The city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department's mission is to encourage active lifestyles and create healthy environments for people, nature and community. 

The award-winning operation consists of seven divisions (Golf, Open Space and Natural Resources, Parks Operations, Planning, Design and Construction, Recreation, Business Services and Communications) that collectively manage more than 8,000 acres of open space, 100+ parks, 180+ athletic fields, over 100 miles of trails, three nature centers, two reservoirs, five recreation centers, five golf courses, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, and one of Colorado's largest municipal urban forestry programs. 

Aurora PROS is committed to delivering exceptional public service while being responsible stewards of its diverse system of parks, programs, natural resources, and amenities that enhance the daily quality of life for Aurora residents.

The hiring range for this role is $95,460 - $119,325 annually.

The full salary range for this role is $95,460 - $149,157 annually.

Salary to be commensurate with experience. 

The deadline to submit applications is November 30, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing application screenings on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. 

Position overview

The Recreation Manager provides leadership, administration, and oversight for assigned programs, services, and facilities by guiding subordinate staff. This role translates executive vision into actionable operational strategies to maintain a safe, efficient, and customer-focused division. Key responsibilities include long-range strategic planning, operational performance, fiscal management, staff leadership, community needs assessment, and continuous service improvement.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as an executive member of the division management team and assist in developing and implementing long-range plans, strategies, and complex projects
• Recruit, select, assign, supervise, develop and evaluate staff
• Administer corrective action, discipline, and termination procedures as necessary
• Develop budgets, monitor and forecast revenue, expenditures, and cost recovery
• Monitor and propose fee changes for programs, services, and facilities
• Administer contracts, procurement activities, and agreements in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
• Evaluate and collaborate on corporate and community partnership proposals and grant opportunities
• Provide recommendations on facility design and construction priorities, and may serve as the agency representative for projects
• Assess the condition and functionality of facilities and equipment and recommend capital improvements and replacements as needed
• Continuously evaluate programs, services, and operations to improve consistency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction and align with community needs
• Propose, develop and institute divisional policies, procedures and SOPs
• Ensure compliance with a myriad of regulations, safety standards, and legal requirements by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential hazards or compliance issues
• Coordinate marketing, outreach, and customer communication efforts to support awareness, enrollment, and participation
• Provide general oversight of software usage (memberships, program registrations, permits) and customer-facing systems
• Build and maintain positive relationships with department and city staff, vendors, contractors, community organizations, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public
• May serve as a liaison to boards and provide reports and presentations to committees, boards, and City Council as requested
• Perform other duties as assigned

The listed primary duties and responsibilities are not a comprehensive list of expectations for the job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.