Career Center

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for overseeing the planning, development, recruitment and administration of athletic programs, leagues, and tournaments within the City’s Parks and Recreation Department to align with the mission of  department that is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors by providing exceptional parks, facilities, programs, and activities.

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Actively recruit new tournaments and events to enhance the department's offerings and community engagement.
• Identify, recruit, and schedule a diverse range of events for facility patrons.
• Strategically schedule events to optimize facility usage and maximize revenue potential.
• Maintain a master calendar for facility-hosted events, tournaments, and activities.
• Represent the organization nationally with professionalism.
• Develop and nurture relationships with sports tournament and athletics organization contacts.
• Maintain professional and positive relationships with tournament and event leadership teams.
• Serve as the main point of contact for sports organizations and tournament directors.
• Negotiate contracts with event and tournament directors, ensuring all parties meet organizational objectives.
• Manage relationships with vendors and contractors, ensuring all contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• Create, plan, organize, promote, implement, and manage citywide athletic programs for youth and adults.
• Select, train, and motivate personnel assigned to specific programs; provide and coordinate staff training, including scheduling of seasonal staff and managing all sports inventory. Work with employees to correct deficiencies; discipline and recommend termination to the Director as necessary.
• Assist in managing a variety of agreements; ensure work is in compliance with city specifications.
• Select, train and supervise all coaches, officials, field maintenance personnel as well as coordinate and manage all program facilitators and guest speakers.
• Assure training requirements for coaches and volunteers are completed prior to the season start date.
• Responsible for scheduling all sports leagues and tournaments.
• Manage and maintain accurate financial records for all tournaments, including budgeting and reporting.
• Manage business development initiatives with focus on revenue-targeted events.
• Communicate event projections and financial information to Director and other stakeholders.
• Oversee all aspects of tournament operations, ensuring events run smoothly and efficiently.
• Plan and execute event management details to ensure high-quality event operations.
• Oversee the preparation of all indoor and outdoor venues for competitions.
• Coordinate schedules and ensure facilities are properly set up, safe, and compliant with standards.
• Conduct pre- and post-event meetings with stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement.
• Recruit, schedule, and supervise tournament staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Oversee the assignment of officials to ensure fair play and compliance with rules.
• Coordinate with athletic trainers and emergency management services for event coverage as needed.
• Assume the role of manager on duty during assigned events.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and emergency procedures for participants and staff.
• Implement weather safety protocols to respond to adverse conditions during outdoor events.
• Respond to emergency calls for repairs or meetings with service vendors during off-duty hours if necessary.
• Manage customer service for tournament participants, addressing concerns promptly.
• Maintain a friendly and professional demeanor when interacting with facility patrons.
• Exhibit proficiency in both written and oral communication.
• Communicate event details, marketing objectives, and lodging information to relevant stakeholders.
• Work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on events.
• Be available and prepared to travel, up to 10% of the year.
• Attend all required meetings as directed by supervisors.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and integrity consistently.
• Coordinate with the Director on strategic initiatives to grow tournament offerings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of and experience in recreation and sports management.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal recreation administration and program development.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and best practices for a variety of sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball).
• Knowledge of tournament planning, league scheduling, and event coordination for youth and adult programs.
• Knowledgeable of procedures for athletic field and facility scheduling, maintenance, and preparation.
• Knowledge of risk management principles for recreational and athletic environments.
• Knowledge of sports equipment setup, care, and inventory control.
• Knowledgeable of fee structures, vendor invoicing, and financial reporting processes.
• Knowledgeable of municipal policies, liability guidelines, and risk management related to public recreation.
• Knowledgeable of ADA compliance and inclusion strategies for recreational programming.
• Knowledgeable of safety standards for athletic facilities and events.
• Knowledgeable in the principles of effective public relations, marketing, and program promotion.
• Knowledgeable in the techniques for conflict resolution and responding to participant concerns.
• Knowledgeable in the fundamentals of supervision, training, and performance evaluation of staff and volunteers.
• Knowledge of best practices for scheduling and managing part-time and seasonal employees.
• Knowledgeable in recreation management software for scheduling, registration, and reporting; as well as Basic office software (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and digital marketing tools.
• Knowledgeable of basic first aid, CPR, and emergency response procedures for sports and recreational environments.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.
• Knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices.
• Skill in planning, organizing, analyzing, decision making, and problem solving.
• Skill in the use of office equipment, including a computer and relevant software.
• Skill in public relations.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The department director assigns work in terms of general instructions, sets performance goals and objectives, and assesses overall performance.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include department policies and procedures, federal and state laws, case law, accreditation standards, HR policies and procedures, and other city policies and procedures.  These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied and complex administrative, managerial, supervisory, and programming logistics. Requires a high degree of customer service and interpersonal skills, as well as creative and strategic thinking.

CONTACTS                                                            

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, contractors, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in both indoor recreation facilities and outdoor sports fields, often varying in weather conditions, with exposure to moderate to high noise levels, crowds, and occasional contact with cleaning decimals and bodily fluids during first aid situations.
• Frequent Mobility-Standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting for extended periods during events and fitness programs.
• Lifting & Carrying-Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally for setting up tables, chairs, sports equipment, or event supplies.
• Equipment Setup-Moving and assembling sports and field equipment as needed.
• Demonstration of Fitness Activities-May involve demonstrating proper exercise techniques or instructing classes.
• Visual & Hearing Acuity-Necessary for monitoring facility activities, reading schedules, and communicating effectively in noisy environments.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• This position will be assisted by the Recreation Facilities Manger to ensure implementation of these expectations.
• May supervise part-time staff, coaches, and volunteers, requiring skills in training, scheduling, and performance oversight to ensure safe and effective program delivery.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (i.e. Sports Management, Event Management, Recreation or Recreation Management, Public Administration, Business, etc.) preferred.
• Five (5) or more years related work experience the administration and management of athletics facilities, development/planning of athletics programs, recruiting and scheduling sports tournaments.
• Must possess and maintain current CPR/First Aid training and certification(s).
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be able to reliably commute to City facilities.
• Must be proficient in the English language, both spoken and written.

About The City of Decatur

Known as “The City of Opportunity,” Decatur is a vibrant and welcoming community with much to offer residents, visitors, and the many businesses and industries that call it home. A strong and diverse economy, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and active community organizations make Decatur a great place to live, work, and play. What truly sets our city apart is the Southern hospitality and giving spirit found in the hearts of our residents: it’s why so many people choose to make Decatur their home and why visitors return year after year. As an employer, the City of Decatur offers diverse career opportunities, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment that values professionalism, teamwork, and public service. The City of Decatur employs several hundred full-time and part-time team members who take pride in serving the community through public safety, parks and recreation, environmental services, administrative support, and technical operations. We’re committed to creating a workplace that values fairness, inclusivity, professional growth, and safety: a place where employees can build meaningful careers while making a difference. The City of Decatur is an equal ...opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce and providing employment opportunities to all, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

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