Recreation Specialist (Full-Time)

Job Grade: 17

Annual Salary Range: $44,612.64 - $55,765.80

Reports to

Parks & Recreation Director

Direct Reports

No direct oversight. Assists coordinators with supervision of part-time staff, contracted officials and instructors, and volunteers, as needed.

PURPOSE

The Town of Southern Pines Parks & Recreation Department is seeking a proactive, customer-focused team member to support our daily administrative operations, program delivery and marketing efforts. Under general supervision; this position provides both administrative and programmatic support for all sections within the Parks and Recreation Department. This role blends administrative coordination of daily tasks with hands-on assistance for all programming areas—helping ensure smooth, efficient service across our Seniors, Special Events, Youth, Athletics, Aquatics and Outdoor sections. As the Recreation Specialist you’ll wear multiple hats to help ensure operational continuity and increase our public presence.

• Administrative Operations: Serve as one of the front-line liaisons for visitors; facilitate park rentals (date entry, payment, key pickup and drop, permitting, etc); answer phone and email inquiries; daily deposit procedures, maintain participant records, and supply inventories; process payments; prepare correspondence; and compile routine reports related to departmental benchmarks.
• Graphic Design & Publications: Use software to design flyers, signage and media. Lead the collaboration and development on the bi-annual program guide’s layout, writing copy, selecting images, and verifying content accuracy before publication.
• Marketing & Communications: Engage with and interact with patrons through social media and software platforms to answer questions and boost program participation; manage our social media channels by creating, scheduling, and monitoring posts across Facebook and Instagram; and engage with community members online.
• Program Delivery & Coordination: Support the planning, promotion, and execution of departmental programs, events, and efforts handling tasks such as registration support, team development, rule oversight, facility scheduling, and on-site logistics. Fill in and support at programs, camps and events as needed to support Town staff.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with section Coordinators, Parks & Grounds crew and various Town departments to facilitate initiatives and maintenance projects; support activities and events in other departments; work alongside part-time instructors, volunteers, and user groups to gather content, photos, and testimonials for promotions; and coordinate meeting logistics, room reservations, and event-support as needed.

In this role, your organizational skills, customer-focused approach, and creative flair will ensure our department runs efficiently behind the scenes while maintaining an engaging presence in the Southern Pines community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Customer Service & Public Relations: Serve as the first point of contact—answer phones, greet visitors, schedule appointments, respond to inquiries or complaints by phone, email, or in person; counsel the public on program options and policies.

• Marketing & Graphic Design: Using Canva, design and produce flyers, brochures, digital ads, signage, and the program guide; coordinate photography and testimonials for promotional use.

• Digital Outreach: Create, schedule, and monitor website updates, online calendar entries, and social media posts; engage with community members on behalf of the department.

• Program & League Management: Assist coordinators with the planning, development, promotion, and implementation of town programs and special events—handling registration, facility reservations, and advance scheduling.

• Administrative & Clerical Tasks: Proofread correspondence, draft publications, maintain purchasing files and office supply inventories, and process citizen work orders for facility rentals and shelter reservations.

• Budgeting & Financial Processing: Assist department leadership with recommendation and preparation of the departmental budget. Solicit sponsorships; process registrations, payments, invoices, purchase orders, departmental credit-card charges, and bi-weekly timesheet submissions.

• Data Management & Reporting: Enter and maintain program and payroll data across multiple databases and spreadsheets; compile and distribute facility reports and attendance, revenue, and any additional data as requested.

• Meeting & Event Support: Schedule and organize internal and external meetings, take and transcribe minutes; provide on-site event support for departmental and community functions.

• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Liaise with all departmental sections, Parks & Grounds, other town entities and external agencies to synchronize resources, facilities, and promotional efforts.
• Miscellaneous: Other reasonable duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in a field that will support the job description and responsibilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer proficiency Excel, Word and Outlook is required.
• Social media and design software proficiency is preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, rules, and procedures of organized Parks and Recreation programs; as well as a general knowledge of best practices.
• Ability to perceive, plan, promote, organize, coordinate, and implement a variety of programs and events.
• Ability to communicate and establish a working rapport with volunteers, participants, and citizens of the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, volunteers and other employees and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in an oral and written manner.
• Individual must possess a valid N.C. driver's license with an excellent driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit, stand for prolonged periods, and climb stairs (current office is on second floor).
• Must possess ability to carry and move objects (up to 50 lbs.) over short distances (10 to 40 feet)
• Ability to operate town vehicles.
• Ability to setup, move and remove pieces equipment for a variety of events and activities in gymnasiums and outdoor athletic fields and parks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position works indoors as well as outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.
• This position requires occasional evening, weekend, holiday and call-in work.

The Town of Southern Pines is an equal opportunity employer