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Instructional Programs Manager (Park/Rec Specialist II)

Fairfax County Government
$62,482.37 - $104,137.49 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, child care, retirement plan
United States, Virginia, McLean
Apr 25, 2026

Job Announcement

Do you have a passion for creating meaningful experiences and lifelong learning opportunities for county residents of all ages? This position plans, coordinates, schedules and manages high-quality programs and services designed to meet the needs of residents of all ages. Located in Small District 1A- Dranesville, MCC serves as a cornerstone of the community, delivering exceptional programs and services that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages. Plays a vital role in advancing the Center's mission by ensuring that residents in the district remain active, engaged, and connected through a diverse array of recreational, educational, and cultural offerings.

Under the supervision of the General Programs Director, hires, manages, and supervises staff and vendors. Develops, plans, and executes classes and programs for infants through older adults. Also manages requests for proposals from service providers, developing program plans, identifying trends, and maintain performance measurements for all stakeholders. This role requires strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative environments with vendors, staff, and community members.

This position also creates program bookings and complies all related information into a comprehensive document for the MCC Program Guide, including class descriptions, pricing, and vendor details. Prepares, implements, and maintains the annual department budget which consists of two separate budgets (Classes and Seniors in Action) and is responsible for generating and submitting monthly attendance reports.

Other duties include the following: (The duties listed are not an all-encompassing list. A complete list of position duties can be found in the position description.)

  • Schedules, plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates a diverse selection of leisure activities and programs.
  • Manages the Seniors in Action program and coordinator.
  • Develops and maintains positive relationships with community members, instructors, and vendors.
  • Develops and implements community outreach plans to increase attendance of community members from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
  • Develops, prepares, forecasts, and submits an annual budget.
  • Enforces operating policies and procedures, evaluates their effectiveness, and recommends improvements to better meet the needs of the community.
  • Supervises full-time and temporary staff, seasonal interns, and multiple contracted vendors.
  • Recruits, hires, trains, and provides ongoing learning opportunities for staff.
  • Follows the MCC production schedule to solicit programs from vendors, create bookings, and compile the instructional sections of the Program Guide four times a year, including fee structures, class descriptions, and vendor details.
  • Research emerging trends and reviews community feedback to inform future programming.

SCHEDULE: Due to programs this position may require frequent evening, weekend, and holiday work.

NOTE: The salary offer will not exceed the midpoint (or $83,310.03) of the advertised compensation range. Promotional rules apply for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees.

All applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter for this position. Please ensure that it is attached to your application prior to submission.


Illustrative Duties

Illustrative Duties (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

General Duties

  • Conducts program and service delivery evaluations using a variety of tools;
  • Identifies deficiencies and recommends alternative strategies as needed and incorporates viable suggestions into programming;
  • Develops and maintains community and corporate partnerships;
  • Writes grant proposals to obtain needed services, funds, equipment, or facilities;
  • Develops and implements community outreach plans to target underserved populations;
  • Monitors revenues and expenses and reconciles revenue/expense reports;
  • Adheres to revenue and expense limits and to departmental goals and objectives;
  • Evaluates data from daily operations and compiles administrative reports documenting attendance and service delivery for use in developing future programming;
  • Completes regular inspections and safety assessments, maintains a hazard and drug-free environment, documents issues to identify risk areas, and recommends improvements;
  • Analyzes and ensures accountability of center inventory;
  • Authorizes the purchase of supplies and equipment;
  • Conducts inspections to ensure that the housekeeping, cleanliness, and maintenance of the facility are acceptable and meet quality standards;
  • Ensures compliance with federal, state, and county safety and health standards and operational procedures;
  • Enforces operating policies and procedures, evaluates their effectiveness, and recommends changes;
  • Coordinates efforts to optimize revenue production and/or customer satisfaction;
  • Promotes diverse center participation of persons from various cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds;
  • Makes arrangements for the use/maintenance of agency vehicles, facilities, and equipment;

Programming
  • Schedules, plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates a diverse selection of leisure activities such as after-school programs, character education activities, family activities, community outings, hobby enrichment classes, leisure counseling and education, aquatics, camps, fitness, and therapeutic activity interventions;
  • Develops activity plans and process instructions for a variety of selected activities with input from staff, community members, and volunteers;
  • Develops, implements, and evaluates workout programs and exercise routines for all age groups;
  • Plans and evaluates unique programs for fitness camps, seniors, persons with physical disabilities, and special events with assistance from personal trainers as needed;
  • Coordinates with health, social services, legal, financial, housing professionals and other local organizations to arrange and conduct special programs.
Management
  • Administers long-term rentals, prepares the annual calendar of events, and collects fees;
  • Works with other human service agencies to provide appropriate intervention strategies.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities (The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation center, aquatics, or rental property operations management, as appropriate to the position;
  • Knowledge of fiscal record keeping and inventory procedures;
  • Ability to motivate and supervise staff and volunteers;
  • Ability to prepare clear, concise financial and administrative reports;
  • Ability to plan, develop and administer recreation programs or community activities;
  • Ability to develop and implement sound management practices;
  • Ability to maintain effective relationships with staff, citizen groups, and the public;
  • Ability to work independently using sound judgment in the execution of the position's duties;

If assigned to teen or senior center position:
  • Knowledge of the various theories of human development;
  • Knowledge of aging- or youth-related risk factors and early identification criteria;

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in recreation and park management, therapeutic recreation, or other closely related field; plus, two years of progressively responsible experience in park or recreation services related work, as applicable to the position.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

  • Driver's License (Required)
  • CPR (Required within 3 months)
  • First Aid (Required within 3 months)
  • AED (Required within 3 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check, child protective services registry check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in recreation, program management, liberal arts, or other closely related field;
  • Cover letter highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the job.
  • Must have at least four years of consecutive experience in programming and development of either leisure class, continuing education classes, recreation instructional program planning, scheduling, budgeting, implementation and registration management oversight.
  • Ability and knowledge of creating programs for various age groups and diverse populations to include meeting the needs of at-risk populations.
  • Ability to create and maintain annual budgets.
  • Ability to report and present in front of staff and public.
  • Knowledge of county, or comparable, RFP review and negotiation process.
  • Knowledge of county, or comparable, procurement process, to include RFPs, purchase orders, and procurement cards.
  • Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.);
  • Knowledge and experience using registration software, such as Active.net, RecTrac, etc.
  • Possess excellent customer service skills, and strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to assist program and event set-up and take down. Including moving chairs, tables, tents, equipment, etc. Ability to drive personal and/or county vehicle. Employee may be required to lift up to 35 lbs. (all duties). Job is generally sedentary in nature; however, visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard/mouse driven equipment. Must be able to clearly communicate with others verbally and in writing. Position requires physical mobility and sensory awareness sufficient to observe and direct staff performance, activities of minors, facility operation and maintenance. Position will require the ability to stand for long periods of time, stooping, bending, and walking. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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