Community Engagement and Recreation Coordinator
Full-Time | Church of the Palms | Sarasota, Florida
Help Build Something Meaningful
Church of the Palms is seeking an energetic, creative, and relational leader to oversee our growing Palms Center and recreational ministries. This is an opportunity to build a vibrant community gathering place where people of all ages experience belonging, wellness, recreation, and meaningful connection.
If you're someone who enjoys bringing people together, creating engaging programs, solving problems, and dreaming about what could be, we'd love to meet you.
Whether your background is in parks and recreation, sports management, community programming, hospitality, event management, or nonprofit leadership, this is an opportunity to shape a ministry that serves both our congregation and the greater Sarasota community.
About Church of the Palms
Church of the Palms is a vibrant Presbyterian (PC(USA)) congregation committed to a simple mission:
Love God. Love Neighbor.
The Palms Center is one of the primary ways we live out that mission. Through recreation, sports, fitness, fellowship, and community events, we create spaces where relationships flourish, families connect, and neighbors experience welcome, joy, and belonging.
As our Palms Center continues to grow, we are looking for someone excited to help imagine what's next.
Position Summary
The Community Engagement and Recreation Coordinator provides leadership for the daily operation, programming, and community engagement of the Palms Center. Working collaboratively with church staff, volunteers, and community partners, this individual will oversee recreational programming, support ministry events, cultivate volunteers, and develop new opportunities that strengthen our ministry and deepen our connection with the community.
This position requires someone who enjoys both strategic planning and hands-on work. The successful candidate is entrepreneurial, organized, hospitable, and energized by creating exceptional experiences for others.
What You'll Do:
Recreation & Community Programming
- Oversee the daily operation of the Palms Center.
- Maintain and expand recreational programming for children, youth, adults, and seniors.
- Design and launch new activities, classes, leagues, tournaments, and special events that engage both church members and the broader community.
- Explore innovative partnerships that expand the impact and reach of the Palms Center.
- Foster an environment where recreation becomes a pathway to relationships, community, and ministry.
Sports Ministry
- Serve as Administrator for the Upward Youth Sports Program.
- Coordinate league operations, registration, scheduling, volunteers, coaches, and participant communication.
- Evaluate opportunities to grow youth and family recreation offerings.
Event & Facility Coordination
- Coordinate Palms Center scheduling with the Facilities Department.
- Ensure all activities are accurately scheduled within eSpace and other church management systems.
- Assist church ministries utilizing the Palms Center for meetings, programs, and special events.
Volunteer Leadership
- Recruit, train, schedule, and encourage volunteers.
- Build volunteer teams that model exceptional hospitality and service.
Facility Stewardship
- Oversee recreational equipment and supplies.
- Partner with the Facilities Department to ensure equipment is safe, maintained, and ready for use.
- Help maintain an attractive, welcoming environment for all who enter the facility.
Ministry Collaboration
- Build strong relationships across all church ministries.
- Serve as a resource to staff and ministry leaders.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings, planning sessions, and staff small groups.
- Contribute ideas that help advance the overall mission of Church of the Palms.
QualificationsRequired
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Three to five years of experience working directly with the public.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Strong computer proficiency and willingness to learn church management software.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as programming requires.
- A commitment to supporting the mission, values, and Staff Covenant of Church of the Palms.
Preferred
- Education and experience equivalent to an associate's or bachelor's degree in recreation, sports management, hospitality, education, business, nonprofit leadership, ministry, or a related field. Relevant professional experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Experience managing recreation programs, sports leagues, community centers, fitness facilities, or similar operations.
- Experience supervising or coordinating volunteers.
- Experience planning community events or developing new programs.
- Experience building partnerships with community organizations.
Core Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Hospitality – Creates an atmosphere where every person feels welcomed, valued, and cared for.
- Leadership – Inspires volunteers, builds relationships, and encourages collaboration.
- Initiative – Sees opportunities, develops creative solutions, and takes ownership.
- Communication – Communicates clearly, professionally, and compassionately.
- Organization – Manages multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Adaptability – Thrives in a dynamic environment and embraces change.
- Problem Solving – Makes thoughtful decisions with sound judgment.
- Integrity – Demonstrates professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability.
- Teamwork – Works collaboratively across ministries and departments.
- Resilience – Maintains grace, flexibility, and optimism under pressure.
Technology
Staff members utilize Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft Office, eSpace, and One Church. Training is provided, but candidates should be comfortable learning new software systems.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Property Director.
Employment Status
- Full-Time
- Non-Exempt
- At-Will Employment
Performance evaluations occur after the first ninety days and annually thereafter.
Why This Position Matters
The Palms Center is more than a recreational facility. It is a place where children discover confidence, families build friendships, neighbors become part of a community, and people encounter the welcoming love of Christ through recreation, hospitality, and shared experiences.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a growing ministry from the ground up. If you're passionate about creating spaces where people connect, thrive, and belong, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
