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Recreation Director Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

CareOne

Director of Recreation

Livingston, NJ

Balance Life & Work with a New Career Opportunity (SKILLED NURSING) Now Hiring - Director of Recreation - Livingston, NJ Salary Range: 65K-100K CareOne at Livingston The Director of Recreation will ...

CareOne

Director of Recreation

Livingston, NJ

Balance Life & Work with a New Career Opportunity (SKILLED NURSING) Now Hiring - Director of Recreation - Livingston, NJ Salary Range: 65K-100K CareOne at Livingston The Director of Recreation will ...

CareOne

Director of Recreation

Livingston, NJ · On-site

Balance Life & Work with a New Career Opportunity (SKILLED NURSING) Now Hiring - Director of Recreation - Livingston, NJ Salary Range: 65K-100K CareOne at Livingston The Director of Recreation will ...

AristaCare At Norwood Terrace

Activity Aide

Plainfield, NJ · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Participating in Resident Council Meetings as needed to assist the Recreation Director Requirements: * High school or equivalent · Must relate well with the residents and facility staff. · At least ...

AristaCare at Norwood Terrace

Activity Aide

Plainfield, NJ

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Participating in Resident Council Meetings as needed to assist the Recreation Director Requirements: * High school or equivalent • Must relate well with the residents and facility staff. • At ...

Project Renewal

Recreation Specialist

New York, NY · On-site

$42K - $46K/yr

Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Social Services, Assistant Director and/or Program Director. Physical Activities While performing the duties of this position, the Recreation ...

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All JobsRecreation Director JobsRecreation Director Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Recreation Director information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$30.1K

$72.8K

$141.7K

How much do recreation director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation director in Rutherford, NJ is $72,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $93,300.00 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.
More about Recreation Director jobs
What job categories do people searching Recreation Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Recreation Director jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Recreation Director job openings:
Recreation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Director job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,759 per year, or $35 per hour.

Director of Recreation

American Medical Associates

New York, NY • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Director of Recreation - Nursing Home

Located in Far Rockaway, NY

Qualifications:

  • Must have at least 2-3 years of prior experience as a Director of Recreation in a skilled nursing setting

  • Must have long-term care experience

  • Proven management and leadership skills

  • Excellent written and verbal skills

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive activities therapy program for the facility

  • Supervise activity therapy services staff

  • Participate in the performance improvement and continuous quality (CQI) improvement activities

Salary: $70K to $90K range; based on experience

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