Program Development Coordinator (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Program Development Coordinator (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

About This Position

Job Description:

Coordinator, Program Development

Purpose:

Under general direction, this position is responsible for the successful development and management of programs in accordance with the strategic direction.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Oversees the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and sponsored special events.
  
• Leads initiatives related to community needs and outreach.
  
• Ensures the programs and services offered contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities and approved budget.
  
• Works with internal and external individuals to identify/plan program themes.
  
• Monitors the delivery of the programs and events to maintain or improve quality.
  
• Provides regular program reports.
  
• Works with director on program-related sponsorships, grants, and contributions.
  
• Keeps all parties apprised of ongoing program-related budget issues.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal resources and categorical programs.
  
• Knowledge of community resources available and how to use them effectively.
  
• Knowledge of research techniques.
  
• Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants and contracts administration.
  
• Knowledge of grants and contract administration and principals.
  
• Skill in determining needs and gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to provide accurate information for management use.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications, including Microsoft Office products.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to work well with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, including community leaders, residents, service providers, local officials, and elected representatives.
  
• Ability to train others.
  
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to the job.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

• Three (3) or more years of experience in public history, historic preservation, historical interpretation, cultural resource management, heritage tourism, communications, or a related field.
• Experience conducting archival and historical research and translating complex historical information into engaging public-facing content for diverse audiences.
• Experience developing interpretive signage, exhibits, educational materials, or heritage tourism initiatives, including developing marketing and promotional campaigns.
• Experience managing projects involving multiple stakeholders, deadlines, budget tracking, procurement processes, and financial reporting.
• Experience planning and coordinating public events, community engagement activities, and/or public outreach programs.
• Experience working with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, or community organizations.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and standard business software applications, including website content management systems and digital communications.
• Knowledge of public history principles, interpretive planning, and historic preservation practices, including local, state, and federal historic preservation programs and processes.
• Ability to write, edit, and proofread materials with a high degree of detail.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including projects involving multiple stakeholders, deadlines, and budgets.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The Program Development Coordinator supports the Historic Preservation and Tourism Program by researching, developing, and communicating public history initiatives that advance organizational goals and connect diverse audiences with local history. This position leads the development of interpretive content, coordinates community engagement efforts, manages promotional campaigns and special events, and serves as a subject-matter expert on historic preservation and public history. The position ensures that historical information is accurate, inclusive, accessible, and aligned with departmental priorities.

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds. Work environment includes inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and you must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

Other Information:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Salary Range :

$60,030.00 - $74,140.00 per year.

Work Location:

APR Annex - 919 W. 28th ½ St., Austin, TX 78705

Work Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM



At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-07-29