Sports & Youth Services Division ChiefThe City of Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture is seeking an experienced professional to lead and direct the Sports & Youth Services Division. This is a highly responsible leadership position that provides direct management oversight to this multi-functional team which encourages active play through organized sports and promotes positive youth development. The Division Chief provides vision and direction and is directly responsible for planning, development, execution, and evaluation of all programs, activities, events, and facilities related to sports programs for all ages and abilities; fun, safe, and enriching after-school and weekend activities to benefit youth through recreation, mentoring, leadership, and support; the City's summer camp program for children ages 5 through 14; two youth centers which provide after-school, weekend, and summer activities for middle and high school aged youth; and a skate park facility providing a unique recreational opportunity for in-line skaters, BMX bikes, and skateboarders. The Division Chief oversees key functions of the Division and its staff and is accountable for ensuring that services and programs within these areas/facilities are well-programmed, safe, welcoming, further the Department's goals and objectives, align with the Department's and City's vision and strategic directions, and consistently meet the highest quality and standards to serve the City's residents, visitors, and community members. The ideal candidate will be a proven effective communicator with outstanding people skills, as the position requires extensive contact with program participants and their family members, City staff and officials, and the general public. Customer service inside and outside the organization will be a top priority, with special emphasis on the delivery of programs and services to the public. The Division Chief will be an innovative and creative leader who will bring a fresh perspective as well as exceptional leadership and management skills to the position. Good judgment and common sense are essential. We're looking for an individual who will be an excellent day-to-day manager who can keep operations running smoothly and anticipate problems before they develop, while also taking time to consider the future. The successful candidate will excel at bringing out the best in people, recognizing and mentoring talent, and creating an environment of collaboration and partnership. Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the target hiring range ($100,000 to $106,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. The City provides comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance. Job Functions What you will do with us: Oversee, direct, coordinate, manage, and participate in work related to sports and youth services programs, summer camps, recreational facilities (youth centers and skate park), and other programs, activities, and events. Lead and manage day-to-day operations, budgetary preparations, fiscal and performance measure monitoring, work assignments and priorities, projects, and programming. Supervise all personnel administration functions. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of operational performance including service delivery methods and procedures; identify opportunities for improvement; recommend appropriate services and staffing levels. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of short- and long-term goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs. Engage with community groups and individuals to exchange information regarding interests, needs, and available and future programming. Represent the City and the Department in a variety of public settings. Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.
Qualifications: What you will need to be considered:
- A strong background in management and supervision of comparable recreation/leisure services, facilities, programs, and staff and a successful track record in program and service delivery.
- Proven ability to fully engage in day-to-day operations as well as to step outside the box and think about the big picture.
- Multi-faceted organizational abilities to concurrently manage a variety of programs and budgets and to juggle competing priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- An understanding of the needs of an ethnically and economically diverse community.
- A proven track record as an innovative leader with the ability to educate, motivate, and develop staff to achieve their highest potential and to encourage creative and innovative approaches and ideas to promote expanded recreational opportunities.
- Education/Training and Experience:
- A Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, Physical Education, or related field.
- At least 7 years of relevant experience in organized community recreation programs, including at least 4 years in a management or responsible supervisory capacity.
- A valid driver's license and safe driving record.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification (may be obtained through the City upon hire).Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP) or other relevant professional designation preferred.
- Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties.
Additional Information: To be considered, interested applicants must submit:
- A complete online application
- Current Resume (attached to the online application)
- Letter of interest (attached to the online application); your letter of interest should include why you are interested in this position and highlight the special skills and abilities that make you uniquely qualified to serve in this position.
- First review of applications will begin by October 23, 2026. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are identified or all hiring decisions have been made.
This is a full-time salaried "exempt" position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week (not eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the City's personnel regulations). The position requires working evening and weekend hours to meet program needs, and can accommodate limited remote work (at the discretion of the Department Director). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing.
