Regional Program Director- Charles Houston

Regional Program Director/ GS 21

Full-time position

Charles Houston Recreation Center

Join our Great City

The City of Alexandria is in Northern Virginia bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. Once within the original boundary stones that demarked the area of the Nation’s Capital, Alexandria is a part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 157,600 Alexandria is the sixth largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unique and historic, Alexandria is a place that is experiencing substantial redevelopment appeal and business growth opportunities because of a high market demand for urban living in a quality environment. About one-quarter of the City’s 15.47 square miles has been designated as a national or local historic district.

The City of Alexandria is an independent city with no county affiliation and derives its governing authority from a Charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, allowing local governments only the authority expressly granted to them by the Virginia Constitution or by the Virginia General Assembly in the City Charter or in general law. City Council is the governing body, which formulates policies for the administration of the City. The mayor is chosen on a separate ballot and presides over sessions of the Council.

If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for ourRegional Program Director position in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA).

Regional Program Director – Recreation Services Division

Regional Program Director manages a recreational center which has multiple recreation uses. An employee in this class performs administrative, supervisory and professional recreation work. The basic distinction between this class and others is the additional requirements that the incumbent markets and coordinates programs and supervises building operations, which results in meeting or exceeding revenue goals for the assigned center or overseeing the operation of centers. Considerable independent judgment and initiative are required in developing and maintaining the overall recreational activities through effective personnel/budget administration and marketing. An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring the existence of safe working conditions for all buildings, equipment, and both indoor and outdoor facilities. Considerable diplomacy must be exercised in dealing with subordinates and the general public. General supervision is received from the Division Chief.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Plans, directs, and coordinates all activities of the Center;
• Establishes Center work priorities, operating procedures, and maintenance standards;
• Develop and reviews work schedules to ensure staff coverage;
• Prepares and monitors expenditures against Center budget;
• Reviews and monitors Center revenues;
• Develops, implements, and evaluates the impact of a variety of Center marketing tools;
• Prepares descriptions of Center staff positions, and approves selection of staff;
• Participates and/or develops the divisional and departmental policies and procedures;
• Participates in weekly meetings with the Director and Division Chiefs;
• Prepares attendance, revenue, and expenditure reports;
• Represents the Department or Division at community meetings;
• Oversee the registration for, implementation and evaluation of Center classes;
• Formulates long-range plans that project prospective changes in functions and programs;
• Develop short-range plans for use in directing various annual work projects, including implementing the Department's and agency section's operational objectives and procedures while monitoring their execution. Implements performance-based objectives to analyze and measure for efficiency. Analyzes, reviews and develops division policies and procedures;
• Analyzes program operations and fiscal management at assigned community center;
• Assesses and implements with the department's IT team, relevant foundations and implementations of the Departments RecTrac software product. Utilizes RecTrac to track and analyzes attendance, activity and fiscal reports;
• Develops a marketing plan for the Center to be used as a tool in the development and implementation of programs and services in conjunction with the Department's Strategic Plan and Managing for Results Initiative and Matrix Study;
• Develops measures for each program activity that indicate the efficiency and adequacy in which the program objectives are achieved and conducts comprehensive evaluations of the center's programs and makes adjustments as required;
• Prepares justifications during the center's annual budget preparation process for acquisition of any additional resources required, described the need, use to be made and benefits to be derived;
• Accesses, identifies, surveys and re-evaluates core programs within the Recreation Services Division to stay compliant with current trends;
• Performs varied public relations functions to promote departmental programs and facilities and collaborates with area schools, City agencies and private/public organizations in the planning, development, coordination and implementation of cooperative programming;
• Represents the Department at local government and community meetings and maintains working relationships with members of the community, civic and special interest groups;
• Maintains communications with other City Agencies for the coordination of information;
• Functions as key Departmental Representatives in Emergencies and Emergency Preparedness;
• Coordinates activities with community groups, other departments, agencies and the press;
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness relating to work objectives;
• Recruits, trains and select seasonal staff and volunteers;
• Performs related work as required.

Key Work Aspects of RPCA and the City of Alexandria:Statement of Workplace Excellence -Every RPCA staff member has the right to a safe, healthy, efficient, and pleasant working environment where all organization members adhere to the highest standards of behavior, personal integrity, and truthfulness. Each staff member demonstrates full support and acts on deploying workplace excellence.

Customer Service Guarantee– We are committed to delivering a consistently superior customer experience to all who participate in our programs or visit our parks and facilities. Service will be:

• Responsive – respond in a timely manner to all residents and customers both external and internal. We own the request we receive and do not shift responsibility.
  • Professional – represent the department in appropriate appearance, decorum, and communication.
  • Courteous – Treat everyone with respect. Treat everyone fairly. Treat everyone with dignity.
  • Accountable – Demonstrate a bias toward action. Ensure follow-up and follow-through with appropriate results.

Our most valued assets are engaged staff members and customers.

What You Should Bring

Each member of the team is accountable for the outstanding delivery of services to the community. The ideal candidate should possess knowledge of programming and special event planning; knowledge of child development; ability to plan and direct program activities; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, stakeholders, and the public; ability to generate interest and participation in center activities with various age groups; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. The ability to work independently and use judgment within established procedures; experience preparing reports; ability to organize, ability to work with a variety of staff at all levels and to handle assignments across sections of the Recreation Services Division will ensure success in this role.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional recreation work; good knowledge of budget planning and practices; good knowledge of business management practices; good knowledge of the care and maintenance of recreation and school buildings; good knowledge of the many phases of community recreation; ability to schedule and coordinate programs; ability to provide working leadership to full-time and part-time staff and to volunteers; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, parents, activity participants, and the public; and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.

As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.

Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

About You

You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.

By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.

As part of RPCA, you will be expected to:

• Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
• Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
• Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
• Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
• Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service

The mission of the department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to create meaningful experiences that inspire community, foster creativity, and enhance the quality of life for everyone in Alexandria. The Department envisions Alexandria as a vibrant, connected, and thriving community where every resident feels a sense of belonging. Through safe, inclusive, and innovative programs and spaces, we strengthen well-being, celebrate diversity, and create opportunities for joy and discovery. Guided by equity and excellence, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in our city. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.

Bachelor's Degree and five years of relevant professional experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.Four-year College Degree with completion of college-level courses in recreation or similar; five years of progressively responsible experience in recreation work with a focus on out of school time management, including some experience at the level of Recreation Manager I or equivalent; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certification in First Aid and CPR. Ability to work early morning, late evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. Ability to be on call and resolve urgent situations over the phone and by reporting in person to the facility. Possession of a valid driver’s license.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal records background check and drug screening prior to employment.