Recreation Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: Danvers MA, with potential travel throughout the North Shore region of Massachusetts

Schedule: Monday – Friday 9:30am-5:30pm (with occasional evening and weekend hours for special events, trainings, and community activities)

Target Pay: 79,000-81,000

Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to, the individual's experience, education, certifications, and internal equity.

Job Summary

Northeast Arc is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Director of Sports and Recreation to lead and expand a diverse portfolio of adaptive recreational, athletic, and therapeutic programs serving individuals with disabilities throughout their lifespan. Reporting to the Division Director of Family Services, this role combines strategic program leadership, financial oversight, staff development, and community partnership building to deliver high-quality, inclusive recreation opportunities.

The Director will oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of year-round recreation programming, including sports leagues, fitness activities, creative arts, social opportunities, and Special Olympics initiatives. This position plays a critical role in advancing Northeast Arc's mission by promoting community inclusion, supporting families, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities.

The Dick Jauron Director of Sports and Recreation

Northeast Arc recently received a transformative $2.2 million gift from the Estate of Dick and Gail Jauron of Swampscott, Massachusetts, the largest philanthropic gift in the organization's 72-year history. This landmark investment in Northeast Arc's Fund for Our Future established the Dick Jauron Director of Sports and Recreation position and will help sustain it for years to come, ensuring the continued growth and expansion of inclusive sports, recreation, and wellness opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate year-round adaptive recreation programs, including sports, fitness, arts, therapeutic activities, social opportunities, and Special Olympics programming for individuals with disabilities.
• Partner with the Division Director of Family Services to align recreation services with family support initiatives, organizational priorities, and the evolving needs of individuals and families served.
• Oversee participant intake, assessments, accommodations, and safety planning to ensure inclusive, individualized, and successful program experiences.
• Manage department operations, including program budgets, fee-for-service registration processes, financial reporting, funding assistance tracking, and recreation databases.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and support recreation staff, coaches, program leaders, volunteers, and interns while fostering a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Collaborate with Development and organizational leadership to identify funding opportunities, support grant initiatives, and track program outcomes and performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, recreation departments, Special Olympics programs, community organizations, local businesses, and other stakeholders to expand inclusive recreation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, organizational policies, health and safety standards, and reporting requirements while serving as an ambassador for Northeast Arc's recreation services.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Sports Management, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership experience managing disability-focused athletic or recreation programs, with a strong understanding of program billing or fee-for-service models.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) or CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) certification highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of adaptive recreation, inclusive programming, and supporting individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.
• Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to balance mission-driven services with financial sustainability.
• Experience with program development, budgeting, performance measurement, and outcome tracking.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with families, community organizations, schools, and key stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and database systems.
• Knowledge of grant-funded programs and outcome measurement is preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification required upon hire and must be maintained throughout employment.

Driving Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to travel to community events, professional conferences, career fairs, and program locations as needed.
• Agency Vehicle Safety Certification required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer, managing documentation, and communicating with stakeholders.
• Frequent use of a computer and telephone throughout the workday.
• Infrequent light physical activity required during recreation program oversight and special events.
• Must successfully complete and pass all required background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting with occasional travel to community locations and recreation program sites.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support recreational activities, training, or special events.
• Periodic direct program supervision may be necessary based on operational needs.

Benefits & Perks

At Northeast Arc, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and growth. It is our goal as an employer to provide an enriching and supportive environment for our employees and their families.

With that goal in mind, we are proud to offer:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (for employees working an average of 30 hours per week)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and 12 paid holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• Group Life Insurance
• Additional voluntary insurance options and discount programs
• 403(b) retirement plan with limited company match
• Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health Hub
• Ongoing professional development opportunities, including trainings, conferences, certifications, and CEUs
• eAcademy online learning platform
• Mileage reimbursement (where applicable)
• Employee discounts and additional workplace perks

About Us

Northeast Arc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities live, work, engage in civic life, and participate fully in their communities. Employment at Northeast Arc is more than just a job. We are a mission-driven agency committed to changing lives and discovering abilities. Whether it is the individuals we serve or the employees who support them, we recognize that every person brings unique strengths and valuable contributions.

Northeast Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Keywords: Director of Sports and Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Special Olympics, Disability Services, Recreation Management, Family Services, Community Inclusion, CTRS, CPRP, Adaptive Sports, Program Leadership, Nonprofit Management, Recreation Programs, Budget Management.