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Recreation Program Director Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Activity Director

Coffeyville, KS · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Graduate of Activity Director Course as required by state ... Two years in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was ...

Activity Director

Coffeyville, KS · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Graduate of Activity Director Course as required by state ... Two years in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was ...

Lead Teacher - Gardner Elementary Schools

Gardner, KS · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Overview Join the award-winning Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) team and help ... Ensures the safety of the children in the program at all times. * Responsible for direct ...

Lead Teacher - Gardner Elementary Schools

Gardner, KS · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Overview Join the award-winning Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) team and help ... Ensures the safety of the children in the program at all times. * Responsible for direct ...

Lead Teacher - Olathe Elementary Schools

Olathe, KS · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Overview Join the award-winning Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) team and help ... Ensures the safety of the children in the program at all times. * Responsible for direct ...

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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, and why are they important?

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 Kansas? The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Director jobs in Kansas? For Recreation Program Director jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Program Director jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Program Director jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Recreation Program Director jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Recreation Program Director job openings:
Recreation Supervisor - Athletics

Recreation Supervisor - Athletics

City of Manhattan Kansas

Manhattan, KS

$58K - $73K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description

(Regular, Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $58,722.74 - $73,408.97, DOQ

Closing Date: Open Until Filled; posting may close at any time. 

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM with varying nights and weekends


Required: Please upload a cover letter and resume along with completed application.


How to Apply: Using the "apply" button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or hr@cityofmhk.com.


Summary/Objective

Manages the daily operations of recreation centers and facilities and ensures successful delivery of quality programs, activities, and special events by planning, directing, coordinating, supervising, and evaluating these activities and events, and preparing and staying within program and facility budgets. Assists the Recreation Superintendent with the total operations within the Recreation Division as needed.


Each Recreation Supervisor oversees a different area(s)/specialty(ies), such as Facilities, Adult Sports, Aquatics, Instructional Programs, Youth Sports, Tournaments, and Special Events.

Area Specific Details:

  • Aquatics includes all aspects of waterpark operations to ensure City waterparks are staffed and operated safely and efficiently with quality programs for youth and adult including lifeguard training, swim lessons, exercise classes, and special events. Aquatics also includes operational oversight of the Ice Rink in Wefald Pavilion during the skating season.
  • The Instructional Programs area includes art, theatre, day camps, special populations, and senior programs.
  • Athletics includes oversight of youth and adult sports leagues, tournaments, and athletic instructional programs to ensure high-quality recreational opportunities and the safety of all participants.

Essential Functions

Oversees and schedules the staff and programs within Recreation specialty.

  • Ensures that all programs and activities are properly planned, scheduled, executed, supervised, and evaluated for effectiveness.
  • Ensures that facilities are utilized at the maximum level of efficiency, and that such facilities are adequately supervised and maintained during all programs, activities, and rental events.
  • Ensures that all programs, activities, and facility operations stay within budget limitations through proper preparation of budget, efficient and effective purchase of equipment and supplies, and proper utilization of staff so as not to exceed such budget limitations.
  • Cooperates with fellow staff, other City departments, schools and other community agencies, and other user groups to ensure that programs, activities, events, and facilities are delivered properly and at the maximum level of efficiency.
  • Utilizes recreation management software to program activities and schedule facilities, communicates with current/past participants, run reports and conduct trend analysis for program and facility use, and other items.
  • Conducts timely program and facility evaluations to ensure quality delivery of all programs and services and modify future program delivery based on factors such as participation rates, cost, and participant feedback.
  • Answers a large volume of customer and participant inquiries concerning all matters related to job duties.
  • Seeks to provide programs that cater to all community members regardless of race, sex, religion, etc. and assures that each citizen is afforded an equal opportunity to participate in such programs.

Supervises applicable staff members.

  • Hires and trains staff members, as needed.
  • Provides supervision and oversight of applicable staff.
  • Coordinates schedules of applicable staff.
  • Administers City of Manhattan Policies and Procedures in a consistent manner.
  • Ensures employees supervised demonstrate productivity, competence, and high morale, as well as utilize employees' skills and abilities.
  • Conducts performance planning and evaluations for employees in a timely manner, to include development of goals, objectives, and deadlines.
  • Resolves routine personnel issues or problems.
  • Leads and manages staff with clear and consistent communications.

Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Provides additional support functions based on department needs.
  • Collaborates with civic groups and other community organizations and agencies to ensure that a well-balanced and varied array of activities and programs are available based on public needs and demands.
  • Recruits and trains volunteers to assist with program delivery or facility operations as needed.
  • Serves on boards and committees as needed.
  • Manages unpleasant interactions and stress caused by irate and/or defensive customers.
  • Remains abreast of current developments and trends related to the profession through continuing education, certification in appropriate programs, and attendance at local and state professional development workshops and seminars.
  • Responds timely to call backs for emergency situations during nonduty hours and take appropriate actions.
  • Completes billing/payroll approvals for participants and scheduled employee groups.
  • Attends evening meetings on a regular basis and weekend functions.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree from accredited university with emphasis in Recreation Administration, Sports Management, or a closely related field.
  • Two (2) years of experience in a related occupation or field.
  • Valid Driver's License.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Advanced degree or training.
  • Five (5) years of experience in recreation facility management, program administration, and/or related occupation or field.
  • Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP).

Additional (in addition to those listed above) Preferred Education and Experience for Recreation Supervisor - Aquatics:

  • Current Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) or Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification
  • Current Lifeguard certification
  • Lifeguard Instructor certification
  • Lifeguard Instructor trainer (LGI-T) certification

Additional (in addition to those listed above) Preferred Education and Experience for Recreation Supervisor - Instructional Programs:

  • Experience in developing, coordinating, or supervising programs in one or more of the following areas: visual or performing arts (e.g., art, theatre), special populations, senior programs, or instructional recreation.
  • Background in childcare, youth development, or day camp programming, including staff supervision and activity planning.

Additional (in addition to those listed above) Preferred Education and Experience for Recreation Supervisor - Athletics:

  • Experience in developing, coordinating, or supervising programs in one or more of the following areas: youth or adult athletics, or athletic instructional programs.
  • Experience in developing and enforcing league rules, codes of conduct, and sportsmanship standards.
  • Experience managing participant registration, team formation, and program communication using recreation management software.
  • National Alliance for Youth Sports - Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA)
  • National Alliance for Youth Sports - Certified Youth Sports Director (CYSD)
  • National Center for Safety Initiatives - Certified in Youth Sports Safety (CYSS)

Compensation & Benefits

  • Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
  • City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
  • Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
  • Paid Holidays - 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
  • Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
  • Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
  • Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
  • Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
  • Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.