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Recreation Program Director Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

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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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Recreation Program jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Director jobs in Maryland?

For Recreation Program Director jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recreation Program Director jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreation Program Director jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Recreation Program Director jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Recreation Program Director job openings:

Recreation Program Director jobs near you

Recreation Program Specialist

John Wallis Academy

Worton, MD • On-site

$26.23 - $41.97/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
The primary duty of the Recreation Program Specialist is to coordinate and provide oversight on all programs assigned. The position also identifies program needs and instructs recreational participants in program activities or regulations. May coordinate programs for specific populations or activities.
Essential Functions:
Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Sports Programs (0-5), Camps, Afterschool, and Special Events:
  • Provide leadership and prepare related budget.
  • Work with advocacy groups, communicates with parents, and other agencies.
  • Evaluate programs and staff, handling conflicts as they arise.
  • Trains and oversees all duties of seasonal staff.
  • Problem-solving conflicts between children, parents, staff, and school system employees.
  • Coordinate and schedules special programming, speakers, activities, and events.
  • Manages record keeping, which includes attendance, program review, and COMAR Regulations.
  • Special Events: Oversees and organizes all special events.
  • Collaborate with county agencies to partner with events.
  • Attend agency events to represent the Department.

Supervision:
The position reports to the Director. The position supervises seasonal and part-time staff.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
  • Communication and Persuasion: Ability to communicate with end users, to gain cooperation and understanding of programs and processes.
  • Customer Service: Ability to assist and support constituents in a timely and pleasing manner.
  • Analytical Thinking: Ability to think things through from an analytical perspective and understand the cause and effect of data and information shared and designed.
  • Detail Orientation: Ability to update information for users as it relates to instructions and directions, which are clear and concise and easy to understand.
  • Flexibility: Ability to deal with complex and varied work, requiring a complete knowledge of a wide variety of operations and practices consistently using independent judgment.
  • Decision Making: Ability to exercise strong decision making and good judgement as decisions made impact the entire system and department.
  • Computer Related Skills: Ability to work with software packages such as ActiveNet, Microsoft Office skills including Publisher, and accounting databases.
  • Supervision Skill: Ability to supervise multiple people with differing personalities and styles.
  • Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of the principles and practices of public recreation programs and of safety requirements which must be met at a recreation center or outdoor recreation area, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), federal and state laws pertaining to sexual harassment and principles of risk management.
  • Additional Requirements: Must pass a Maryland Criminal Records check prior to employment and a urinalysis test, which may be repeated at random.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's
  • Two years related experience, or equivalent technical training, education, or experience.
  • Six months of supervision experience.
  • One-year recreational programming experience.
  • Valid Maryland Driver's License and an acceptable motor vehicle record.
  • CPR & Advanced First Aid certifications required after hire.
  • Bloodborne Pathogen certification required after hire.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work is conducted in a variety of settings, some which provide comfortable lighting, temperature, and air conditions; however, some areas will expose the employee to occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position occasionally requires lifting and moving of moderately heavy items, such as boxes (up to 40 pounds) and/or periods of walking on a routine basis, and/or standing for periods of time and/or requires stooping and bending.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting rooms, or recreation areas, e.g.: use of safe workplace practices with office or gym equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.
Benefits:
  • Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Long-Term Disability & Short-Term Disability Coverage
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. This and all County positions are subject to transfer, based on need. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Kent County Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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