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Recreation Program Director Jobs in Minnesota (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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Recreation Program Director job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Recreation Superintendent

City of Roseville

Saint Paul, MN

$104K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


City Of Roseville (California) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary About the City of Roseville: Roseville is a vibrant suburban community conveniently located just north of Minneapolis and St. Paul with nearly 700acres of public parks and some of the best shopping, dining and lodging in the Twin Cities. Roseville has 36,000 residents, but the community doubles in size everyday with visitors and workers venturing into the city.

Located on I-35W & State Highway 36, Roseville borders Minneapolis and St. Paul, and is a quick commute to both downtowns. Roseville is home to the John Rose Minnesota OVAL, the largest outdoor refrigerated sheet of ice in North America; Rosedale Center, a destination shopping center that attracts 14 million visitors annually; the nation's first Target store; and 33 city parks, including our signature green space Central Park.

Roseville is located in Ramsey County and is served by Roseville Area Schools and Mounds View Schools. City services include full-time professional police and fire departments, public works, parks and recreation, community development, finance, and administration. Roseville also operates a driver's license and passport center.

About Roseville Parks and Recreation Department: Roseville Parks and Recreation is a professionally staffed and maintained parks system, comprised of 33 parks spanning 680 acres. There are 35 ballfields, 28 playgrounds and 67 miles of trails and walkways. Roseville Parks and Recreation also includes: Cedarholm Golf Course and Community Building Roseville Skating Center and the John Rose MNOVAL, the largest outdoor refrigerated sheet of ice in North America.

Muriel Sahlin Arboretum Harriet Alexander Nature Center Roseville offers adult, child, teen, and family recreation and sports programs year-round. More than 14,000 individuals enrolled in a Roseville recreation program in 2025.Roseville Parks and Recreation also hosts a variety of family-friendly community events, including, Rosefest and the Live at the Rog free summer concert series. The Recreation Superintendent provides professional leadership and oversight for the Recreation Division, including the planning, development, implementation, promotion, evaluation, and continuous improvement of recreation programs, community events, and related services

The position works to define, establish, and achieve division-wide goals and objectives in alignment with community needs, departmental priorities, and the City's Strategic Plan. The Recreation Superintendent provides direct oversight for an assigned portfolio of recreation programs and services while also overseeing division-wide operations, planning, budgeting, staffing, and continuous improvement. The position directly oversees programs and services of varying size and complexity, including the Roseville School of Dance, summer youth programs, adult and youth activities, and special events, and provides leadership, direction, and support to Recreation Program Supervisors in the management of their assigned program portfolios.

The position requires a high degree of initiative, organization, sound judgment, communication, and flexibility. The Recreation Superintendent is expected to balance direct program and event oversight with division-level leadership and management responsibilities and to adjust priorities as organizational needs, staffing, programs, and community needs change. NOTE: This exempt position will work a flexible schedule based on the requirements of assigned programs, events, and division operations.

During non-event weeks, the typical work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alternate workdays and hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required to provide leadership and oversight at programs and community events

The position is expected to adjust its schedule as needed to respond to program, staffing, operational, and organizational needs. Essential Duties Responsibilities The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Program and Event Leadership Plan, develop, implement, promote, supervise, evaluate, and continuously improve an assigned portfolio of recreation programs, community events, activities, and related recreation services. Provide direct oversight of assigned programs and services, including the Roseville School of Dance, summer youth programs, adult and youth activities, and special events. Develop and manage program objectives, work plans, staffing, budgets, operating procedures, risk management, facilities, contracts, vendors, equipment, communications, accessibility, public safety, and other operational needs associated with assigned programs and events.

Monitor and improve program quality, participation, accessibility, efficiency, financial performance, and responsiveness to community needs. Maintain appropriate leadership and supervisory presence at programs and events, including evenings, weekends, and other non-traditional hours as needed. Division Leadership and Management Provide professional leadership and day-to-day oversight for Recreation Division operations, priorities, work plans, and service delivery.

Lead division-wide planning, goal setting, problem-solving, resource allocation, and continuous improvement in alignment with departmental priorities and the City's Strategic Plan. Plan, develop, and oversee the Recreation Division budget under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Assistant Director, including monitoring revenues and expenditures and supporting departmental cost-recovery expectations. Supervise, support, mentor, and evaluate Recreation Division staff and develop staff leadership capacity to support effective and responsive program delivery.

Provide leadership, direction, and support to Recreation Program Supervisors while empowering them to use their professional expertise and creativity to manage their assigned program portfolios and make appropriate program and operational decisions. Coordinate staffing, resources, facilities, equipment, and other operational needs across program portfolios to support effective division-wide service delivery. Collaboration and Community Leadership Collaborate with the Parks and Recreation Director, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director, Recreation Program Supervisors, other department staff, City departments, community organizations, contractors, vendors, volunteers, and other partners to coordinate services, share resources, solve problems, and achieve organizational priorities.

Build and maintain effective relationships with community partners and stakeholders to strengthen recreation services and respond to changing community needs. Communicate effectively with staff, leadership, community partners, and the public regarding recreation programs, events, operational needs, challenges, and opportunities. Model initiative, accountability, flexibility, respectful communication, and teamwork while demonstrating respect for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and interests and supporting an inclusive and equitable workplace and community.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Required Skills/Experience/Education Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Recreation Management, Sports Management, Recreation and Tourism, or a related field. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in recreation program and event development, preferably in a municipal or similar setting.

Minimum of five years of demonstrated experience planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs, events, and related services. Minimum of two years of experience supervising staff and providing professional leadership. Strong organizational, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, mentoring, and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and programs of varying size and complexity.

Effective time management, communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills. Physical Demands & Work Environment The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Most work is performed in a normal office environment; however, work inspection and planning may need to be done in the field and is subject to environmental conditions and there is exposure to disagreeable elements such as angry customers, and varying levels of stress. Approximately 15% lifting twenty-five (25) pounds or less. There is travel within the City to view projects or attend meetings and frequently working nights and weekends.

It has a high level of detail, pressure deadlines, and will be working as a team and independently. Activities that occur constantly (5-8 hours/shift): talking, hearing Activities that occur frequently (2-5 hours/shift): sitting Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): standing, walking, lifting, carrying Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, grasping, feeling. The City of Roseville (City) is committed to the values of accountability, community, equity, integrity, and safety.

We strive to foster a workplace where employees are valued, respected, and treated with dignity. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. The City recognizes that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization and enhances our ability to effectively serve our community.

Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, or other protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities or religious needs. To request an accommodation, contact Human Resources at HR@cityofroseville.com

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