Parks & Community Services Manager

Parks & Community Services Manager

Salary

$112,298.59 - $155,008.17 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

26-00181

Department

Parks and Community Services

Division

PCS Recreation

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NONAFF

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

The Parks & Community Services Department is seeking an experienced and dynamic manager with a proven ability to inspire and support staff while bringing creative, innovative approaches to achieving program goals and community outcomes. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who values teamwork, embraces continuous improvement, and is motivated to help deliver high-quality and equitable services to the community.

The selected candidate will also support the City's One City approach by fostering collaboration across department work groups and division, city departments, building strong partnerships, and contributing to a culture of high performance that advances organizational priorities and community impact.

The Community Recreation division comprises 13 distinct workgroups, 12 of which operate within community centers or recreation facilities. The division includes 5 community centers, an aquatic center and tennis center, Kelsey Creek Farm, Bellevue Youth Theatre, golf course(s) and the Parks Scheduling Office.

You'll be responsible for the overall management and performance of recreation programs and community services, including assigned recreation facilities and programs. In this role, you will ensure that programs, services, and events align with the City's strategic plans, City Council vision, and Parks & Community Services Department priorities while meeting the evolving needs of the community.

You will also be responsible for developing and implementing short- and long-range plans for the respective program areas; balancing overall cost recovery goals while maintaining service levels and performance standards; ensuring equitable and inclusive community access; and providing overall leadership, support, supervision, and professional development of staff, including regular and part-time employees.

This position works collaboratively with one other Parks & Community Services Program Manager to oversee and support the teams responsible for providing programs and services to the community, establish divisional goals, develop and enforce operational policies and standards, and solve issues and concerns that may impact the entire division.

The position reports directly to the Assistant Director, Parks & Community Services and represents the department in public forums, including interactions with City Council, the Parks & Community Services Board, program-specific advisory groups, City management, community partners, and the public.

At The City of Bellevue youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and being a part of the community vision. Our people bring unique skills and qualities to the table, embrace the values of honesty, accountability and commitment to service, and take pride in the work they do. Youll work in an environment where being innovative, collaborative, and future focused are the status quo.

City Council Vision Statement: Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past.

Bellevue Parks & Community Services Vision: In Bellevue everyone can connect to each other and to nature through experiences that help them to live, grow, and thrive.

Bellevue Parks & Community Services Mission: We build a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, natural areas, recreation, arts and culture, and a broad base of community services.

Equity: Equity means everybody in our community can access, participate in and benefit from services, resources and opportunities that contribute to a high quality of life, no matter an individual's identities. Put simply, in an equitable society, one's identities are not accurate predictors of one's outcomes. Different from equality, equity considers how the unique identities, circumstances, and histories of different people may impact experiences within institutions and systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements short and long-range plans for assigned recreation facilities and program areas. Establishes performance outcomes and goals.
• Provides strategic guidance based on Parks & Community Services and city planning documents, and community feedback.
• Provides overall supervision to employees, including direct reports, program and administrative staff, and temporary staff. Works with program areas on all areas of Human Resource management, including hiring, performance issues, mentoring, and staff training/development.
• Provides financial development and management of budget and revenues for assigned recreation facilities and programs.
• Participates in team and group projects at various levels, serving as both a team leader or professional member responsible for directing group work and outcomes.
• Responsible for providing leadership to recreation programs and services on issues including marketing, promotions, technology, equitable and inclusive program access, program evaluation and customer service.
• Corresponds with program participants, City Council, boards, commissions, City management, and residents regarding policies, procedures, service levels, and program goals. Provides written reports and presentations on program area.
• Develops, reviews, and implements policies and procedures related to program area, including equitable access and inclusion, program pricing, service offerings, operating procedures, legal and risk management, facility maintenance, and building security.
• Meets with outside vendors, prospects new customers, and negotiates partnerships.
• Position requires attendance at off-site scheduled or unscheduled events or meetings on a timely basis including assisting at department special events as assigned.
• Position requires the ability to respond to and support the needs of facilities, events, programs, and staff in-person if needed within a reasonable timeframe.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Parks & Community Services.
• Exercises supervision over Community Services Supervisors and Managers, and either directly or indirectly over program coordinators, administrative support staff and temporary employees, as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business, public administration, recreation management, or related field(s).
• Five or more years of related professional experience in recreation management, program planning and/or project management.
• Supervisory and personnel management experience required.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must pass a criminal background check prior to hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of modern principles, practices, and planning of recreation program development and administration.
• Knowledge of public administration principles, including municipal governance, inter-agency, collaboration and the legal framework impacting park and recreation services.
• Extensive knowledge of access, inclusion, and modification of general recreation programs to support and provide opportunities for everyone to participate.
• Extensive knowledge of budget development, review and analysis.
• Skill in conflict resolution, negotiating and customer service, proactively addressing inquiries and resolving concerns and complaints.
• Ability to relate to and experience in working with a broad and varied population.
• Strong ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures to ambiguous situations.
• Strong professional communication (oral, written) and analytical skills required.
• Valid drivers license required.
• Ability to develop effective teams and to coordinate efforts across work groups, adapting communication styles and management approaches as needed.
• Proficiency in office skills, including use of Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, recreation registration programs; ability to master new technology.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning of diversity, equity & inclusion principles and a commitment to implement these principles in your work.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work is performed in a variety of settings and conditions both in a typical office setting as well as field situations.
• May be outdoors and in various weather conditions.
• Frequently required to visit facilities and programs in the community.

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

APPLICANT NOTICE: Your answers below will be used to review this application. The experience listed here MUST match the work history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, you may edit your application before submitting. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above" in your answers below and we do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application.

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Do you have a valid Washington State or state-issued drivers license?

• Yes
• No

03

All new hires will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The city is not able to sponsor work visas. Please confirm work authorization.

• Yes, I have current US work authorization.
• No, I do not have current US work authorization.

04

Please select one of the following that best describes your highest level of education.

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above
• None of the above

05

How many years of prior related professional experience in Recreation management, program planning and/or project management do you have?

• Less that 3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5-8 years of experience
• 8-10 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience
• No related experience

06

Which of the following areas do you have experience with in the management of recreation programs, facilities, or community services? (Select all that apply)

• Managing multiple recreation facilities or diverse program workgroups
• Overseeing operations in community centers, aquatics, arts, farm, youth theatre, golf, or similar specialized facilities
• Developing and implementing short- and long-range plans for program or facility areas
• Aligning programs, services, or events with organizational strategic plans or council/department priorities
• Ensuring equitable and inclusive access to recreation programs and facilities
• Managing cost-recovery goals while maintaining established service levels
• Supervising, supporting, and developing full-time and part-time staff
• Leading community outreach, partnerships, or stakeholder engagement efforts
• Evaluating program performance and making data-informed operational decisions
• Managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, or reviewing financial reports
• Implementing safety, risk management, or emergency procedures within recreation operations

07

Do you have knowledge of modern principles and practices in recreation program planning, development, and administration?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience supporting access, inclusion, or adapting general recreation programs to ensure participation for all?

• Yes
• No

09

This role requires frequent visits to offsite facilities, programs, events, meetings, and engagements with vendors, prospects, and community partners. Are you able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

10

What types of supervisory or personnel management experience do you have? (Select all that apply)

• Full-time staff
• Part-time staff
• Seasonal staff
• Contract staff
• None of the above

11

This position manages multiple work groups responsible for a range of recreation facilities, programs and activities. Describe the scope and scale of your experience managing multiple recreation work groups. Provide specific examples of the work groups you have managed (for example community centers, aquatics programs, etc.) and the length of time you managed them. (MAX 200 words) (Please be mindful that artificial intelligence tools, when used to assist in drafting responses, can produce similar language across the many applications submitted. Responses are more effective if they clearly reflect personal experience, specific examples, and individual voice.)

12

Describe your supervisory and personnel experience with staff including motivating, setting and monitoring yearly goals, coaching, corrective actions, and performance evaluations. Include a specific example of coaching and developing an employee and the results. (MAX 200 words) (Please be mindful that artificial intelligence tools, when used to assist in drafting responses, can produce similar language across the many applications submitted. Responses are more effective if they clearly reflect personal experience, specific examples, and individual voice.)

13

Describe a situation where you had to balance existing recreation programs with emerging community needs and opportunities among your work teams with limited funding and resources. What was your approach to decision making between the programs in question, and what was the outcome to the community as a result of your decision? Would you do anything different if you were faced with this situation again? (MAX 200 words) (Please be mindful that artificial intelligence tools, when used to assist in drafting responses, can produce similar language across the many applications submitted. Responses are more effective if they clearly reflect personal experience, specific examples, and individual voice.)

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/