Recreation Coordinator / GS 17
Join our Great City
The City of Alexandria is in Northern Virginia bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. Once within the original boundary stones that demarked the area of the Nation’s Capital, Alexandria is a part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 157,600 Alexandria is the sixth largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unique and historic, Alexandria is a place that is experiencing substantial redevelopment appeal and business growth opportunities because of a high market demand for urban living in a quality environment. About one-quarter of the City’s 15.47 square miles has been designated as a national or local historic district.
The City of Alexandria is an independent city with no county affiliation and derives its governing authority from a Charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, allowing local governments only the authority expressly granted to them by the Virginia Constitution or by the Virginia General Assembly in the City Charter or in general law. City Council is the governing body, which formulates policies for the administration of the City. The mayor is chosen on a separate ballot and presides over sessions of the Council.
If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Recreation Coordinator position in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA).
A Message from the Director
Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.
As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.
Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
About You
You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.
By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.
As part of RPCA, you will be expected to:
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Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
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Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
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Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
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Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
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Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service
The mission of the department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to create meaningful experiences that inspire community, foster creativity, and enhance the quality of life for everyone in Alexandria. The Department envisions Alexandria as a vibrant, connected, and thriving community where every resident feels a sense of belonging. Through safe, inclusive, and innovative programs and spaces, we strengthen well-being, celebrate diversity, and create opportunities for joy and discovery. Guided by equity and excellence, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in our city. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.
Recreation Coordinator – Community Outreach Recreation Services Division
A Recreation Coordinator – Community Outreach plans and coordinates City-wide community outreach special events, activities, and programs for the department. An employee in this class performs supervisory and professional recreation work under general guidelines. The employee initiates program activities with a variety of city agencies, non-profits, and other organized groups. The Recreation Coordinator -Community Outreach exercises independent judgment in the coordination and implementation of programs, activities, and events. Initiative is exercised in developing and maintaining broadly based recreation and community outreach activities which will serve all ages and many interests. Interpersonal skills are used in coordinating the work of volunteers and in responding to the concerns and complaints of the public. Incumbents can supervise part-time, temporary, and seasonal staff and volunteers. General supervision is received from a recreation supervisor of a higher grade or a Division Chief. Incumbents in this class have latitude in implementing programs within their assigned area of responsibility.
Illustrative Examples of Work
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Develop and execute a comprehensive outreach plan to promote programs, services, and events;
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Identify and prioritize target populations, including underserved communities;
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Identify and engage youth ages 11–18, particularly those disconnected or at higher risk.
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Connect youth and families to mentoring, recreation, workforce, and support services across Alexandria.
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Promote and maintain the Citywide Teen Opportunity Calendar as a centralized tool for increasing youth awareness and participation.
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Support implementation of a youth engagement incentive system to encourage consistent participation and positive behaviors.
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Serve as a liaison between youth, families, schools, and community-based organizations.
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Collaborate with RPCA staff, Alexandria City Public Schools, and community partners to align engagement strategies.
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Support group mentoring, workshops, and youth engagement initiatives.
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Participate in cross-agency efforts focused on prevention, youth development, and community well-being.
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Track outreach activities, mentor recruitment, youth referrals, and program participation.
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Monitor usage and impact of the Teen Opportunity Calendar and incentive system.
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Collect and analyze feedback from youth, families, and partners.
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Contribute to reporting and evaluation aligned with city priorities.
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Conduct direct outreach to unhoused encampments and individuals to build trust and provide supportive services if/when needed;
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Serve as liaison between the unhoused and recreation department;
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Build and maintain relationships with community members, neighborhoods leaders, and stakeholders;
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Ensure outreach efforts reflect community needs, voices, and cultural dynamics;
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Works varied shifts to cover programs as needed;
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Supervises seasonal staff and volunteers;
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Assists in the marketing efforts of the events and programs by coordinating the distribution of registration forms to schools, recreation centers, libraries, and other community organizations;
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Attends school events to promote the recreation department;
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Conducts Safe Place training for staff and volunteers annually;
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Attends various staff meetings related to the programs and participants when needed;
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Promote programs through grassroots engagement strategies and partner networks;
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Provides information, answers questions, and addresses concerns related to feedback from the public daily;
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Conducts surveys for all community outreach offerings;
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Monitors the effective implementation of scheduled events through on-site visits;
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Purchases supplies and equipment following department procedures and keeping within budget;
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Performs related work as required.
Key Work Aspects of RPCA and the City of Alexandria:Statement of Workplace Excellence - Every RPCA staff member has the right to a safe, healthy, efficient, and pleasant working environment where all organization members adhere to the highest standards of behavior, personal integrity, and truthfulness. Each staff member demonstrates full support and acts on deploying workplace excellence.
Customer Service Guarantee – We are committed to delivering a consistently superior customer experience to all who participate in our programs or visit our parks and facilities. Service will be:
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Responsive – respond in a timely manner to all residents and customers both external and internal. We own the request we receive and do not shift responsibility.
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Professional – represent the department in appropriate appearance, decorum, and communication.
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Courteous – Treat everyone with respect. Treat everyone fairly. Treat everyone with dignity.
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Accountable – Demonstrate a bias toward action. Ensure follow-up and follow-through with appropriate results.
Our most valued assets are engaged staff members and customers.
What You Should Bring
Each member of the team is accountable for the outstanding delivery of services to the community. The ideal candidate should possess knowledge of programming and special event planning; knowledge of child development; ability to plan and direct program activities; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, stakeholders, and the public; ability to generate interest and participation in center activities with various age groups; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. The ability to work independently and use judgment within established procedures; experience preparing reports; ability to organize, ability to work with a variety of staff at all levels and to handle assignments across sections of the Recreation Services Division will ensure success in this role.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional recreation work; good knowledge of budget planning and practices; good knowledge of business management practices; good knowledge of the care and maintenance of recreation and school buildings; good knowledge of the many phases of community recreation; ability to schedule and coordinate programs; ability to provide working leadership to full-time and part-time staff and to volunteers; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, parents, activity participants, and the public; and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
