The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County, Youth and Countywide Sports Division focuses on providing athletic opportunities for county residents and establishing a convenient, streamlined one-stop shop for all youth sports programs in the county. The division is dedicated to creating safe, fun and healthy communities by increasing the health and wellness benefits available through its programming and making it easier for youth to engage in athletics. A primary objective of this division is to contribute to healthy youth by providing a seamless sports experience for youth and adults and connecting parents and coaches with opportunities to advance this initiative.

The Principal Recreation Specialist is responsible for leading the coordination, planning, and implementation of a large and complex recreation and sports program serving youth and adult participants across the county. This position provides advanced-level program leadership and oversight of leagues, tournaments, special events, and community-wide initiatives held at community centers, schools, and parks.

Plans, organizes, and directs sports leagues, tournaments, and large-scale events, including clinics, camps, and kickoff jamborees. Develops and implements innovative community events and festivals (e.g., themed sports events, wellness initiatives, and large-scale recreational programming) that align with the interests and needs of a diverse population. Schedules regular season games, facilities, and officials, including league playoffs and tournament play; oversees all event logistics and operations. Cancels or postpones activities as needed and ensures timely communication of schedule changes.

Attends games and events to evaluate officials, teams, facilities, and overall program quality; prepares and reviews written reports. Enforces rules and regulations, disciplines players, coaches, and officials for misconduct, and hears and resolves protests and disputes. Investigates incidents and injuries and ensures proper documentation and follow-up.

Leads the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of full-time, part-time, intermittent, and volunteer staff, officials, and program leaders. Assigns and reviews work, provides guidance, and makes recommendations on personnel matters. Serves as a mentor and leader to staff, ensuring high-quality program delivery and customer service.

Develops program plans and annual budget requirements; monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal accountability. Maintains records, compiles statistics, and presents awards and program outcomes. Monitors inventory and ensures equipment and resources are available and properly maintained. Conducts ongoing research, evaluation, and analysis of recreation and sports programs to assess participation trends, community needs, and program effectiveness. Uses data to inform decision-making, improve services, and ensure alignment with departmental goals and compliance requirements.

Serves as a liaison to internal divisions, Area Operations, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), and community sports organizations, as well as county, state, and private partners. Promotes programs through marketing and outreach efforts, including creating articles, news releases, and promotional materials.

Work requires the application of considerable knowledge of recreation program administration, sports management, event planning, budgeting, public relations, and community engagement. Responsibilities involve managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders, large participant volumes, and varying operational demands.

Some evening and weekend work is required on a regular basis. This position works under the direction of the Assistant Division Chief.

• Oversee development, planning, and execution of successful instructional sports clinics and workshops.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate Senior Recreation Specialist, part-time/seasonal employees, volunteers and instructors, as needed.
• Oversee the management, training and guidance of sports and recreation program personnel, coaches, league/program administrators.
• Coordinates with internal and external groups for department sponsored sports and recreation programs.
• Ensure inventorying of supplies/equipment and that proper storage is maintained.
• Resolve problems by addressing inquiries and complaints in a timely and proactive manner with excellent internal and external customer service.
• Ensure the establishment of appropriate operating procedures and defined goals and objectives in managing sports and recreation programs.
• Ensure that sports and recreation program operating budgets include revenue-producing leagues and tournaments.
• Work with staff on program planning and improvements for budgeting purposes.
• Prepare financial reports and assist with recommendations of fees.
• Routinely monitor program revenues and expenditures to remain within approved budget.
• Ensure program records are managed and reported in accordance with Commission policies and procedures.
• Ensure that a variety of administrative records such as revenue and expenses, inventory of supplies and equipment, electronic timecards, staff schedules and attendance are appropriately maintained.
• Provides excellent internal and external customer service.
• Sets a positive example for employees ensuring program participants and parents/guardians are treated in a prompt professional, and respectful manner.
• Assists marketing staffing advertising sports and recreation program opportunities and all associated activities through social media, websites, brochures, flyers, etc.
• Works collaboratively with other Commission divisions and partner agencies.
• Works effectively on assigned committees, special projects, and other duties as assigned.
• Effectively communicates and coordinates programs with Recreation Leisure Services and Parks Divisions.
• Performs special project work in the community, as needed.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively supervise FT Career Staff.
• Ability to develop and maintain league administration records such as schedules, scores and standings.
• Considerable knowledge of youth and adult development programs and activities.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate various sport leagues, programs and tournaments.
• Ability to design, implement and coordinate program marketing plans and outreach efforts in a creative manner.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to resolve problems and determine effective solutions in situations concerning participant differences. Ability to interact with team administrators and participants in a positive manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, community leaders, other departments, and the public.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation, Recreation Management, Sports Management, Leisure Studies, Physical Education or any related field. 
2. Four (4) years of experience in recreation, sports/administration/management, physical education, leisure services, or in area of required specialty.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.

• Experience administering youth and adult sports leagues to include but not limited to the following sports: baseball, softball, tee-ball, basketball, tennis and kickball.
• Experience administering non-traditional sports (i.e., Cricket, Cycling, Pickleball, etc.).