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Recreation Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Salvation Army

Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$72K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Program Director will work with a team to provide coordination of services in the areas of recreation, education, community networking, and program marketing. This individual is ...

KESHET

Director of Camp and Recreation

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

SUPERVISOR: Chief Program Officer JOB STATUS: Full Time /Salary / Exempt SCHEDULE: Sunday ... Keshet Recreation Programs HIGHLIGHTS: As the Director of Recreationat Keshet, you would be ...

Sertoma Star Services

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL · On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

Conduct vehicle inspections before use. * Assist Program Director with program development and operation of Sertoma Star Services Special Recreation programs, day camp, leisure education and ...

Sertoma Star Services

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL · On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

Conduct vehicle inspections before use. * Assist Program Director with program development and operation of Sertoma Star Services Special Recreation programs, day camp, leisure education and ...

Skokie Park District

SPACE Program Director

Skokie, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... school recreational childcare program for registered student participants. Duties include ... Attends monthly Director meetings and other meetings and trainings as requested. Maintains an open ...

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All JobsRecreation Program JobsRecreation Program Director JobsRecreation Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Recreation Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$73.5K

$143.2K

How much do recreation program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation program director in Chicago, IL is $73,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $94,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Recreation Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreation Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Recreation Program Director jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Recreation Program Director job openings:

Recreation Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,524 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Recreation Program Coordinator

Northern Illinois Speci

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description
Job Description



POSITION TITLE: Recreation Program Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager of Recreation


FLSA STATUS: Full-Time Exempt


RESPONSIBILITIES:

To participate in the Association’s overall purpose of providing leisure experiences in all areas of recreation to individuals with disabilities. Individuals served include all ages and ability levels.

To work effectively with participants, staff, parents/guardians, park district and recreation department staff, teachers and others in the community. Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Recreation, the Recreation Program Coordinator is responsible for assigned weekly programs, special events, trips as well as coordination of specialty programs and projects. The Recreation Program Coordinator also provides direct program leadership to assigned seasonal programs, overnight trips and special events.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field.
  2. Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (or attained within the first year of employment) or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (or attained within the first year of eligibility).
  3. Must have an extensive knowledge of recreation activities, program planning and possess leadership abilities in a variety of recreation areas with special populations.
  4. Must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  5. Class “D” driver’s license, and certification by Handle With Care and First Aid/CPR/AED or obtainable upon hire.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Coordinate NISRA’s weekly programs, social clubs, trips, and other assigned program areas.
  2. Work cooperatively with supervisor to implement new program concepts and make adjustments to existing programs as needed.
  3. Plan, budget, implement, evaluate and revise assigned programs.
  4. Develop and maintain professional relationships with families, member district and service organizations and collaborators.

A. Attending member district and other community meetings.

  1. Market programs to increase program participation by such means as flyers, emails, phone calls and presentations, as necessary.
  2. Assist in the preparation of the Association’s annual recreation budget and monitor on a monthly basis.
  3. Increase awareness of NISRAs’ programs through outreach efforts.
  4. Must have valid driver’s license and complete NISRA driving / transportation training in order to transport participants to and from programs using activity buses and accessible buses.
  5. Actively display NISRA’s values of Fun, Professional, Compassionate, Trustworthy and Innovative.
  6. Active participation in NISRA Foundation events, and other community events as needed.
  7. Lead and assist programs approximately 10-18 hr. a week, including seasonal programs special events and on overnight trips.
  8. Develop and implement annual performance goals for the assigned project areas.
  9. Attend meetings, in-services, conferences and related workshops for continuing self- development through needed education.
  10. Assist in maintaining the agency safety program.
  11. Gather, load, transport and set-up equipment and supplies for activities.
  12. Ability to perform strenuous activity to include but not limited to physical transfer of participants with physical limitations, participant protection measures, loading and unloading equipment, and vigorous recreation activities.
  13. Provide physical assistance and personal care to participants as needed (i.e., transferring individuals, pushing participants who use wheelchairs, securing/tying down wheelchairs in agency vehicles, assisting with activities of daily living).
  14. Be an active participant in the agencies strategic planning process and implementation.
  15. Promote the field of Therapeutic Recreation and related benefits to community organizations, park districts, school districts, businesses and community at large.
  16. Perform related duties as required.


NISRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer which has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the agency, which bases employment upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of an individual’s actual or perceived race (including but not limited to traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, national origin, citizenship status, work authorization status, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, association with a person with a disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service or military status, civil union partnership, order of protection status, pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

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