Business Operations Manager

Durango Parks and Recreation is seeking a Business Operations Manager to join our department’s management team! In this role, you’ll leverage your creativity and entrepreneurial mindset to manage the department’s business and customer service strategy. Your responsibilities will include overseeing financial transactions, customer service initiatives, and revenue and expense accounting for the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office.

You’ll work closely with the Parks and Recreation Director on the budgeting process, which covers forecasting, financial goal setting, and performance monitoring. This collaboration also extends to the Finance Department, where you’ll promote interdepartmental teamwork and clear communication to ensure alignment with city-wide goals.

As a valuable member of the Parks and Recreation management team, you will inspire a culture of excellence and innovation within the Administrative Office as an internal support mechanism for business operations and a primary point of contact for public inquiries. You’ll manage a staff of 3 full-time and 3 part-time employees and will be responsible for scheduling and goal setting along key performance indicator (KPI) development—all while enjoying leading your team to exceed customer service expectations.

Department Overview:

Durango Parks and Recreation is committed to providing a diverse range of programs, public spaces, and natural areas to be enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. The department is proud to be recognized with the “Gold Medal Award” from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and to hold national accreditation from NRPA’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

What You’ll Do in This Role: 

Financial Management:

• Oversee departmental finances, including accounts payable, receivable, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Manage and audit internal cash handling processes, maintaining accurate financial records and resolving discrepancies.
• Facilitate effective communication and teamwork between Parks and Recreation and the Finance Department, working together to:
  • Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
  • Identify and proactively resolve discrepancies and reconcile accounts receivable and deferred revenue reports.
• Establish and maintain General Ledger codes for revenue and financial tracking.

Leadership and Strategic Planning:

• Manage the daily operations of Durango Parks and Recreation administrative offices.
• Assist the Parks and Recreation Director in planning and developing the department’s budget and strategic financial goals.
• Support the development of seasonal marketing plans to boost community engagement and department visibility through consistent brand messaging.
• Train staff in financial management and use of Parks and Recreation software.
• Serve as the main contact for the Parks and Recreation Department with the City Manager’s Office and Finance Department regarding asset management efforts.

Community Engagement:

• Work with the Public Information Office to expand business and information channels, including social media, the department’s website, open houses, and outreach programs, to foster community involvement; support programmatic offering awareness and clear communication of our dynamic community events and happenings.
• Present financial data and departmental initiatives to the Financial Advisory Board and City Council meetings.

You Have: 

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in accounting, business management, public administration, parks and recreation administration, marketing and communications, mathematics, or a related field.
• Four years of increasingly responsible experience in parks and recreation services, including two years of management responsibility.
• Understanding of modern business practices related to park systems, recreation programs, accounting, customer service, and finances.
• Proficiency in writing business correspondence, preparing basic reports, and reviewing financial and business contracts.
• Experience with record-keeping principles and grant management.
• Familiarity with or the ability to learn Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
• Skill in training others and communicating effectively.
• A strong commitment to public service, aimed at enriching lives in the local community.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Long-term disability coverage
• Paid FMLA
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being
• Free transit pass and family member discounts
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.