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Recreation Director Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

... Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), and Home Care Aides (HCA ... This role also assists individuals with facilitating educational and recreational activities ...

... Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), and Home Care Aides (HCA ... This role also assists individuals with facilitating educational and recreational activities ...

... Direct Support Professionals (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), and Home Care Aides (HCA ... This role also assists individuals with facilitating educational and recreational activities ...

Daycare Teacher

Assumption, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Child Center Director III: Essential Functions: * Designing and following a full schedule of ... recreation, camping, or other related fields; or 1560 clock hours of experience in a recreational ...

Daycare Teacher

Assumption, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Child Center Director III: Essential Functions: * Designing and following a full schedule of ... recreation, camping, or other related fields; or 1560 clock hours of experience in a recreational ...

Daycare Teacher

Assumption, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Child Center Director III: Essential Functions: * Designing and following a full schedule of ... recreation, camping, or other related fields; or • 1560 clock hours of experience in a ...

... eating, recreation, etc.). Behavioral Health Technicians, also assist in the preparation and ... Performs all duties as assigned by leadership and as directed by Centurion policy and procedure, as ...

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Recreation Director information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$29.2K

$70.7K

$137.8K

How much do recreation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation director in Springfield, IL is $70,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $90,700.00 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Director jobs in Springfield, IL? For Recreation Director jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Director jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Director jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Recreation Director jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Recreation Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Director job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,738 per year, or $34 per hour.

Gymnastics Recreation Program Staff

YMCA of Springfield

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview
The YMCA of Springfield is seeking Recreational Gymnastics Coaches to lead fun, age-appropriate classes in a safe and positive environment. This role includes weekday afternoon/evening shifts, and weekend morning/afternoon shifts. The role focuses on teaching basic gymnastics skills while building confidence and coordination. The ideal candidate enjoys working with kids, brings positive energy to class, and works well as part of a team.
This role provides direct leadership, instruction, coaching and motivation for athletes in the gymnastics program.
Schedule:
  • Recreational Gymnastics: Monday - Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings (preschool and school-age children)
  • Ninja Powerwall: Thursday evenings (school-age children)

Training provided
Responsibilities
  • Instructs gymnastics lessons in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.
  • Builds effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
  • Conveys information on gymnastics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers students and parents to other programs.
  • Maintains records as required (i.e., attendance, progress reports, etc.).
  • Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
  • Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
  • Organizes and puts away needed class equipment. Reports damaged equipment.
  • Trains and supervises class aides as assigned.

OUR SERVICE EXPECTATIONS:
  • Display a friendly, helpful, and positive disposition.
  • Provide customer service that is thorough, timely, organized, and accurate.
  • Help ensure the Y is meeting member and participant needs by utilizing good listening skills, attentiveness, objectivity, and patience in all situations.
  • Place members and participants as the first and highest priority showing kindness and compassion at all times.
  • Demonstrates the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through all daily activities and responsibilities

Child Abuse Policies & Prevention:The YMCA enforces policies to prevent child abuse. Allegations or suspicions are taken seriously and reported to authorities. Procedures include unscheduled visits, open doors for parents, and a code of conduct for staff. We screen carefully to prevent abusers from being hired and provide child abuse prevention training to staff. Employees who fail to support these policies will be subject to discipline, up to termination.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
All Levels:
  • Recreation Certification if over 18 years of age
  • Complete and maintain Safe Sport certification
  • Must be able to demonstrate gymnastics instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
  • YMCA gymnastics certification, or equivalent preferred.
  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Have leadership competencies in the identified key areas
  • Ability to learn quickly.
  • Ability to work with integrity, discretion, and a professional approach.
  • Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
  • Ability to complete all required trainings within 60 days of employment, including but not limited to CPR, first aid, Living Our Cause, DCFS Mandated Report, IL Gateway Registry Modules and to maintain these certifications as current as outlined by regulations or requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations ability to act swiftly in an emergency. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities specifically, ability to lift equipment routinely 25 - 40 lbs., and to lift/spot participants.
  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
  • May require physical effort and cardiac endurance while reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, balancing, bending, leaning, kneeling, walking, and climbing.
  • Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper gymnastic techniques.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Benefits
  • Free 1 Parent Family Membership
  • 8% Retirement for Vested Employees
  • Paid Leave for All

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Posted Salary Range
USD $15.00 - USD $15.00 /Hr.