Superintendent of Recreation Program and Facility Services

Lead Recreation. Inspire Community. Shape the Future.

Are you an experienced recreation professional who thrives on leadership, innovation, and community impact? The Crystal Lake Park District is seeking a dynamic and visionary Superintendent of Recreation Program & Facility Services to lead one of the area's most diverse and respected recreation departments.

This executive leadership position is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of recreation by overseeing exceptional programs, outstanding facilities, and a talented team dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents.

Why Crystal Lake Park District?

At the Crystal Lake Park District, we believe parks and recreation create stronger, healthier communities. Our team is passionate about delivering memorable experiences for residents of every age while fostering a collaborative, supportive, and innovative workplace.

As Superintendent, you'll help shape the strategic direction of our recreation services while making a meaningful impact on thousands of community members each year.

What You'll Lead

You'll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a wide variety of recreation programs and facilities, including:

• Main Beach & West Beach
• The Racket Club
• Grand Oaks Recreation Center
• Nature Center
• Golf Learning Center
• Oakwoods Lodge
• Community Buildings & Rental Facilities
• Early Childhood Programs
• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Fitness
• Cultural Arts
• Nature Programs
• Teen & Youth Programs
• Active Adult Programming
• Camps
• Special Events
• Extended Time Programs

From long-range planning and budgeting to staff development and community partnerships, you'll play a key role in ensuring our programs and facilities continue to exceed community expectations.

What You'll Do

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you'll:

• Provide strategic leadership for recreation programming and facility operations.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and long-term planning initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a talented team of recreation professionals.
• Oversee program quality, operational excellence, and financial sustainability.
• Build partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to advance Park District goals.
• Foster innovation while maintaining exceptional customer service and community engagement.
• Ensure safe, welcoming, and well-managed recreation facilities for all residents.

We're Looking For Someone Who

✔ Inspires and develops high-performing teams.

✔ Thinks strategically while effectively managing day-to-day operations.

✔ Has exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.

✔ Makes data-informed decisions and embraces continuous improvement.

✔ Is passionate about creating outstanding recreation experiences for the community.

✔ Leads with integrity, professionalism, and a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Park Administration, Leisure Services, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive recreation management experience.
• At least 5 years of supervisory leadership experience.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE).
• Strong financial, operational, and personnel management experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, or related field.
• Experience with RecTrac, Incode Financial Software, and HRIS/Payroll systems.
• CPR/AED Certification.

Why You'll Love Working Here

The Crystal Lake Park District offers the opportunity to lead a highly respected recreation department while making a lasting difference in the community. You'll work alongside passionate professionals who value collaboration, innovation, exceptional service, and continuous improvement.

If you're ready to lead with vision, inspire your team, and help shape the future of recreation in Crystal Lake—we'd love to hear from you.

The Crystal Lake Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Park District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The Crystal Lake Park District is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

To view our benefit offerings, please click here.