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Recreation Director information

See Indiana salary details

$28.1K

$67.9K

$132.3K

How much do recreation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation director in Indiana is $67,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $87,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation director?

Recreation Directors are professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing recreational programs and activities at facilities such as community centers, parks, senior centers, or resorts. They manage staff, coordinate events, and ensure that programs meet the needs and interests of participants. Recreation Directors also handle administrative tasks like budgeting, marketing, and facility management to create engaging and safe environments for all users.

What does a recreation director do?

Recreation directors manage special interest programs that include activities like sports, games, and hobbies such as canoeing, rock climbing, camping, and wilderness exploration. This position is relevant in several different areas and for various employers. For example, the city parks department, national parks, private camps, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, schools, and prisons all need qualified recreation directors. As a recreation director, your job duties include designing and scheduling recreational programs, hiring and training staff, and working with clients or guests to ensure programs meet their expectations. You also manage the daily operations of the events to make sure they run smoothly. You need excellent organizational skills and leadership abilities for this job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Director, you need a background in recreation management, physical education, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with program planning software, budgeting systems, and, in some cases, certifications like CPR/First Aid or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) are valuable. Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills help you motivate staff, engage participants, and build community relationships. These skills ensure the effective delivery of diverse recreational programs that promote well-being, participation, and operational efficiency.

How does a recreation director typically collaborate with other departments or community organizations?

A Recreation Director frequently works with other municipal departments, local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to coordinate events, secure venues, and maximize participation in recreational programs. This collaboration ensures that resources are shared efficiently, programming meets community needs, and events run smoothly. Building strong relationships with these partners is crucial for expanding program offerings and accessing additional funding or volunteers. Effective communication and organizational skills are key in managing these partnerships.

What is the difference between Recreation Director vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation DirectorRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR/First Aid often preferredSimilar educational background; certifications like CPR/First Aid also common
Work EnvironmentLeads recreation programs, manages staff, oversees budgets, and plans community eventsAssists in program implementation, supports event setup, and handles participant registration
Employer & IndustryMunicipal parks and recreation departments, community centers, resortsCommunity organizations, schools, local government programs

The main difference is that Recreation Directors typically oversee entire programs and staff, while Recreation Coordinators support program delivery and logistics. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but Recreation Directors hold more responsibility for planning and management.

More about Recreation Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Director jobs in Indiana?

For Recreation Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recreation Director jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreation Director jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Recreation Director jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Recreation Director job openings:

Recreation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Director job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,915 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Director of IU Outdoor Adventures (Recreation Leader), Recreational Sports

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Office of Student Life focuses on 4 key areas to support the student experience and their success.
  • Care and Advocacy
  • Community and Administration
  • Health and Well-being
  • Involvement and Belonging
Recreational Sports is a critical part of supporting student well-being and is a primary entry point at Indiana University Bloomington for supporting students in their health and wellness. Recreational Sports mission is to connect, inform, and inspire people to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. We serve over 36,000 students, faculty, staff, and public participants annually. Our team consists of 46 appointed staff members, and over 800 part-time student staff members. Our organization fosters a team focused, collaborative work environment that emphasizes strong business practices, operational excellence, and participant development. Our organization is committed to a student development philosophy that encourages student involvement in decision-making and leadership.
Recreational Sports is committed to fostering a professional environment where individuals are treated with respect and valued for their contributions to Indiana University.
Job Summary
Department-Specific Responsibilities
  • Provides operational management and oversight for a team of full-time and part-time staff members. Programmatic oversight may include seasonal, environmental, physical, therapeutic, military, or youth programs. Identifies operational issues and areas of improvement and implements solutions to improve processes and operational efficiency.
  • Analyzes, monitors, and evaluates performance of assigned staff; establishes work priorities; conducts performance reviews, and provides corrective action as needed.
  • Responsible for design and implementation of recreational, educational, professional development, and team-building retreats, camps, and other outdoor education programming.
  • Manages day-to-day operations, logistics, and issues related to programming, providing technical or informational support to participants. May take on escalated issues or special projects related to multiple programs.
  • Identifies and develops contracts, partners, and coalitions; research, identifies, and negotiates facilitators, speakers and presenters.
  • Develops educational materials, curriculum, equipment, elements, and other resources necessary to conduct programmatic offerings and services.
  • Develops activities appropriate for the participants in a given outdoor program, camp, or retreat and works with leaders and constituents to develop itinerary.
  • Designs and implements evaluation tools for program effectiveness, makes recommendations, and implements changes based on results.
  • Develops budget and revenue projection and ensures programs, camps, and retreats align with budgetary needs.
  • Oversees seasonal or temporary staffing needs including selection, hiring, training, and supervision.
General Responsibilities
  • Provides highest level of operational leadership and coordination of assigned staff members to define recreational programming methodologies and standards; provides direction and guidance on high priority program operations/projects/initiatives.
  • Establishes short-term business plans and long-term operational objectives, including managing program timelines/deliverables and developing resource plans for multi-project/multiphase program initiatives.
  • Conducts a variety of personnel actions to include, but not limited to hiring, promotion, performance management, and dismissal.
  • Manages high level assignments and allocation of resources, including negotiating and coordinating initiatives that involve staff in other departments/areas/teams; may coordinate large-scale programs with wide audiences in support of recreational initiatives.
  • Makes budgetary recommendations/proposals based on resource needs and ensures cost containment.
  • Researches and stays up to date on new industry program standards, subject matter experts, best practices, and strategic marketing; responsible for the implementation of new protocols/procedures to address business needs.
  • Works collaboratively with other unit leaders, volunteers, students and/or faculty experts across departments in recommending standards, best practices, and related policies/procedures.
  • Prepares management reports and summaries for senior administration, executive, steering and advisory committees; acts as an advisor to executive committees; serves on various university committees, communities of practice, and task forces related to program development, educational initiatives and institutional priorities.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field.
Preferred
  • Master's degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 4 years of related experience with structured recreational programming.
  • 1 year of management experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required
  • CPR/AED certification within 180 days of hire.
  • Standard First Aid certification within 180 days of hire.
  • Preventing Disease Transmission/Universal Precautions certification within 180 days of hire.
  • May require related recreational certifications.
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Excellent collaboration and team building skills.
  • Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback.
  • Instills commitment to organizational goals.
  • Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Effective conflict management skills.
  • Builds and manages effective teams.
Working Conditions / Demands
This position requires both sedentary work and long durations of movement about the workspace. It requires the ability to move and transport objects and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
Priority consideration will given to candidates who apply on or before July 27, 2026.
Work Location
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
This is an in person position.
Advertised Salary
$80,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year
Work Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm with some evenings and weekends required to support programming
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Sr. Operational
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Athletic Affairs
Job Family: Recreational Sports
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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