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Recreation Operations Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Area Manager - Inbound Operations

Brownsburg, IN · On-site

$73.60K - $106.20K/yr

... of marine recreation. Location: Brownsburg, IN Workplace Category: On-site Travel Required ... The key function of the Area Manager (Inbound Operations) is to focus on the development and ...

... operation since 1997, serving youth across the country that are in need of psychiatric treatment ... You will provide and coordinate therapuetic recreation programming, and manage cases in conjunction ...

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Recreation Operations Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recreation Operations Manager, and why are they important?

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 are Recreation Operations Managers?

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 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 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:
Aquatics Coordinator (Recreation Specialist), Recreational Sports

Aquatics Coordinator (Recreation Specialist), Recreational Sports

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

The Office of Student Life is focused on building a strong foundation to ensure every student's Indiana University experience is positive, safe, healthy, and meaningful. The Office of Student Life staff and multiple departments aim to help students navigate their time at Indiana University (IU), providing the tools they need to be successful in school and after graduation. Students are our priority, and their health, safety, and overall well-being are our core mission.
Recreational Sports is proud to be a department within the Office of Student Life, committed to promoting learning and respect in all programs, interactions, and partnerships. We commit to creating and maintaining an environment where all people are respected, valued, and affirmed so that they may know they matter and belong at Indiana University.
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.
Job Summary
Department-Specific Responsibilities
  • Assists with the management and supervision of the Recreational Sports aquatic facilities, programs, special events and personnel for the students, faculty, staff, and public members of IU Recreational Sports. They
  • Assists with the supervision of team of 130 employees including lifeguards, swim instructors, head lifeguards, and pool managers across 8 pools at 4 different aquatic locations: the Counsilman/Billingsley Aquatic Center (CBAC) at the Student Recreational Sports Center (SRSC), Royer Pool and Pool 194 at the School of Public Health (SPH), and the IU Recreational Sports Outdoor Pool.
  • Reports to the Assistant Director for Aquatics.
  • Works with a highly collaborative aquatic team made up of the Program Director, 1 Assistant Director, and 2 Program Assistants, and contributes to all unit priorities.
  • Directs the design, implementation, evaluation, and expansion of recreational programming.
  • Coordinates operations for all indoor and outdoor pools, all aquatic programs, and other participant focused programming.
  • Assists in the proposal, development and implementation of new programs and activities based on the needs of the users to increase participation and income.
  • Supports facilitation of outside user groups to ensure maximum use of aquatic spaces, including hosting competitive aquatics events.
  • Coordinates the recruiting, hiring, supervision, scheduling and evolution of the aquatic staff for all indoor and outdoor pools.
  • Analyzes, monitors, and evaluates performance of assigned staff; establishes work priorities, conducts performance reviews, and provides corrective action as needed.
  • Provides day-to-day operational management of recreational programming staff.
  • Ensures adequate staffing and effective scheduling; participates and informs employment decisions for assigned staff.
  • Provides direct supervision and oversight of assigned staff and activities; impacts, and is held accountable for, the performance of team and/or assigned staff.
  • Ensures compliance by implementing the established risk management plan, monitoring and verifying certifications and training, and conducting inspections or facilities and equipment.
  • Assists with the recertification courses of all aquatic hourly staff.
  • Develops and implements aquatic emergency action plans.
  • Evaluates recreation areas, equipment, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results
  • Establishes short-term operational objectives.
  • Identifies operational issues and/or areas of improvement and implements solutions to improve processes and/or operational efficiency.
  • Assists with department-wide special events and provide night/weekend/break coverage as part of professional staff rotation.
  • Keeps next-level leader(s) informed of trends as well as significant problems.
General Responsibilities
  • Evaluates recreation areas, equipment, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
  • Directs the design, implementation, evaluation, and expansion of recreational programming.
  • Recruits, hires, supervises, evaluates, and coordinates the work activities of employees.
  • Ensures compliance by implementing the established risk management plan, monitoring and verifying certifications and training, and conducting inspections of facilities and equipment.
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
  • 2 years related experience with structured recreational programming
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required
  • Currently certified as a lifeguard by a nationally recognized organization.
  • CPR/AED within 180 Days From Date of Hire.
  • Standard First Aid within 180 Days From Date of Hire.
  • Preventing Disease Transmission/Universal Precautions within 180 Days From Date of Hire.
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
  • Highly thorough and dependable.
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
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 tasks with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by April1, 2026.
Work Location
Indiana University Bloomington Campus
This is an in-person position.
Advertised Salary
$50,000.00 - $51,500.00 annually
Work Hours
40 hours per week
May include evening and weekends to meet the needs of participants and be present for 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: Career
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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