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Recreation Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

D Two years of related experience in community service, event management, or recreational program administration A combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite ...

The Recreation & Operations Manager is responsible for the overall management, operation, maintenance, and long-term planning of the Association's recreational amenities and related common-area ...

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Recreation Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$64.3K

$102.1K

How much do recreation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation manager in Virginia is $64,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $79,800.00 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Manager jobs in Virginia? For Recreation Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Recreation Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Recreation Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,259 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator - Community Recreation

City of Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$61K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description The City of Roanoke's Parks & Recreation Department is looking for a knowledgeable, energetic and creative recreation professional with a passion for helping others through community recreation. The successful candidate will perform responsible work managing staff that plan, promote and lead fitness and wellness programs; arts, culture, and special interest programs; trips and tours; senior activities; and special events. This position manages the operations of two neighborhood recreation centers and coordinates the operation and maintenance of two outdoor aquatic facilities.

Management also includes strategic planning, budget development and administration, staff training and evaluation, risk assessment and providing all corresponding reports. Detail organization is required as well as maximizing community relations, while utilizing effective communication both orally and in writing. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree with a major in recreation management or related field; five years related experience and/or training in recreation management; and equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of an Aquatic Facility Operator Certification will be required within two years of employment. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia is required. The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

This is an exempt position. Examples of Duties Recreation (Outdoor, Athletics, Youth and Community Recreation) SUMMARY Plans, promotes, develops and coordinates various recreational programs and services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Other duties may be assigned. Coordinates and directs the development and operation of recreation centers, fitness centers and recreational activities Coordinates, develops and submits budget reports Coordinates the promotion of programs Serves as resource person for community civic groups, athletic associations, schools, churches, and other agencies Coordinates the use of volunteers and part-time staff Prepares periodic and special maintenance reports Reviews and revises departmental policies and procedures Assists with City-wide special events Plans and directs youth and adult sports leagues and outdoor adventure/education programs Inventories and purchases equipment and materials Supervises the activities of youth, athletic, senior, outdoor adventure/education, aquatic, therapeutic and community based recreation programs SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Supervises 5-10 full-time employees in the Recreation division. 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; addressing complaints and resolving problems. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 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. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with major course work in recreation, leisure services or a related field; three to five years experience and/or training in recreational programs with administrative responsibility; or equivalent combination of education and experience. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to community orally and in writing. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Professional certifications as needed and required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This is a job description and not an individualized position description.

A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification. Typical Qualifications 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. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with major course work in recreation, leisure services or a related field; three to five years experience and/or training in recreational programs with administrative responsibility; or equivalent combination of education and experience.