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Recreation Manager Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Custodian

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

... recreational activities and services for members and their participating families." Employees ... Attends communication meetings as needed with the Building & Grounds Manager, as well as any ...

Custodian

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$15/hr

... recreational activities and services for members and their participating families." Employees ... Attends communication meetings as needed with the Building & Grounds Manager, as well as any ...

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Recreation Manager information

See Normal, IL salary details

$27.9K

$63.4K

$100.7K

How much do recreation manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation manager in Normal, IL is $63,368.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $78,700.00 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 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 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 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 Normal, IL? The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Normal, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Manager jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Manager jobs in Normal, IL are:
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Recreation Manager jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Recreation Manager job openings:
GA Teaching - School of Kinesiology & Recreation - Fall 2026, Spring 2027

GA Teaching - School of Kinesiology & Recreation - Fall 2026, Spring 2027

Illinois State University

Normal, IL • On-site

$755/wk

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Illinois State University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

GA Teaching - School of Kinesiology & Recreation - Fall 2026, Spring 2027
Job no: 521317
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois
Title: GA Teaching - School of Kinesiology & Recreation - Fall 2026, Spring 2027
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Kinesiology and Recreation
Campus Location: Normal, IL
Job Summary
Graduate Teaching Assistants are responsible for the instruction of courses in the School of Kinesiology & Recreation. These courses include: Active for Life Program courses, First Aid/CPR courses, Human Anatomy and Physiology laboratory courses (KNR 183 and 184), Principles and Applications of Field-Based Assessment (KNR 240).
The graduate teaching assistants' primary duties are in support of instruction including, but not limited to, the responsibilities below:
1. Serve as a primary or secondary teaching instructor in a class or laboratory course
2. Assist a faculty member with teaching-related tasks
3. Grade student assignments which require knowledge of subjects taught in a class or laboratory
4. Meet with and/or tutor students, hold office hours, prepare instructional materials, and assist during class and/or lab, etc.
Graduate Assistants will:
1. Prepare and teach all lessons.
2. Grade and evaluate student performance.
3. Create and administer quizzes and mid-term exams, administer final exams, submit grades, assist in updating final exams, hold office hours.
4. Create and/or update the online learning management system (Canvas) each semester.
5. Adhere to policies and procedures regarding all facilities.
6. Maintain grade records for each assigned class.
7. Request approval for any absence (absence from duty form) affecting teaching responsibilities.
8. Attend monthly meetings.
9. Adhere to all guidelines specified in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation Graduate Assistant Teaching Manual.
10. Other duties as assigned by the School of Kinesiology and Recreation, Graduate Program Director, and/or Active for Life Director.
Additional Information
All Duties/Responsibilities in addition to those listed above will be described in full detail in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation Graduate Teaching Manual.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
Pay Rate: $755 for 0.25 appointment; $1510 for 0.5 appointment.
Required Qualifications
1. Bachelor's Degree
2. Enrolled in the master's degree program in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation as a degree seeking graduate student at Illinois State University
3. Eligible for appointment as per the requirements in the Graduate Assistant Handbook which can be found at: GA_Handbook.pdf (illinoisstate.edu)
4. For Teaching Assistant positions State law mandates demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position
5. Obtain/maintain CPR/AED Certification
Work Hours
TBD
Functional Expectations
1. Ability to effectively communicate daily, both oral and written.
2. Ability to use a computer in day-to-day work (i.e. type on a keyboard and use a mouse).
3. Ability to maintain a high level of concentration.
Proposed Starting Date
8/6/2026
Required Applicant Documents
Please prepare in advance separate documents representing a cover letter, reference list (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references), and resume/C.V. to attach to this application. In addition, applicants will be required to complete an online form to outline teaching preferences.
Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Teaching Preference Form (https://forms.illinoisstate.edu/forms/knr_graduate_teaching_assistant_preference_form)
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Benefits for Graduate Assistants can be found in the Graduate Assistant Handbook.
Note: If you have not yet been assigned a University ID, but are interested in applying for this graduate assistantship, please proceed with the graduate assistant application process. For the first question regarding your University ID, simply enter in nine (9) zeros (e.g., 000000000).
You must be eligible for employment in the United States and at Illinois State University and/or for the number of hours required for the position.
Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held. International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work up to 28 hours per week when the university is not in session. Please contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for guidance on visa restrictions on work hours. The University cannot grant exceptions to visa status rules/laws.
Contact Information for Applicants
Jacquie Crutchley,
jmcrut1@ilstu.edu
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.
Application Opened: 02/09/2026 09:00 AM CST
Application Closes:
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