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Recreation Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Manager I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

A Message from the Director Welcome to the City of Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the ...

A Message from the Director Welcome to the City of Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Recreation Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$30.7K

$74.3K

$144.6K

How much do recreation director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation director in Reston, VA is $74,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $95,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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 are Recreation Directors?

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 are popular job titles related to Recreation Director jobs in Reston, VA? For Recreation Director jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Recreation Director jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Recreation Director job openings:

Therapeutic Recreation Leader

City of Alexandria

Alexandria, VA

$45K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


City Of Alexandria (Louisiana) rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

444th of 836 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Therapeutic Recreation Leader The City of Alexandria is in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of more than 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work

If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Therapeutic Recreation Leader position. An Overview The work of this class involves creating, implementing and leading therapeutic recreational programs for older adults with physical, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities; recognizing emergencies and other health threatening conditions for participants at the Adult Day Services Center. The work of this class provides assistance with personal hygiene, physical and cognitive activities, and social interactions.

This class creates and implements behavior treatment plans for participants, communicates concerns and makes recommendations regarding the participants' behavioral problems to the direct supervisor, center nurse and center director. The incumbent plans and implements program goals and objectives. The incumbent initiates program activities and plans based on the varied interests and needs of the program participants.

The incumbent works independently consulting, when necessary, with the supervisor. The work is performed under the general direction of a Therapeutic Recreation Manager. What You Should Bring The ideal candidate should have good knowledge of the social and recreational sciences, including the theory, principles and practices of therapeutic activities.

Implementing activities for older adults in an adult day care program setting; knowledge of the aging process; ability to relate to frail and or impaired older adults and adults with disabilities; skilled in interpersonal work relationships; ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing with the program participants, caregivers, and co-workers; ability to break activities down into recreation skill levels that meet the needs of participants; ability to plan and present creative therapeutic activities for older adults. All employees must complete and sign the attached Essential Job Functions sheet. The Opportunity Plan and lead daily therapeutic recreational activities Provide direct care to physically and cognitively impaired participants including toileting, changing soiled clothing.

Provides assistance with ambulation, redirects confused and wandering participants and maintains a safe environment Inspects equipment and monitors activities to ensure safety standards are met and guidelines are followed. Keeps accurate documentation of participants progress, Medicaid case notes and assessments, maintains daily attendance records. Prepares and serves breakfast, lunch and snack; Housekeeping duties include but are not limited to kitchen clean up, human waste cleanup, yearly outdoor garden clean-up and maintenance.

Food service responsibilities include recording accurate temperatures of catered meal/menu items In the absence of the Center Nurse, administers medications to participants, reads doctors' orders, completes the medical administration records; Completes incident reports in the event of a fall, serious accident, or lost participant. Performs related work as required About the Department The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices.

Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders. Minimum & Additional Requirements Two-Year College Degree; Good knowledge of the social and recreational sciences, including the theory, principles, and practices of therapeutic recreation; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities; ability to acquire appropriate certification in CPR and First Aid within the first three months of employment; completion of a minimum 40-hour training program consistent with Department of Medical Assistance Services requirement or Nursing Assistant Certification; employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence; pre-employment drug test; criminal records check; and TB test. Preferred Qualifications At least one year of experience in therapeutic recreation, preferably in a community recreation setting or a directly related field working with older adults and persons with disabilities; completion of college-level courses in recreation or gerontology including therapeutic recreation; or acquire appropriate certification from National Certification Council for Activities Professionals.

Notes This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: Criminal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Verification of education/certifications; Drug screening and TB test. Schedule: Monday through Friday, 40 hours / week. Hours will be determined with supervisor.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.


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