Recreation Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Borough of Lansdale Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a motivated and creative Recreation Specialist to join our team. This position manages and enhances programs, services, and events year-round to meet community needs and improve residents’ quality of life.

The Recreation Specialist plays a vital role in developing programs, coordinating special events, supporting seasonal staff, overseeing public relations and communications, and performing key administrative functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Programming and Events
   
   
   
   • Plan, promote, staff, evaluate, and report on activities and events.
   
   
   • Think creatively to develop and implement new programs and events that reflect community interests, current trends, and emerging needs. This includes piloting new ideas, refining existing offerings, and building inclusive opportunities for all ages.
   
   
   • Prepare program provider contracts and obtain required documentation.
   
   
   • Manage program registration website and calendar.
   
   
   • Coordinate marketing efforts with the Communications Coordinator, including social media, brochures, newsletters, and press releases.
   
   
   • Engage with residents and attend educational trainings to assess demand and identify industry best practices.
   
   
   • Coordinate with vendors and food trucks for various events, including Summer Concert Series and the Festival of the Arts.
   
   
   
   


2. Financial Management
   
   
   
   • Track and report on expenditures and revenues; assist with annual program budget preparation.
   
   
   • Process invoices for accounts payable.
   
   
   • Work with Director to make recommendations for annual fee schedule.
   
   
   
   


3. Staffing Support
   
   
   
   • Assist with the hiring process of approximately 100 seasonal employees.
   
   
   
   


4. Customer Service
   
   
   
   • Process in-person pool memberships and program registrations.
   
   
   • Respond to resident inquiries, complaints, or requests via in-person, phone, or email interactions.
   
   
   • Identify and resolve issues or recommend solutions to the Director.
   
   
   
   


5. Community Partnerships
   
   
   
   • Engage with youth/adult organizations, cultural groups, and civic clubs to offer programs and facilitate park facility use.
   
   
   
   


6. Sponsorship Management
   
   
   
   • Foster relationships with sponsors; work with local businesses to secure sponsorships and manage promotional materials.
   
   
   
   


7. Administrative Support
   
   
   
   • Handle document management, scanning, filing, record-keeping, and disposal.
   
   
   • Collect data and information from pool managers for daily pool usage and order requested supplies.
   
   
   • Prepare content for newsletters and email blasts.
   
   
   
   


8. Facility Administration
   
   
   
   • Process facility use applications and payments.
   
   
   • Prepare and issue facility use agreements for sports fields and pool rentals.
   
   
   • Maintain facility calendar and coordinate with Facilities Department for cleanings.
   
   
   • Ensure indoor rental spaces are clean and in good condition for use.
   
   
   
   

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Leisure Services, or a related field, plus 2 years of experience in recreation program planning or management.


• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in another field, with 4 years of relevant experience; OR a high school diploma/equivalent with 5 years of event or recreation management experience.


• Municipal experience preferred.

Licenses & Requirements

• Valid PA driver’s license and good driving record required.

• Must have or be willing to obtain required background checks including PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History, and FBI Fingerprint. Employment will be contingent upon additional required screenings.


• Must be willing to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.


• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is required.


• Commitment to ongoing professional development and willingness to attend educational training (paid by employer).
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Recreational programming, event planning, and community engagement practices
  
  
  • Public relations, marketing, and communications strategies.
  
  
  
  


• Skilled in:
  
  
  
  • Customer service, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving.
  
  
  • Recreation management software and general office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, and databases).
  
  
  • Social media management, website updates, and basic graphic design.
  
  
  
  


• Ability to:
  
  
  
  • Think creatively and develop innovative programs and events.
  
  
  • Work independently and collaboratively; manage multiple projects, adapt to change, and meet deadlines.
  
  
  • Demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to motivate self and others.
  
  
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with community organizations, staff, and the public.
  
  
  • Assist with event setup and breakdown, including tents, tables, and chairs.
  
  
  • Work outdoors in various weather conditions, though most responsibilities occur in an office setting.
  
  
  • Safely lift up to 30 pounds.