increase access to recreation opportunities.
6. Develop Future Leaders and Build Organizational Capacity by implementing leadership development, succession planning, workforce development, and employee engagement initiatives that strengthen organizational culture and prepare the next generation of Recreation Services leaders.
7. Collaborate with other City departments on joint projects involving planning for and deployment of programs for youth and adults (Library, OHA, DCHS, Schools).

What You Should Bring

We are seeking a collaborative, innovative, and people-centered leader who is passionate about creating exceptional recreation experiences and strengthening communities through public service. The successful candidate will bring executive-level experience leading complex recreation and community services organizations, with a demonstrated ability to inspire teams, foster a high-performing organizational culture, and lead meaningful organizational change.

You should possess a proven track record of building collaborative relationships across departments, partnering with schools, community organizations, and regional stakeholders, and using data and performance measures to guide strategic decision-making, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance the customer experience. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who embraces innovation, develops future leaders, and is committed to continuous improvement and service excellence.
Most importantly, you believe in the power of recreation to improve quality of life. You lead with integrity, accountability, and empathy, while creating welcoming, inclusive, and engaging opportunities that enrich the lives of residents of all ages and abilities. Your leadership will help shape the future of Recreation Services by delivering innovative programs, exceptional customer experiences, and lasting community impact
Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelors' degree in recreation and parks or related field; seven (7) years of related experience, of which three (3) years must be at the supervisory or managerial level, in planning, coordinating, and conducting park maintenance, forestry, land management, park design, community planning, and park construction operations or equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree, executive municipal leadership experience, presentations to elected officials, organizational transformation, and professional certifications (CPRP, CPRE, CPM, or similar)

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of a criminal records background check and drug screening prior to employment.
Please note that the working location is: 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA