Posting number: 2027-00482
Department: Recreation Parks & Cultural Activities
Division: RECREATION SERV
Job classification: RECREATION LEADER II/ GSNV 08
Posting type: Open
Categories: Recreation
Summary20250617070600_City of Alexandria Banner.pngTemporary Recreation Leader II – Mentoring Team Lead
A Message from the Director
Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA). I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.
As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.
Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
About You
You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.
By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.
As part of RPCA, you will be expected to:
- Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
- Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
- Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
- Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
- Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service
Position Overview
The Seasonal Recreation Leader II – Mentoring Team Lead is responsible for assisting the program manager with planning and executing the Inspire to Lead mentoring program and providing guidance on supporting its participants, including, but not limited to, youth/families, volunteer mentors, and guest speakers.
The Opportunity
Led by RPCA’s Community Engagement team, the Inspire to Lead mentoring program provides a structured, supportive environment where middle school youth can develop essential life skills, strengthen peer relationships, and build resilience through mentorship, group activities, and guided reflection, alongside trained volunteer adult mentors. Mentoring Team Leads will help plan and execute life skills lessons, guided group activities, and assist with program correspondence. The program will be held at recreation centers or park locations throughout the City of Alexandria on Monday and Thursday evenings. Mentoring Team Leads will be assigned to one program night (Mondays or Thursdays) from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for the 2026-2027 school year.
In this role, you will:
- Manage a caseload of up to 12 middle school youth
- Support volunteer mentors in developing individualized service plans for each youth
- Assist teaching relevant life skills lessons on a variety of topics for middle school youth
- Monitor and ensure participant safety during all activities
- Set up, maintain, and store equipment before and after programs
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful atmosphere
Your Impact
As a Mentoring Team Lead, you help young community members improve their health, build confidence, and stay connected through out-of-school-time activities. You’ll play a key role in making mentoring accessible and enjoyable, while developing professional experience in teaching, mentoring, and program delivery.
What You Should Bring
Successful candidates bring enthusiasm, professionalism, and strong communication skills. Mentoring Team Leads should be flexible, reliable, and capable of adapting communication and teaching methods for the underrepresented or historically marginalized group they serve.
About the Department
The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) enriches the lives of Alexandria residents through diverse programming, well-maintained public spaces, and inclusive cultural activities. RPCA is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), having met rigorous best-practice standards in the industry.
Examples of duties
High School Diploma and two (2) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training.
Additional Requirements: Passion for supporting prosocial youth development. Experience with diverse socioeconomic groups and cultures. Proficient English language skills – reading, writing, and speaking.
QualificationsActively pursuing, or completion of, a degree in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminal justice, legal studies, education, exercise science, or related field. Experience working independently and as part of a team. Experience working with at-risk youth, families, schools, therapeutic recreation, youth sports programs, and/or other support services programs. Bilingual English/Dari, English/Spanish, or English/Pashto.
Supplemental informationThis position requires pre-employment background checks which include but are not limited to a criminal records check. This program is made possible through the National Recreation and Park Association Grant through the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, and this position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.