General Manager

ABOUT US:

The Audubon Recreation Center (ARC) is a vibrant community hub offering a wide range of amenities for all ages. From basketball and batting cages to a walking track and versatile racquetball court, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Our 150-person community room is perfect for events, equipped with a microphone system and a 15-ft screen. Plus, our eight-lane bowling center and restaurant provide endless entertainment, including mini-games and an arcade. Whether you're planning a special event or looking for family fun, the ARC welcomes you. With daily admission or membership, access to all our facilities is easy! Our common purpose is to bring the community together with fitness, fun, food, and friendship, to be the “third place” in our community.

JOB DESCRIPTION: GENERAL MANAGER

The General Manager leads the Audubon Recreation Center’s (ARC) daily operations and long-term development, reporting to the ARC governing Board. ARC brings together three distinct operations under one roof: a restaurant and bar, a bowling alley and arcade, and a nonprofit community recreation center with event spaces and fitness facilities. Each has its own staffing, operational, and customer service needs. The GM is responsible for coordinating these operations while managing administration, finances, staffing, programming, marketing, fundraising, and community engagement.

This position requires substantial hands-on work alongside management and administrative responsibilities. The GM must be able to work effectively in the kitchen and, with appropriate training, step into the roles performed by paid staff throughout the facility. Providing coverage, responding to immediate needs, and solving operational problems are expected parts of the job and helping maintain reliable service and consistent operating hours. The role requires flexibility and the ability to balance these daily demands with staff leadership, program development, and longer-term priorities.

The GM advances ARC’s purpose of bringing community together and supporting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals and families throughout Audubon County and surrounding communities. Consistent, meaningful programming is essential to serving the community, encouraging participation, and sustaining donor and community support. Through welcoming service and strong relationships, the GM helps make ARC a “third place” where people gather and connect.

An approachable, proactive leader, the GM trains and supervises staff, sets clear expectations, and promotes teamwork, open communication, mutual respect, and excellent guest service. The GM also serves as the primary point of coordination among the Board, staff, members, volunteers, community partners, vendors, sponsors, grant funders, and regulatory agencies. Success requires sound judgment, financial stewardship, and a strong commitment to hospitality and community development.

NOTE: This role is within a growing organization. As ARC’s needs evolve, the Board and General Manager will review responsibilities, staffing needs, and operational priorities. The GM is expected to adapt to changes and help implement approved adjustments.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organizational Leadership & Administration

• Oversee all daily facility operations and provide assistance as needed.
• Implement policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, regulations, and safety standards.
• Serve as liaison between staff, volunteers, community partners, and the Board.
• Attend Board meetings.
• Set clear expectations and hold staff accountable for their responsibilities.
• Develop and implement operational plans to support organizational growth and sustainability, modeling excellence and hospitality.

Human Resources & Staff Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Maintain employee records and personnel files.
• Develop work schedules and coordinate staffing coverage.
• Provide ongoing staff training and professional development.
• Address employee relations and concerns, performance management, and disciplinary matters.
• Fill staffing gaps as needed across departments.

Financial Management:

· Collaborate with Financial Manager on budgets and goals.

· Analyze financial reports and present monthly reports to the Board.

· Handling the daily on-site operations, including deposits and tip tracking, reconciliation, reporting, and coordination of distribution.

Facility & Maintenance Management

• Coordinate building maintenance, repairs, inspections, and vendor services.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for members and guests.
• Monitor facility equipment and infrastructure needs.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness and safety procedures.
• Assist with maintenance as needed.

Food, Beverage & Hospitality Operations

• Assist with food preparation, kitchen operations, bartending, and customer service as needed.
• Maintain accurate product inventory, place orders, manage vendor relationships, and enforce first-in, first-out (FIFO) stock rotation standards.
• Oversee scheduled maintenance, deep cleaning, and repairs of all kitchen equipment.
• Monitor quality control and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and alcohol service regulations.
• Update pricing in the Brunswick POS (and associated programs) and run reports.

Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage the renewal and compliance requirements for food service, liquor, gaming, and other applicable licenses.
• Coordinate inspections and maintain required records.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Programming & Event Management

• Plan, organize, and oversee community events, fundraising activities, fitness programs, educational workshops, and special initiatives.
• Develop and maintain annual and monthly programming calendars.
• Coordinate volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and community partners.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and community impact.

Marketing & Communications

• Manage social media platforms, the website, overhead TVs, and digital communications.
• Develop marketing campaigns, advertisements, newsletters, and promotional materials to increase facility visibility and attract new customers.
• Promote community events, specials, tournaments, etc.
• Create and distribute monthly calendars and event announcements.
• Maintain ARC’s public image and community presence.

Membership Development & Community Engagement

• Manage membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Develop and maintain corporate membership programs.
• Foster relationships with community organizations, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
• Represent ARC at community meetings, events, and partnership opportunities.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead grant research, writing, submission, and reporting.
• Coordinate annual campaigns, sponsorship programs, and fundraising initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, and funding partners.
• Track fundraising outcomes and stewardship activities.

Bingo & Gaming Operations

• Manage all bingo operations and gaming compliance requirements.
• Maintain records, reporting, licensing, and financial documentation.
• Coordinate volunteers and operational procedures.
• Ensure adherence to Iowa gaming regulations.

Fitness & Wellness Programming

• Teach and facilitate fitness and wellness classes as needed.
• Support health education initiatives and specialized programs.
• Assist with participant engagement and program development.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and community wellness.

League Bowling

• Promote bowling leagues.
• Ensure all state sanctioning requirements are met for sanctioned leagues.
• Maintain documentation for league funds and disbursements.
• Set up leagues in the Brunswick POS and work with the League Secretary to track away tournaments.
• Provide accurate scoring reports for the traveling tournament weekend and all teams playing at ARC, as required by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).
• Maintain annual league reports and communicate with the USBC and other organizations as needed.
• Keep lanes operational by coordinating with the person assigned to repairs. Ensure scheduled tasks and required lane maintenance are completed. Report issues promptly.

Customer Service Excellence:

· Uphold excellent customer service standards throughout the facility, ensuring a positive guest experience.

· Respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and concerns.

· Maintain brand standards in every guest interaction.

· Promote a culture of hospitality, community, friendliness, and excellence.

Key Outcomes

The General Manager’s performance will be evaluated in the following areas:

• Financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Positive member and guest experiences.
• Regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Effective staff leadership and development.
• Successful community programming and events.
• Growth in memberships, sponsorships, and fundraising revenue.
• Strong community partnerships and organizational visibility.
• Advancement of ARC’s mission and long-term strategic goals.

Work Schedule

This position requires a variable schedule exceeding 50 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and events. Under the current staffing arrangement, the role regularly requires work across all seven days of the week, with extended hours to cover staffing gaps and operational needs.

Position Impact

The General Manager serves as the operational and strategic leader of ARC, ensuring that the organization remains a vibrant, sustainable, and impactful community resource. Through leadership, innovation, and collaboration, this position directly influences the quality of life, health, wellness, and community engagement opportunities available to residents throughout Audubon County and the surrounding region.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Management experience in hospitality, food service, recreation, entertainment, or a related setting, preferably overseeing multiple operational areas.
• Ability and willingness to learn ARC’s kitchen operations, including commercial fryer use, recipes, portion standards, food safety, and cleaning procedures. Restaurant kitchen experience preferred.
• Ability to independently cover kitchen shifts after training and prepare orders accurately and efficiently during busy periods.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and staff training skills.
• A welcoming, approachable manners and commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to operational problems.
• Experience working with budgets, financial reports, and revenue development.
• Proficiency with office software, point-of-sale systems, and digital communication tools.
• Knowledge of relevant operating standards and regulations.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and events as required.

Benefits: Available. TBD.

If you are a results-oriented leader with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to lead our dynamic facility.

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000