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Recreation Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Recreation Therapist to join our team. The Recreation Therapists are ... management or coping skills, social skills, leisure skill building, community reintegration, and ...

We are looking for a Recreation Therapist to join our team. The Recreation Therapists are ... management or coping skills, social skills, leisure skill building, community reintegration, and ...

Scorekeepers are directly accountable to the Recreation Manager and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation. This posting is open until filled.

... Recreation Manager and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation. Seasons: Adult Softball (Summer/Fall) Adult Basketball (Winter) Adult Sand ...

Showing results 21-40

Recreation Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$60.9K

$96.7K

How much do recreation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation manager in Iowa is $60,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $75,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation manager?

Recreation managers oversee facilities, staff, and operations of a recreation program. They may work for a municipality, school, or public park. As a recreation manager, you create and maintain the activity schedule, hire and train staff, and coordinate contracts with vendors. Qualifications for a recreation manager include a bachelor’s degree in recreation management or a related field and several years of experience running recreation programs.

What does a recreation manager do?

A Recreation Manager oversees the planning, organization, and implementation of recreational programs and activities for communities, organizations, or facilities. They are responsible for managing staff, budgeting, promoting events, and ensuring that facilities and programs meet the needs of participants. Recreation Managers work in various settings such as community centers, parks, resorts, and fitness clubs, aiming to enhance the quality of life through engaging recreational opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Manager, you need expertise in program planning, staff supervision, and facility management, usually supported by a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills help build community engagement and manage diverse teams. These competencies are essential for creating safe, enjoyable, and well-organized recreational experiences that meet the needs of participants.

How does a recreation manager typically collaborate with other departments or external partners to enhance program offerings?

Recreation Managers frequently work with other municipal departments, local schools, community organizations, and vendors to develop and deliver engaging programs. Collaboration may involve coordinating schedules with facility managers, partnering with local businesses for sponsorships, or working alongside event planners to ensure smooth execution of large activities. These partnerships help expand resources, reach a broader audience, and maintain a diverse lineup of recreational opportunities. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for building and sustaining these collaborative efforts.

What is the difference between Recreation Manager vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation ManagerRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR, First AidSimilar educational background; certifications like CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs, manages staff, and handles administrative tasks in community centers, parks, or recreation departmentsAssists in program planning, coordinates activities, and supports staff in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by municipal parks and recreation departments, community centers, and private recreation facilitiesCommonly employed in the same settings, often as entry or mid-level roles

The main difference is that Recreation Managers have broader responsibilities, including staff management and program oversight, while Recreation Coordinators focus on supporting program activities and assisting with daily operations. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to community recreation services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Recreation Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recreation Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Recreation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreation Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,879 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Recreation Therapist

Vera French Community Mental Health Center

Davenport, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Vera French rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM!We are looking for a Recreation Therapist to join our team. The Recreation Therapists are responsible for the implementation and delivery of recreation therapy and mental health treatment to adults with psychiatric disabilities in a medium to long term treatment program. Therapist will provide individual assessment, develop goals and objectives, document implementation of services and progress toward goals, and serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Therapists are responsible for providing appropriate interventions to teach residents skills involving activities of daily living, community reintegration, functional, social, advocacy, and skills to promote physical and emotional health. Interventions developed by the therapist are designed to optimize the residents' involvement in treatment and in the community.POSITION FUNCTIONS:Provide direct implementation of the delivery of recreation therapy and mental health treatment services as outlined through the resident's treatment plan.Develop course work and classes to meet the needs of the residents in accordance with a needs assessment, resident interests and goals defined by the interdisciplinary team.Teach skills to residents in ways that are appropriate based on individual level of functioning.Relate to residents in constructive supportive ways that encourage residents to acquire new skills that promote physical and emotional health, and other skills necessary for more independent living situation. Plan, organize, teach and direct groups in a variety of programming areas including physical and emotional health, stress management or coping skills, social skills, leisure skill building, community reintegration, and activities of daily living.Adequately document services provided according to facility procedures and standards; this includes the quality as well as the quantity and timeliness of documentation.Evaluate and modify interventions to ensure residents are meeting goals and objectives.Plan and organize assigned responsibilities to contribute to the safety and well-being of residents and efficient functioning of the Recreation Therapy Department. Report relevant resident information as needed to supervisor and floor staff as necessary to provide for the safety of residents and continuity of care.May be assigned to work 1:1 with residents.Participate in the RCF-PMI on-call rotation as assignedQUALIFICATIONS:Education:Bachelor Degree preferred in Therapeutic Recreation or Leisure Service; or a Bachelor's Degree with at least 30 semester hours in recreation therapy or leisure services (twelve months of experience in the delivery of recreation or leisure services in a social service or health field may be substituted in lieu of classroom training). Certification at the professional level (CTRS) is preferred.Skills and Experience:Minimum of six months of experience in mental health field and/or internship focused in mental health or residential setting is preferredMust have, or be able to obtain, CPR certification.Ability to assess, plan, provide, and evaluate individuals and groups.Knowledge of current developments in the field of Recreational Therapy.Excellent written & verbal communications skills.Other Requirements:Work assignment requires flexibility in scheduling with some evenings, weekends, and/or night shifts assigned to ensure appropriate coverage and supervision.Satisfactory background checks with previous employers and references.Maintain a valid driver's licenseAbility to pass a drug screenBENEFITS & PERKSMedical Insurance through UnitedHealthcareDental and Vision Insurance through Delta DentalEmployer-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability through Mutual of OmahaSupplemental Life and Short-Term Disability options401(k) Retirement Plan3% employer contribution (vested on day one)25% match on employee contributions up to 6%PAID TIME OFF9 Paid Holidays9 Paid Sick Days2 Weeks of Vacation1 Vera French Day  NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO REQUIRE A MEDICAL EXAMINATIONI hereby certify that, if hired, I will disclose any limitations I have that may impact my ability to do the job. I understand that I may also be required to undergo a pre-employment or post-employment medical exam by the VFCMHC' designated health practitioner.NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO CONTACT REFERENCES AND CONDUCT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONI understand that I may be subject to a background check, and hereby authorize Vera French Community Mental Health Center, or any of its affiliates, to investigate my background to determine any and all information of concern as to my record, whether the same is of record or not, and I release employers and persons named in my application from all liability for any damages on account of his/her furnishing said information.Additionally, you are hereby authorized to make any investigation of my personal history, educational background, military record,motor vehicle records, criminal records, and credit history through an investigative or credit agency or bureau of your choice. Iauthorize the release of this information by the appropriate agencies to the investigating service. I authorize and give permission forthe individuals listed as references to provide written information and/or verbally discuss my background with Vera FrenchCommunity Mental Health Center, or any of its affiliates.This authorization, in original or copy form, shall be valid for this and any future reports and updates that may be required.I understand that passing the background check is a condition of employment. A negative background check can be grounds fordismissal, even if an offer has been made to me and I have been hired.

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