Recreation Program Coordinator – Specialized Programs

Posting number: 2026-01035

Department: Seattle Parks & Recreation Department

Division: Recreation

Job classification: Recreation Program Coordinator

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community Services, Planning and Development, Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Customer Service, Organizational Development

Summary

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.
Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities.
The Recreation and Aquatics Division eliminates barriers through responsive, exceptional recreation services. We operate over 50 recreation facilities (community centers, teen centers, pools, school-based learning centers, environmental learning centers, and boating and sailing centers) and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. Our programs and events include fitness and athletics, licensed childcare and preschool, swimming and boating, youth development and job preparation, academic enrichment, and more -- including programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as grant and partnership programs designed and implemented with immigrant and refugee communities. With nearly 300 regular employees and a budget of nearly $40 million annually, Recreation is a major operation with significant impact on the communities we serve. In addition to our current operations, we also strive to constantly improve the ways we serve Seattle’s residents, specifically through implementation of the SPR Strategic Plan, innovation in our facility staffing and programming approaches, and learning from national best practices and quality standards.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is seeking to fill the Recreation Program Coordinator position leading our Specialized Programs Team. Specialized Programs offers year-round activities for youth and adults with disabilities. The Recreation Program Coordinator will lead citywide recreation programs designed for individuals who may choose to participate in activities specifically designed and conducted by trained staff to best meet their needs. This includes summer camps, day trips, fitness programs, youth and adult recreation programs, specialty/adaptive classes, and more.

The Recreation Program Coordinator for specialized programs will provide quality recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in a Parks and Recreation setting. The candidate will have knowledge and applied skills in adaptive physical education, organized games, therapeutic exercise, Special Olympics sports & tournaments, after-school programs, weekend programs, with the primary focus on developing life skills through recreational activities for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The coordinator will collaborate with department staff, outside agencies, schools, and the public to offer programs and explore partnership opportunities. This position is expected to assist participants in wheelchairs and/or with dressing, feeding, toileting; operating adaptive equipment as needed.

Examples of duties

• Recommend new programming ideas or program improvements to better meet the needs of people with disabilities.
• Secure and maintain all materials and equipment for assigned programs.
• Supervise program participants in facilities or in public, maintaining the department’s quality and safety standards and maintain order and discipline.
• Monitors performance of volunteers, coaches, Recreation Attendants, and sports officials during these activities.
• Respond to comments, questions, and complaints from program participants.
• Observe necessary precautions to secure the safety of recreation participants and spectators and render routine first aid in cases of minor injury.
• Maintain records such as attendance, program activities, and volunteer participation and prepare weekly report of all activities.
• Prepare promotional materials for the program such as brochures, fliers, and posters.
• Develop specialized programs to meet City-wide needs; and coordinate the scheduling and programming of City-wide activities for a designated section.
• Coordinate special use of recreation facilities with public groups or other City departments.
• Develop policies and procedures of operation for a designated section.
• Develop and monitor budget for applicable recreation program.
• Recruit, train and evaluate subordinate staff; and recommend selection of staff.
• Organize, direct and coordinate the activities of the appropriate advisory council; and monitor advisory council budget expenditures.
• Conduct surveys of program participants; compile and analyze data; and recommend revisions to new or existing programs.
• Provide recommendations and expert advice in the design, review and improvements to recreation facilities and program development.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Requires one year of experience in developing and coordinating recreation programs, including two years of supervision experience and a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Program Administration, Recreation or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or work experience which provides the ability to perform the work of the class).
Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Experience working with people with a variety of disabilities; including physical and cognitive, in a recreation or educational environment.
• Two years of experience in planning, implementing, and leading recreation programs for youth, teens, and adults with disabilities.
• Two years of experience working in a recreation setting (Camps, Community Centers, Boys and Girls Clubs etc.)
• One year of experience working with staff and volunteers.
• One year of experience providing excellent customer service, and ability to communicate information clearly in written and oral styles.
• Basic computer skills including competence in MS Word, Excel and MS Outlook.
• Candidates must possess the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks, changing priorities and attention to detail with excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Candidate should possess the ability to work effectively as a team member and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use basic American Sign Language.
• Acquire Food Handler's Permit.
• De-Escalation skills and use of AAC devices.
  

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• Current Washington State driver's license.
• First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate required within six months of hire.

Supplemental information

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $50.56 to $59.06 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit a complete detailed application including all work experience and education.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR’s Core Competencies are:

• Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high-quality standards.
• Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
• Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
• Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
• Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.

We recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, automated response generators, or language models, can be helpful during the job search process. If you choose to use them, please carefully review all materials before submission to ensure accuracy, as you will be required to affirm that your responses are true and correct during the application process. Submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. Please also note that relying on AI to complete text-based supplemental questions or during interviews may not accurately represent your skills and experiences, which are critical to applicant success. In some cases, you may be instructed not to use AI tools during the selection process. Learn more about the City of Seattle AI Policy here.