Business Operations Manager

Durango Parks and Recreation is hiring a Business Operations Manager to oversee the department’s business office operations, financial coordination, and customer service support functions. This role works closely with department leadership, the Finance Department, and administrative staff to support budgeting, financial reporting, business systems, and day-to-day operational processes that help parks and recreation programs and facilities serve the community effectively.

The Business Operations Manager also supervises administrative office staff and helps guide customer service practices, workflow coordination, and internal business operations. This position is a good fit for someone who enjoys improving systems, working collaboratively across teams, supporting staff development, and balancing detail-oriented financial work with public-facing service and communication.

As part of the Parks and Recreation management team, you’ll contribute to projects and initiatives that support recreation programs, community engagement, and long-term operational planning across the department.

About Durango Parks and Recreation

Durango Parks and Recreation provides programs, facilities, public spaces, and natural areas that support recreation, wellness, and community connection for people of all ages and backgrounds. The department manages a wide range of services and amenities, including recreation programs, parks, trails, open spaces, the Durango Community Recreation Center, Chapman Hill, and Lake Nighthorse.

The department has been recognized with the National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal Award and holds national accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), reflecting a continued commitment to high-quality public service, operational excellence, and community-focused recreation opportunities.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Oversee business office operations for the Parks and Recreation Department, including budgeting support, financial tracking, accounts receivable and payable coordination, reporting, and cash handling processes.
• Supervise and support administrative office staff, including scheduling, training, workflow coordination, customer service support, and day-to-day office operations.
• Work collaboratively with the Finance Department to reconcile reports, resolve discrepancies, maintain financial records, and support monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting processes.
• Help manage recreation business software systems related to registrations, payments, reporting, inventory tracking, household accounts, and financial processing.
• Assist department leadership with budget planning, financial forecasting, operational planning, and process improvements.
• Support department communication and outreach efforts in coordination with the Public Information Office, including activity guides, website updates, social media content, and community outreach initiatives.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and supporting materials for leadership teams, advisory boards, and City Council meetings.
• Serve as Recreation Center Manager on Duty on a rotating basis.

You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management, public administration, parks and recreation administration, marketing and communications, mathematics, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, business operations, finance, administrative management, or a related field, including at least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is preferred but not required.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Enjoy organizing systems, improving processes, and supporting efficient day-to-day operations.
• Are comfortable working with financial data, spreadsheets, reports, and specialized software systems.
• Can balance multiple priorities while staying detail-oriented and meeting deadlines.
• Build positive working relationships with staff, leadership teams, and community members.
• Approach customer service and team support with professionalism, patience, and strong communication skills.

What We Can Offer You: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.   
• Flexible scheduling and work-life balance. 
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.  
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.  
• Long-term disability coverage. 
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (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.

View the full Business Operations Manager job description here.