DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AND YOUTH PROGRAMMING (EXEMPT)

DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AND YOUTH PROGRAMMING (EXEMPT)

Salary

$76,142.00 Annually

Location

City Hall, NY

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

POSTING

Department

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Opening Date

08/28/2026

Closing Date

9/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Fee

$0.00

• Description
• Benefits

RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANYONE APPLYING FOR THE BUFFALO POLICE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION. NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT-SUMMER LIFEGUARDS: Due to the nationwide lifeguard shortage, residency is NOT a requirement for the seasonal lifeguard position in the City of Buffalo. Applicants from any nearby municipality are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW.

FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.)

Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Director of Recreation is responsible for developing and coordinating inter-community recreational activities in cooperation with other governmental recreation programs, community-based organizations and public and private human service agencies. The

Incumbent is responsible for maximizing and bolstering recreational opportunities for youth, young adults and senior citizens. By pursuing public and private funding, the incumbent will endeavor to achieve the goals and objectives of developing collaborative and effective recreational programming. General supervision is received from the Commissioner, with considerable leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment for planning and carrying out activities. Supervision id exercised over personnel assigned

Examples of work (Illustration Only)

Plans, organizes, coordinates and implements city-sponsored recreational community programs, especially to provide youth, young adults and senior citizens with recreational, educational, cultural, environmental and preventive activities in structured, supervised and organized settings;

Plans, organizes, coordinates and implements city sponsored recreational events;

Coordinates the flow of information between city departments, outside agencies and businesses;

Fulfills the recreational mission of the City of Buffalo by coordinating all pertinent activities across relevant city departments;

Working with the Communications department, formulates and coordinates public relations program to promote publicity for activities and programs through various media sources;

Oversees the organization, planning, conducting and scheduling of all recreational programs/events, incorporating the fundamentals of recreational activities and safety procedures;

Recruits, interviews and assigns professional personnel and volunteers to run the programs/events;

Advises all personnel and volunteers of policies, procedures and standards of service with the City;

Works with youth, young adults and senior citizens, especially in providing leadership and direction to participants;

Reviews and assesses attendance and progress reports of participants in the programs;

Prepares annual division budget and submits to Commissioner for approval;

May be required to research grants;

Performs related duties as required;

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from a college or university recognized by a regional, national, or specialized agency as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education (any major), and two years full-time experience in a supervisory capacity dealing with the developing and implementing of recreational programs or special event programs;

OR

2. Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and five years of full-time experience in a supervisory capacity dealing with the developing and implementing of recreational programs or special event programs;

OR

3. An equivalent combination of the foregoing within the limits of A and B.

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

Additional Information

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the theory and practices governing the administration of recreational programs;

Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of programs, organizations, laws and ordinances governing the City's operation;

Good knowledge of community resources;

Good knowledge of publicity and public relations principles, methods and techniques;

Ability to plan, schedule coordinate and facilitate recreational programs;

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;

Ability to prepare written marketing and promotional copy;

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with public and private agencies, community organizations, etc…;

Ability to establish and maintain friendly relations with various news and communications media;

Self-motivation; tact; courtesy; willingness to work unusual hours;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position;

The City of Buffalos benefit package is designed to give our employees and their love ones, comfort, safety, and stability they need in serving our community each and every day.

Our offerings include:

• Medical and vision, Dental, Life Insurance (basic) and (supplemental)
• New York State Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Assistance Program for employee/family members
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Liberal holidays & vacation
• Growth Opportunities and Steady earnings potential

Employer City of Buffalo