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Recreation Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Recreational Therapist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$22.91 - $30.93/hr

The Recreational Therapist in the Child Acute Inpatient Services is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and provides direct clinical services to patients 18 years of age and younger. The ...

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Recreation Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$29.1K

$70.4K

$137.1K

How much do recreation director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation director in Rochester, NY is $70,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $90,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Director jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Recreation Director jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Recreation Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreation Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,421 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Recreational Therapist

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$22.91 - $30.93/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 188 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Strong Memorial Hospital

Part time

R272632

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Part time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

32

Department:

500140 Psychiatry SMH Activities Ther

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 207 H

Compensation Range:

$22.91 - $30.93

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Recreational Therapist in the Child Acute Inpatient Services is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and provides direct clinical services to patients 18 years of age and younger. The Recreational Therapist provides evidence-based programming following Recreation or Music Therapy standardizations. These approaches are strength-based and patient-centered for the purpose of crisis intervention, skill-building, and stabilization. The Recreational Therapist facilitates therapeutic groups or individual sessions, which are customized to meet the needs of the patient, while ensuring a safe space to explore creative ways of managing symptoms, while building healthy coping skills, and increasing socialization through music, art, writing, journaling, mindfulness, relaxation, physical outlets, and education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Plans, organizes, facilitates daily therapeutic groups and activities, focusing on individual needs/strengths of the patients. Utilizes evidence-based, therapeutic modalities in art, music, leisure education, creative writing and journaling, while incorporating skills from various therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive therapy.

  • Observes, assesses and manages patient’s behaviors and interactions with peers and staff, while facilitating groups or 1:1’interventions. Provides therapeutic interventions as needed. Utilizes CPI methods when managing challenging behaviors.

  • Conducts and documents initial interview/assessment of newly admitted patients to determine readiness/appropriateness for participation in groups or individual sessions. Documents each patient’s weekly treatment goals, interventions, daily progress in groups/individual sessions, and level of participation.

  • Communicates effectively by attending daily morning/evening report. Attends treatment planning, as scheduling permits. Attends monthly team meetings, and participates in Unit Council as needed. Communicates effectively with staff regarding any behavioral issues observed in groups/1:1’s. May also participate in sub-committees or be a designated Unit-Champion.

  • Responsible for maintaining equipment & supplies. Inventories assigned unit group/activity supplies and initiates ordering of supplies/equipment through approved vendors while staying within budget. May also need to shop locally when supplies are not available through vendors. Ensures the safety & cleanliness of all materials before using with patients.

  • Provides observation opportunities/guidance for interns, shadowing students, and prospective hires. Provide some of the orientation for new hires. May have to cover another unit during staffing shortages or extended leaves of absences. Keeps up to date with all MyPath mandatory trainings.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or in Recreation with a concentration in Recreational Therapy required

  • Master’s degree preferred

  • Some experience in working with individuals or groups in a clinical setting with basic concepts of psychology and pathology preferred.

  • Completed relevant clinical education in comparable setting required

  • or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Some experience in working with individuals or groups in a clinical setting with basic concepts of psychology and pathology preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Registry Credentials (NCTRC) or MT-BC. Undergraduate affiliate training and prior professional experience in a psychiatric setting preferred.

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Notice: If you are a Current Employee, please log into myURHR to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward.

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.


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