The City of Essex Junction is seeking an experienced and collaborative Assistant Recreation Director to oversee recreation program staff and support the daily operations of the Recreation & Parks Department. This leadership role ensures the effective planning, delivery, and evaluation of recreation programs and community events, while providing guidance, strategic direction, and operational support to staff.

In addition to program oversight, the Assistant Recreation Director provides department-level leadership for communications, marketing, sponsorship development, grant efforts, and volunteer management, ensuring these functions align with department goals and are effectively executed by assigned staff.

This is a full-time position with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.

• 14 paid holidays
• 18 sick days per year
• Retirement benefits include a pension plan (VMERS C) or deferred compensation plan (VMERS DC) , and the ability to contribute to a 457, Traditional IRA or ROTH
• Generous health insurance benefit in which the City pays 94% of the premium for medical and the first 80% of the deductible. After that, you are only responsible for the next 20%, which is not more than $600 for single plans and no more than $1200 for all other plans for covered medical expenses.
• 100% employer paid for dental and vision
• 100% employer paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBLITIES 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Recreation Program & Community Event Oversight

• Supervise, direct, and support full-time program staff responsible for recreation programs and community events
• Support staff in all aspects of program management, including budget development and monitoring, planning, scheduling, coordination, supervision, and evaluation
• Ensure programming provides inclusive, diverse opportunities for all ages, abilities, interests, and backgrounds
• Encourage and support innovation through the development of new programs and events
• Oversee coordination with schools regarding facility use for programs and events
• Assess community needs and guide program development, policies, and procedures to respond to changing needs

Communications & Marketing Oversight

• Provide leadership and oversight of department communications and marketing efforts to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with department goals
• Collaborate with staff, including the Program Engagement & Marketing Coordinator, to support effective promotion of programs, events, and initiatives
• Review and support development of marketing materials, outreach strategies, and seasonal publications
• Ensure website, social media, and communication platforms are current and aligned with department standards
• Address complex or sensitive public communication issues and elevate matters to the Director as appropriate

Finance and Administration

• Supervise and direct day-to-day office administration through the Business Coordinator and Customer Service Specialist
• Review and approve purchase requisitions within assigned areas
• Monitor program expenses and revenues in accordance with the approved budget
• Generate and present financial reports as requested
• Maintain accurate records related to programs, enrollment, and evaluations using recreation software and other systems
• Participate in budget development and planning for assigned program areas
• Support staff and customers with registration systems and processes

Sponsorship Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for sponsorship development efforts
• Support staff in building and maintaining relationships with sponsors and community partners
• Review and approve sponsorship strategies, outreach efforts, and agreements

Grant Oversight

• Provide leadership and coordination of grant efforts to ensure timely submissions and alignment with department priorities
• Support staff in identifying grant opportunities and developing competitive applications

Volunteer Management

• Support program staff in implementing best practices for volunteer recruitment, onboarding, supervision, and evaluation
• Assess and guide the development of a comprehensive volunteer management system as needed

Other Professional Duties

• Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Director
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Recreation & Parks office
• Supervise and provide direction to the Program Engagement & Marketing Coordinator
• Communicate regularly with the Director, staff, and community partners to coordinate programs, resolve issues, and support department initiatives
• Attend professional meetings, conferences, and training opportunities
• Develop, review, and improve policies, procedures, and operational systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in recreation programming, administration, and staff supervision

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Parks & Recreation Executive (CPRE)

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS 

• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), required or ability to obtain
• First Aid and CPR certification, required or ability to obtain