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Recreation Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Retreats Program Director

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Provides direct leadership, program development, recruitment and implementation of YMCA Camp Wapsie ... camping, recreation or similar or related field or equivalent job-related experience. Essential ...

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Recreation Program Director information

What does a recreation program director do?

A Recreation Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing recreational programs and activities for community centers, parks, schools, or other organizations. They manage staff, create schedules, budget for resources, and ensure that programs meet the needs and interests of participants. Additionally, they may collaborate with local agencies, promote events, and evaluate program effectiveness to enhance community engagement and well-being.

What is the difference between Recreation Program Director vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation Program DirectorRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR, First AidOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple programs, manages staff, oversees budgets in community centers, parks, or recreation departmentsAssists with program implementation, interacts directly with participants, supports program staff
ResponsibilitiesDevelops and manages recreation programs, supervises staff, plans budgets, evaluates program successCoordinates activities, assists with event setup, provides customer service, supports program delivery

The Recreation Program Director and Recreation Coordinator roles share some credentials and work environments, but the director typically has broader responsibilities, manages staff, and oversees multiple programs, while the coordinator focuses on supporting specific activities and participant engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation program director?

To thrive as a Recreation Program Director, you need expertise in program planning, budgeting, and a background in recreation management or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with scheduling software, facility management systems, and, in some cases, CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills help you work effectively with staff, participants, and community partners. These abilities are vital for creating engaging programs, ensuring safety, and meeting the diverse needs of the community.

What are some common challenges faced by recreation program directors when managing multiple programs simultaneously?

Recreation Program Directors often juggle several programs at once, which requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Common challenges include balancing limited resources, ensuring programs meet community needs, and adapting to last-minute changes such as staff shortages or facility issues. Directors must also coordinate with various stakeholders, including instructors, vendors, and community members, to keep programs running smoothly. Effective communication and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Program jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Director jobs in Iowa? For Recreation Program Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Program Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Program Director jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recreation Program Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Recreation Program Director job openings:
Recreation Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Recreation Program Assistant II - Limited Part-Time

City of Waukee

Waukee, IA • On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Seasonal Recreation Program Assistant

The City of Waukee is looking for seasonal Recreation Program Assistants. The Recreation Program Assistant II provides supervision and instruction to participants in programs provided by the Parks and Recreation Department. Wages: $14.00 - $16.00. Must be 16 years of age.

Essential Functions & Success Factors

Essential Functions: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

  • Supervises program participants in areas such as youth programs and activities, adult and youth sports leagues, senior citizen activities, various tournaments and special events.
  • Promotes a positive, safe, healthy and inviting learning environment and good behavior amongst all staff and participants.
  • Ensures all rules, regulations, and safety policies are properly enforced.
  • May assist Recreation Supervisors and Recreation Coordinator with planning, developing, coordinating, implementing and leading recreational activities and programs.
  • Utilizes the Recreation Coordinator as a mentor to gain specific knowledge, skills, and improve team building efforts.
  • Completes Parks & Recreation facility preparation and maintenance as needed.
  • Provides excellent customer service and general information, resolving problems and inquiries within scope of authority.
  • Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

Success Factors:

  • Display honesty, trustworthiness, dependability and respectfulness at all times.
  • Work efficiently and safely with little direct supervision.
  • Display willingness to listen and learn. Ask for clarification as needed.
  • Exhibit a cheerful attitude.
  • Establish clear, open-minded, trustworthy, bias-free and customer-focused communication to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment.
  • Uphold the Waukee Parks & Recreation Mission Statement with integrity and professionalism.
  • Attentive to the City's and the Department's standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City and Department policies and procedures ensuring that all work performed meets those standards.
Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED, or in pursuit thereof.
  • Minimum age 16.
  • Experience working with children.
  • Be comfortable working in close proximity with children of all ages
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Physical Requirements:

  • Be responsive to visual and verbal alarms and other indications of distress.
  • Able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Able to walk and stand for long periods of time on different surfaces including walkways, trails, stairs and undeveloped areas.
  • Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone and in writing using electronic devices and handwritten) in English with other employees, businesses and community members.

Working Conditions:

  • Position requires outdoor work where heat, cold, precipitation, and the results of weather and nature may be encountered.
  • Position requires travel within the City which imposes common travel hazards.
  • Standard work hours will vary from zero to 40 plus hours per week to meet the needs of the department and will include evenings and weekends.
  • To successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position, employee must be present at assigned location.
  • There is no residency requirement for this position.

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