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Recreation Operations Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

CFS

Office Manager

Elkhart, IN

$48K - $55K/yr

... operations, ensure smooth workflows, and support senior management in key decisions * Elkhart Area Perks - Benefit from a growing city with arts, culture, outdoor recreation, and proximity to South ...

The City of Elkhart

NIBCO Manager- Seasonal

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Parks and Recreation POSITION: NIBCO Ice amp; Water Park Manager DIVISION: Operations STATUS: Seasonal- Summer CATEGORY: Hourly, $19-$23 FLSA: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Operations Manager JOB SUMMARY ...

City of Elkhart

NIBCO Manager- Seasonal

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Parks and Recreation POSITION: NIBCO Ice & Water Park Manager DIVISION: Operations STATUS: Seasonal- Summer CATEGORY: Hourly, $19-$23 FLSA: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Operations Manager JOB SUMMARY NIBCO ...

Fair Oaks Farms

Admissions Building Guide

Fair Oaks, IN · On-site

$13/hr

Museum Tour Operations Manager Location: LSDC Adventure Land FLSA: Part-Time; Hourly; Non-Exempt ... Experience working in arts, entertainment, recreation, or educational environments. * Knowledge of ...

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Recreation Operations Manager information

What is the difference between Recreation Operations Manager vs Recreation Program Coordinator?

AspectRecreation Operations ManagerRecreation Program Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR, First AidUsually requires a bachelor's degree or relevant experience; certifications like CPR, First Aid are common
Work EnvironmentOversees facility operations, staff management, budgeting in recreation centers or parksAssists in program planning, community outreach, and event coordination within recreation departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by municipal parks, recreation departments, and private recreation facilitiesCommonly employed in community centers, parks, and recreational organizations

The Recreation Operations Manager focuses on managing the overall operations, staff, and facilities, ensuring smooth daily functions. In contrast, the Recreation Program Coordinator primarily handles program development, community engagement, and event planning. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the recreation industry, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation operations manager?

To thrive as a Recreation Operations Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, experience in facility management, and a background in recreation or hospitality, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and risk management systems is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service orientation help you excel in managing teams and engaging participants. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, high customer satisfaction, and safe, efficient facility management.

What are some common challenges faced by recreation operations managers, and how can they be addressed?

Recreation Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need to offer engaging programs, managing seasonal staffing fluctuations, and ensuring all facilities meet safety and compliance standards. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong organizational and communication skills, fostering a flexible team environment, and staying up to date with industry regulations and best practices. Additionally, effective collaboration with other departments and community partners can help streamline operations and enhance the quality of recreational offerings.

What is a recreation operations manager?

Recreation Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of recreational facilities, such as community centers, sports complexes, or parks. They manage staff, coordinate activities and programs, ensure facility safety and maintenance, and handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and well-run environment for patrons. Additionally, they often work with the public to address concerns and improve services. Effective Recreation Operations Managers combine strong leadership, organizational, and customer service skills.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreation Operations Manager jobs in Indiana are:

Recreation Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Operations Manager job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Director of IU Outdoor Adventures (Recreation Leader), Recreational Sports

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Office of Student Life focuses on 4 key areas to support the student experience and their success.
  • Care and Advocacy
  • Community and Administration
  • Health and Well-being
  • Involvement and Belonging
Recreational Sports is a critical part of supporting student well-being and is a primary entry point at Indiana University Bloomington for supporting students in their health and wellness. Recreational Sports mission is to connect, inform, and inspire people to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. We serve over 36,000 students, faculty, staff, and public participants annually. Our team consists of 46 appointed staff members, and over 800 part-time student staff members. Our organization fosters a team focused, collaborative work environment that emphasizes strong business practices, operational excellence, and participant development. Our organization is committed to a student development philosophy that encourages student involvement in decision-making and leadership.
Recreational Sports is committed to fostering a professional environment where individuals are treated with respect and valued for their contributions to Indiana University.
Job Summary
Department-Specific Responsibilities
  • Provides operational management and oversight for a team of full-time and part-time staff members. Programmatic oversight may include seasonal, environmental, physical, therapeutic, military, or youth programs. Identifies operational issues and areas of improvement and implements solutions to improve processes and operational efficiency.
  • Analyzes, monitors, and evaluates performance of assigned staff; establishes work priorities; conducts performance reviews, and provides corrective action as needed.
  • Responsible for design and implementation of recreational, educational, professional development, and team-building retreats, camps, and other outdoor education programming.
  • Manages day-to-day operations, logistics, and issues related to programming, providing technical or informational support to participants. May take on escalated issues or special projects related to multiple programs.
  • Identifies and develops contracts, partners, and coalitions; research, identifies, and negotiates facilitators, speakers and presenters.
  • Develops educational materials, curriculum, equipment, elements, and other resources necessary to conduct programmatic offerings and services.
  • Develops activities appropriate for the participants in a given outdoor program, camp, or retreat and works with leaders and constituents to develop itinerary.
  • Designs and implements evaluation tools for program effectiveness, makes recommendations, and implements changes based on results.
  • Develops budget and revenue projection and ensures programs, camps, and retreats align with budgetary needs.
  • Oversees seasonal or temporary staffing needs including selection, hiring, training, and supervision.
General Responsibilities
  • Provides highest level of operational leadership and coordination of assigned staff members to define recreational programming methodologies and standards; provides direction and guidance on high priority program operations/projects/initiatives.
  • Establishes short-term business plans and long-term operational objectives, including managing program timelines/deliverables and developing resource plans for multi-project/multiphase program initiatives.
  • Conducts a variety of personnel actions to include, but not limited to hiring, promotion, performance management, and dismissal.
  • Manages high level assignments and allocation of resources, including negotiating and coordinating initiatives that involve staff in other departments/areas/teams; may coordinate large-scale programs with wide audiences in support of recreational initiatives.
  • Makes budgetary recommendations/proposals based on resource needs and ensures cost containment.
  • Researches and stays up to date on new industry program standards, subject matter experts, best practices, and strategic marketing; responsible for the implementation of new protocols/procedures to address business needs.
  • Works collaboratively with other unit leaders, volunteers, students and/or faculty experts across departments in recommending standards, best practices, and related policies/procedures.
  • Prepares management reports and summaries for senior administration, executive, steering and advisory committees; acts as an advisor to executive committees; serves on various university committees, communities of practice, and task forces related to program development, educational initiatives and institutional priorities.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field.
Preferred
  • Master's degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 4 years of related experience with structured recreational programming.
  • 1 year of management experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required
  • CPR/AED certification within 180 days of hire.
  • Standard First Aid certification within 180 days of hire.
  • Preventing Disease Transmission/Universal Precautions certification within 180 days of hire.
  • May require related recreational certifications.
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Excellent collaboration and team building skills.
  • Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback.
  • Instills commitment to organizational goals.
  • Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Effective conflict management skills.
  • Builds and manages effective teams.
Working Conditions / Demands
This position requires both sedentary work and long durations of movement about the workspace. It requires the ability to move and transport objects and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
Priority consideration will given to candidates who apply on or before July 27, 2026.
Work Location
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
This is an in person position.
Advertised Salary
$80,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year
Work Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm with some evenings and weekends required to support programming
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Sr. Operational
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Athletic Affairs
Job Family: Recreational Sports
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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