DIRECTOR OF RECREATION
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – COLLABORATION
The Town of Woodstock, a vibrant community located along the scenic Saint John River in western New Brunswick, is seeking a progressive, energetic, and community-oriented recreation professional to join our leadership team as Director of Recreation.
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Recreation is responsible for the strategic planning, development, and delivery of municipal recreation programs, services, and outdoor recreational assets. The role also provides direction for programming and community use within the community multiplex, working collaboratively with facility management and operations staff.
We are looking for a skilled relationship builder, communicator, and forward thinker with strong organizational and project management acumen with experience turning plans and strategies into viable programs and services.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreation/Recreation Management, Leisure Studies, Sport Management, Physical Education/Kinesiology, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in recreation, a related field ideally within a municipal setting
- Strong leadership, communication, management and organizational skills
- Working knowledge of municipal services and operations including budgets and finance, personnel management, policy making processes, relevant legislative requirements in areas such as health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, and accessibility
- Knowledge of best practices and public sector innovation in recreation
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and program/recreation management systems (i.e. ACTIVEnet)
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Develop and implement strategies, policies, and departmental plans that consider core values of community connection and well-being into all aspects of recreation service delivery
- Lead efforts to foster sustainable, inclusive, and accessible recreation opportunities that promote active, healthy living through innovative programming and initiatives
- Provide strategic leadership and direction within the municipality while operationalizing plans and strategies into effective recreation programs and services
- Oversee the development, delivery, and evaluation of multi-purpose recreation programming
- Collaborate with other municipal departments, multiplex facility management and staff to optimize program delivery within the Town of Woodstock
- Develop and implement longer-term recreation and active living strategies aligned with community needs and Council priorities to increase participation and community engagement
- Prepare and manage departmental operating and capital budgets; and identify and manage provincial and federal funding opportunities
- Lead and support recreation staff, seasonal employees, and volunteers
- Build strong partnerships with community groups, schools, user organizations, and regional/provincial stakeholders
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
- Collaboration and community-minded leadership with an understanding of the vital role recreation plays in enhancing quality of life in a growing and vibrant community like the Town of Woodstock.
- Experience in planning, delivering, and evaluating recreation programs and services that reflect the needs and interests of residents of all ages, from youth programming to active living initiatives for older adults.
- Hands-on leadership style, with comfortability in balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operations
- Effective supervision and mentorship of staff, supporting volunteers, with the ability to foster a positive team environment
- Proven ability to build strong relationships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to expand partnerships and enhance recreation opportunities across all wards within the municipality
- Strong skills in budgeting, program development, and departmental oversight, with an understanding of maintaining and maximizing the use of municipal recreation spaces and assets such as parks, sports fields, trails, arenas, meeting spaces and other community recreational assets
- Knowledgeable in health and safety practices and risk management, ensuring programs and facilities are safe, accessible, and inclusive
- New ideas and a willingness to innovate while respecting the character and priorities of the community.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Competitive pay with comprehensive benefits package, pension plan, free access to resources/services through our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Wellness pass which includes a fitness membership at our community multiplex facility – Tim Hortons Wellness Centre
- Ongoing training and professional development
- A passionate team of colleagues that are invested in building a stronger community together
APPLY NOW!!!
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to the Town of Woodstock Human Resources Department by Thursday, May 28, 2026, at HR@WoodstockNB.ca . The successful candidate must be legally entitled to work in Canada and meet required background verification.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Visit WoodstockNB.ca to find out more about the Town of Woodstock.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only those candidates selected for follow up interviewing/screening will be contacted directly.