Recreation Director Jobs
Recreation Director jobs are open across municipal parks and recreation departments, senior living communities, resorts and hospitality, YMCAs, and healthcare settings, from entry-level coordinator roles to senior director positions, with specializations in aquatics, therapeutic recreation, and community programming. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Sports and Recreation supports the daily operations of the YMCA's sports and recreation programs, including youth and adult sports, outdoor recreation, climbing wall activities, skating, rentals, and other recreational offerings. This position helps ensure quality programming, effective staffing, and positive experiences for participants and families.
Under the direction of the Senior Program Director, this position coordinates program schedules, staff and volunteer activities, equipment and facility needs, and other operational responsibilities. The Director provides hands-on leadership, supports program growth, and helps maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment consistent with the YMCA's mission and standards.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.
We are WELCOMING: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.
We are GENUINE: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are HOPEFUL: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are NURTURING: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are DETERMINED: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinates daily operations of assigned sports and recreation programs, including but not limited to leagues, clinics, recreational activities, and special events, ensuring programs run safely, efficiently, and consistently with YMCA standards.
- Assists with recruiting, onboarding, training, scheduling, and supervising part-time staff, coaches, officials, and volunteers. Provides ongoing guidance and support to promote program quality and accountability.
- Organizes program schedules, team assignments, practices, games, and other activities, coordinating staffing, facility availability, and equipment needs.
- Supports the development and implementation of new and existing programs, providing feedback and recommendations based on participation, community needs, and operational experience.
- Maintains program equipment, supplies, and inventory, coordinating purchases, repairs, and facility needs with the Senior Program Director and appropriate departments.
- Ensures programs follow established safety procedures, YMCA policies, and applicable regulations. Identifies and promptly addresses or reports safety concerns and operational issues.
- Provides excellent customer service, communicates effectively with participants and families, and assists in resolving program-related questions and concerns.
- Assists with program registrations, participant records, communications, and other administrative functions necessary for successful program operations.
- Supports program marketing, community outreach, special events, and YMCA fundraising initiatives as assigned.
- Monitors program participation, staffing needs, and operational effectiveness, providing updates and recommendations to the Senior Program Director.
- Maintains an active, hands-on presence during programs, providing direct support to staff and participants and assisting with program activities as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in recreation, sports management, education, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
- One to three years of experience in sports, recreation, youth programming, or a related field preferred.
- Experience in officiating in any capacity preferred.
- Experience coordinating programs, scheduling activities, and providing direction to staff or volunteers preferred.
- Strong organizational, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and collaborate effectively with department leadership and staff.
- Knowledge of recreational sports, program safety, and youth development practices preferred.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, based on program needs.
- Required YMCA trainings and certifications must be completed and maintained within established timelines, including child abuse prevention, CPR, First Aid, AED, and other applicable certifications.
YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Advancing Our Mission and Cause
- Building Relationships
- Leading Operations
- Developing and Inspiring People
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor locations.
- While performing the duties of this position, the employee works in a variety of office, indoor program, and outdoor recreational environments. The position requires the ability to move throughout YMCA facilities, observe and supervise program activities, use standard office technology, and occasionally lift or move program equipment.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
BENEFITS
Eligible full-time employees receive a benefits package that includes health insurance, generous paid time off (PTO), and an 8% fully funded YMCA retirement contribution upon meeting eligibility requirements.
DISCLAIMERS:
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on organizational needs.
The Edwardsville YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Sports and Recreation supports the daily operations of the YMCA's sports and recreation programs, including youth and adult sports, outdoor recreation, climbing wall activities, skating, rentals, and other recreational offerings. This position helps ensure quality programming, effective staffing, and positive experiences for participants and families.
Under the direction of the Senior Program Director, this position coordinates program schedules, staff and volunteer activities, equipment and facility needs, and other operational responsibilities. The Director provides hands-on leadership, supports program growth, and helps maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment consistent with the YMCA's mission and standards.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.
We are WELCOMING: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.
We are GENUINE: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are HOPEFUL: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are NURTURING: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are DETERMINED: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinates daily operations of assigned sports and recreation programs, including but not limited to leagues, clinics, recreational activities, and special events, ensuring programs run safely, efficiently, and consistently with YMCA standards.
- Assists with recruiting, onboarding, training, scheduling, and supervising part-time staff, coaches, officials, and volunteers. Provides ongoing guidance and support to promote program quality and accountability.
- Organizes program schedules, team assignments, practices, games, and other activities, coordinating staffing, facility availability, and equipment needs.
- Supports the development and implementation of new and existing programs, providing feedback and recommendations based on participation, community needs, and operational experience.
- Maintains program equipment, supplies, and inventory, coordinating purchases, repairs, and facility needs with the Senior Program Director and appropriate departments.
- Ensures programs follow established safety procedures, YMCA policies, and applicable regulations. Identifies and promptly addresses or reports safety concerns and operational issues.
- Provides excellent customer service, communicates effectively with participants and families, and assists in resolving program-related questions and concerns.
- Assists with program registrations, participant records, communications, and other administrative functions necessary for successful program operations.
- Supports program marketing, community outreach, special events, and YMCA fundraising initiatives as assigned.
- Monitors program participation, staffing needs, and operational effectiveness, providing updates and recommendations to the Senior Program Director.
- Maintains an active, hands-on presence during programs, providing direct support to staff and participants and assisting with program activities as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in recreation, sports management, education, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
- One to three years of experience in sports, recreation, youth programming, or a related field preferred.
- Experience in officiating in any capacity preferred.
- Experience coordinating programs, scheduling activities, and providing direction to staff or volunteers preferred.
- Strong organizational, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and collaborate effectively with department leadership and staff.
- Knowledge of recreational sports, program safety, and youth development practices preferred.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, based on program needs.
- Required YMCA trainings and certifications must be completed and maintained within established timelines, including child abuse prevention, CPR, First Aid, AED, and other applicable certifications.
YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Advancing Our Mission and Cause
- Building Relationships
- Leading Operations
- Developing and Inspiring People
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor locations.
- While performing the duties of this position, the employee works in a variety of office, indoor program, and outdoor recreational environments. The position requires the ability to move throughout YMCA facilities, observe and supervise program activities, use standard office technology, and occasionally lift or move program equipment.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
BENEFITS
Eligible full-time employees receive a benefits package that includes health insurance, generous paid time off (PTO), and an 8% fully funded YMCA retirement contribution upon meeting eligibility requirements.
DISCLAIMERS:
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on organizational needs.
The Edwardsville YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
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Find Recreation Director JobsRecreation Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in recreation director jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in recreation management, kinesiology, or a related field
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) credential preferred or required
- Three or more years of experience managing recreation programs and staff
- Experience developing and managing departmental budgets and grant funding
- CPR, First Aid, and AED certification current and valid
- Proficiency with recreation management software for scheduling and registration
Tips for Your Recreation Director Job Search
Tailor your resume to program scope
Recreation directors are evaluated on the scale and variety of programs they've managed. Quantify participant counts, budget size, and staff headcount for each role rather than listing generic duties. Hiring managers need to see whether your scope matches theirs.
List your certifications prominently
Certifications like Certified Park and Recreation Professional or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist carry real weight with public-sector and healthcare employers. Place them directly under your name so screeners spot them immediately rather than hunting through your work history.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists recreation director openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by population served
Recreation director roles differ sharply depending on whether you're serving older adults, youth, people with disabilities, or resort guests. Filter your search by facility type or population keyword so you're applying to roles that match your actual program experience.
Prepare a portfolio of programming outcomes
Bring documented evidence of programs you've built, enrollment trends, budget adherence, and community partnerships to your interview. Interviewers at parks departments and senior living facilities consistently ask for concrete examples, not general descriptions of your approach.
Negotiate start date around seasonal cycles
Many recreation departments launch new programs in spring or fall. If you're offered a role, it's legitimate to request a start date that aligns with the next program cycle rather than mid-season, which also signals you understand how their operations work.
Recreation Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most recreation directors?
YMCA, Montgomery County, MD, and HDR are hiring the most recreation directors right now, with openings concentrated in Georgia, Maryland, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal parks departments and senior living operators consistently account for the largest share of open positions.
How many recreation director jobs are remote?
About 67% of recreation director openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most roles in this field. Administrative functions like grant writing, program planning, and staff scheduling are the sub-areas most likely to allow partial remote flexibility.
How do you become a recreation director?
Start with a bachelor's degree in recreation management, leisure studies, kinesiology, or a related field. Gain frontline experience as a program coordinator or recreation specialist, build supervisory experience managing part-time and seasonal staff, then pursue the Certified Park and Recreation Professional credential to strengthen your candidacy for director-level roles.
Can you get hired as a recreation director without much experience?
Some smaller municipalities, nonprofit community centers, and rural districts hire candidates into recreation director roles with limited experience when the applicant demonstrates strong programming knowledge and leadership potential. Volunteering with parks programs, completing internships through a recreation degree program, and obtaining your CPRP early all help close the experience gap.
What does the recreation director interview process look like?
Most recreation director interviews involve an initial phone or video screen with HR, followed by an in-person panel that typically includes department heads and sometimes elected board members for public-sector roles. Candidates are usually asked to present a program plan or budget scenario, and reference checks with former supervisors are standard before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to recreation director jobs?
You can find and apply to recreation director jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your experience and location preferences, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 27 Recreation Director Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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