Position Description

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity & Inclusion

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities. The Recreation Division eliminates barriers through responsive, exceptional recreation services. We operate over 50 recreation facilities (community centers, teen centers, pools, school-based learning centers, environmental learning centers, and boating and sailing centers) and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives.

Our programs and events include fitness and athletics, licensed childcare and preschool, swimming and boating, youth development and job preparation, academic enrichment, and more -- including programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as grant and partnership programs designed and implemented with immigrant and refugee communities. With nearly 300 regular employees and a budget of nearly $40 million annually, Recreation is a major operation with significant impact on the communities we serve.

Job Responsibilities

The Teen and Youth Development Manager will be a dynamic leader and serve as convener, project manager, and team lead. Indirectly supporting 20+ regular employees and 45+ temporary employees and contracted partners. Specifically, this leader is responsible for overseeing all activities and operations of the division’s Teen & Youth Development Unit, while guiding a large and diverse workforce to implement the department's mission, building a respectful workplace culture, leading the division through change, and utilizing a team approach focused on community service, accomplishments, and accountability.

We have three main recruiting objectives for this position. First, we are looking for someone who will maintain a focus on the quality of our Teen & Youth Programs while ensuring safety for staff, participants, and users. Second and equally important, we are recruiting someone with the ability to increase and expand the diverse participation and usership of programs and partnerships. Lastly, as an integral part of city government, SPR is responsible for supporting citywide efforts as they arise; this position will regularly collaborate internally and with other city departments on our role in key citywide issues (such as homelessness, youth gun-violence, emergency response, economic recovery) as they relate to recreation facilities and programs.

Reporting to the Recreation Division Deputy Director, the Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and supervising 4+ direct reports who are responsible for the supervision and coordination of teen and youth programs as part of a team of six Section Managers, which are each responsible for a specific program area. It will be your responsibility to build and maintain healthy relationships with each Unit Manager to cultivate a positive workplace culture that supports collaboration, innovation, and execution.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Park Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Social and Human Services, Public Health or a related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work). Three years of experience in youth and teen development and programming.

You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities: You will be most successful if you have experience in a broad set of areas, including Education, Youth Development, Juvenile Justice, Recreation, Leisure Services, Public Administration, Business, or related fields. A commitment to listening, creating space for diverse perspectives and the pursuit of inclusive and just outcomes must be at the center of your professional practice.

Additional Information

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.