Athletic Manager

Athletic Manager

The Athletic Manager provides comprehensive leadership and oversight of the Athletic Division, including athletic programs, leagues, events, facilities, financial operations, and staff. The position directly supervises two full-time Athletic Supervisors and oversees part-time and seasonal personnel. The position is responsible for strategic planning, program development, facility and business operations, fiscal management, staff development, community partnerships, safety, and customer service. The Athletic Manager balances long-term planning with day-to-day operational leadership and works to enhance athletic offerings, improve facilities and services, and strengthen community partnerships. The role requires a dynamic, hands-on leader who remains engaged at all levels of service delivery. When necessary, the Athletic Manager provides direct program or facility support, including instructing or supervising programs when staffing gaps arise, to maintain continuity of service, safety, and a positive customer experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning Develop and implement short and long-term strategic and business plans for athletic programs, leagues, facilities, The Centre and the Sports Complex, including revenue generation, cost recovery, growth, and facility enhancement strategies. Analyze participation trends, demographics, community needs, and industry best practices to guide program development, redevelopment, expansion, and enhancement. Identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, new programs, tournaments, partnerships, and facility enhancements that advance departmental goals and respond to evolving community needs. Program Management Assist with the planning, implementation, operation, and evaluation of a comprehensive portfolio of athletic programs, including youth and adult leagues, instructional classes, clinics, open gym and drop-in activities, camps, seasonal programs, tournaments, and in-house and contractual programming. Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs and interests of the community. Establish program standards, curricula, procedures, schedules, staffing plans, equipment needs, and facility requirements to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery. Evaluate program effectiveness using participation data, customer feedback, financial performance, and other relevant measures. Sports Complex and Facility Operations Oversee daily operations of the Sports Complex, The Centre, and other athletic facilities, including fields, courts, indoor spaces, and support amenities, and develop facility use schedules that maximize efficiency and community access. Coordinate with maintenance staff and service providers to ensure facilities are safe, clean, operational, and properly maintained. Participate in long-range planning for capital improvements, renovations, and new facility development. Assist with managing vendor relationships, contracts, use agreements, and service arrangements related to athletic operations. Ensure facilities and operations comply with applicable safety, accessibility, risk management, and regulatory requirements. Financial and Business Management Assist with developing, administering, and monitoring athletic program and facility budgets, including revenue and expenditure tracking, financial forecasting, cost recovery, and performance analysis. Develop and maintain a business plan for the Elgin Sports Complex that provides an operational roadmap and guides future facility use, development, and resource needs. Establish pricing strategies, fee structures, and business practices that support financial sustainability and community access. Identify and pursue alternative revenue sources, including sponsorships, partnerships, grants, and tournaments. Prepare financial reports and recommendations and ensure fiscal accountability, responsible stewardship of public resources, and compliance with organizational financial policies. Staff Supervision and Workforce Development Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate full-time staff, as well as assist with part-time, and seasonal staff, in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Establish appropriate staffing levels, schedules, and contingency plans to ensure effective program and facility coverage. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team through ongoing training, coaching, performance management, and professional development. Address performance concerns and implement corrective actions when necessary. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team through ongoing training, coaching, performance management, and professional development, while modeling professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Operational and Frontline Support Provide hands-on leadership and support for programs, leagues, tournaments, special events, and facility operations, including troubleshooting operational issues and addressing staffing gaps as needed. When the Athletic Supervisors are not available, step into frontline roles, as needed, for officiating, supervising leagues or open gym sessions, leading or substituting instructional programs, and assisting with event setup, teardown, and coordination. Maintain a visible and approachable presence within facilities and programs, demonstrate flexibility in responding to operational needs, and promote exceptional customer service and positive participant experiences. Community Engagement and Partnerships Develop and maintain partnerships with the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (EACVB), schools, athletic organizations, community groups, local businesses, and other stakeholders to expand athletic opportunities and tournament activity. Manage relationships and agreements with athletic affiliate groups, including programs, facility use, grant applications, and related requirements. Serve as liaison to the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame, advisory boards, user groups, and other community or governing bodies, as assigned. Address community feedback, concerns, and requests professionally and promote programs and events through outreach and relationship-building. Marketing and Program Promotion Collaborate with department staff to develop and implement marketing and promotional strategies for athletic programs, facilities, tournaments, and events, and coordinate distribution with external partners, as appropriate. Use participation data, community trends, digital platforms, and other available resources to support effective outreach and increase participation. Risk Management and Compliance Oversee incident reporting, emergency response procedures, staff certifications, waivers, and required program and facility documentation. Ensure programs and operations comply with applicable departmental policies, accessibility requirements, and local, state, and federal regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of athletic programs, leagues, and facility management. Strong leadership, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Ability to develop strategic plans while effectively managing day-to-day operations and multiple priorities. Advanced budgeting, financial management, and analytical skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication, customer service, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to build effective community partnerships and relationships with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in recreation management software, registration systems, and scheduling platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible recreation experience. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in athletic or recreation program management and a minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership role. Experience managing sports facilities, leagues, and staff teams. Demonstrated experience in budgeting, program development, and operations. First Aid, CPR, and AED certification required, may obtain within six months or hiring, Department provided. Valid driver's license. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or equivalent preferred.