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Recreation Director Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

The Direct Support Professional, Residential assists with day-to-day activities including personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping ...

The Direct Support Professional, Residential assists with day-to-day activities including personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community integration, shopping ...

Lifeguard

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15/hr

... directed by the University and State of New Mexico Environment Department. Must be able to: spot ... Campus Main - Albuquerque, NM Department Recreational Services (823A) Employment Type Staff Staff ...

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Recreation Director information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$27.7K

$67.1K

$130.7K

How much do recreation director jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation director in Rio Rancho, NM is $67,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $86,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Recreation Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Recreation Director jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Recreation Director job openings:

Assisted Living Activities Director

Morada Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Integral Senior Living (ISL) proudly manages care and lifestyle-focused Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across California and surrounding areas serving thousands of residents and families throughout the region. Guided by our foundational "Culture Keepers", we cultivate purpose-driven environments where residents thrive and Team Members feel valued, empowered, and supported.

As part of one of the largest senior living organizations in the nation, our communities have earned Great Place to Work certifications from 2022-2026. At ISL, purpose fuels every role, culture inspires every team, and continuous growth shapes every career. We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team members' professional growth, ensuring every team member has the tools to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

Responsibilities:

  • Plans, schedules and conducts lifestyle programs that provide physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual opportunities for the residents.
  • Plans appropriate programs for holidays and special events.
  • Recruits and develops additional resources for services to the residents. Initiates correspondence including public relations communications with outside organizations, service groups and volunteers.
  • Advises and motivates residents regarding appropriate individual and group activities based on resident interests and opportunities for growth.
  • Prepares and organizes a calendar of events. Submits the calendar to the Executive Director for final approval. Posts and distributes the calendar.
  • Develops and prints the community newsletter.
  • Provides leadership of lifestyle program.
  • Coordinates the community library.
  • Purchases and maintains equipment and supplies in accordance with budgetary guidelines.
  • Prepares preliminary draft of Celebrations Operating Budget.
  • Organizes and supervises a volunteer staff.
  • Addresses resident groups and other groups on subjects of common interest.
  • Maintains a database and prepares reports on resident quality assurance assessments, participation and satisfaction.
  • Supervises staff of Recreation and Event Coordinators across the multiple levels of service in a retirement community.
  • Participates in community in-services.
  • Demonstrates competence in Federal, State and Local regulations, requirements for skilled nursing, assisted living and/or independent living as applicable; ensures compliance.
  • Develops, facilitates and analyzes resident surveys to determine ongoing activities are in place that meet the resident interests.
  • Plans, coordinates and facilitates appropriate mixed group activities.
  • Develops and facilitates daily displays of activities on bulletin boards and/or kiosks in lobbies, elevators, dining rooms and other resident and team member communication centers.
  • Maintains a robust public relations program in support of the activities programming and community relations.
  • Implements and facilitates a volunteer recognition program.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises employees in the Celebrations Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees.

Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in Recreation, , Education, Gerontology, Social Work, Adult Education.
  • Three to five years related experience.
  • Two years supervisory/management experience.

Benefits:

In addition to a rewarding career and competitive salary, Integral offers a comprehensive benefit package.  

Eligible team members are offered a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, paid time off and paid holidays.   Team members are eligible to participate in our outstanding 401(k) plan with company match our Employee Assistance Program and accident insurance policies.

EOE D/V