ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

KESHET

Director of Camp and Recreation

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chief Program Officer JOB STATUS: Full Time / Salary / Exempt SCHEDULE: Sunday - Thursday ... As the Director of Recreation at Keshet, you would be responsible for the strategic leadership ...

company1322

Therapeutic Recreation Intern

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$15/hr

... programs. Requirements * Working towards a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation * Two to three years of direct experience working with individuals with disabilities * At least twenty-one years ...

Ray Graham Association

Recreation Aide

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$18.02/hr

Provide direct support to children and adults during recreational and sports programs * Encourage active participation and inclusion for all program participants * Assist with setup, facilitation ...

Outreach

Older Adults Program Director

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Outreach is hiring a Full-time Older Adults Program Director (with clinical licensure) at Outreach ... recreational, spiritual, and intergenerational programs that promote healthy aging, lifelong ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 17, 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.

Program Leader

Northwest Special Recreation Association

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$22.50 - $23.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:
Support, assist and advocate individuals with disabilities participating in NWSRA recreation and leisure programs. Plan, implement and evaluate assigned programs as a leader. Supervise program assistants and volunteers in recreation programs and leisure activities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Communication and Outreach
  • Provide timely responses to phone calls, voicemail and written materials, whether received by mail, fax, or email sent by NWSRA.
  • Treat public complaints and concerns with the utmost attention.
  • Is courteous in all cases.

Position Specific Responsibilities
  • Supervise participants in a recreation program setting. Responsible for group's safety, behavior management and appropriate involvement in activities.
  • During transportation of programs. Focus on monitoring & addressing medical, safety and behavior needs of participants on vehicle. Communicate any concerns to driver.
  • Driving program routes while following all safety procedures and driving laws when required by program needs.
  • Plan and prepare for programs of all types, for individuals with various ability levels, writing program plans; communicating details via telephone or meetings; organizing groupings; purchasing, gathering, loading, transporting, and setting up supplies and equipment and inspecting site for potential hazards.
  • Implement programs, including communicating activity plans, rules and logistical details to program employees, participants, parents, facility employees, school or other involved personnel; demonstrating activities; moving participants through activities in a safe and appropriate manner; ability to communicate and assist in training; problem solving while managing behavior and program supervision. Demonstrate creativity and enthusiasm in implementing activities.
  • Evaluate programs, including checking site for orderliness; monitoring departure of participants and employees; collecting, loading, and returning equipment.
  • Distribute evaluations and other materials and completing required forms and evaluations.
  • Complete program summary form(s) immediately following the end of each program.
  • Complete program and staff evaluations towards the end if the program season and submit to Support Services Coordinators by last day of program season.
  • During transportation of programs, focus on monitoring & addressing medical, safety and behavior needs of participants on vehicle. Communicate any concerns to driver.
  • Act as an advocate for participants, provide disability awareness information, and emphasize the individual's abilities and similarities while de-emphasizing the differences.
  • Assist in the participation of recreational activities and provide accommodations as needed.
  • Attend to participants' personal care needs including toileting, feeding and changing.
  • Encourage participant in developing friendships with other participants within the program.
  • Promote active involvement and participation in program activities from program assistants and volunteers.
  • Communicate and contribute with ideas to co-workers.
  • Demonstrate creativity and enthusiasm in implementing activities.
  • Become actively involved and participate in program activities and tasks.
  • Promote good relations with participants, parents, employees, partner agency personnel and community contacts.
  • Follow through with direction on assigned tasks.
  • Implement and apply skills and techniques learned in training.
  • Communicate with participants during programs in a verbal or non-verbal manner.
  • Attend all orientations, meetings and trainings required by NWSRA and the assigned park district. Complete make-up training by given due date if absent from required trainings.
  • Greet parents/guardians, participants, employees and volunteers upon arrival. Smile and be friendly.
  • Monitor participant's belongings including bags, towels, lunch boxes, etc.
  • Follow agency policy and procedures including all payroll procedures of NWSRA.
  • Administering and documenting medication per NWSRA medication dispensing procedures.
  • In some situations, supervise and provide training and coaching to program employees and volunteers.
  • Communicate all incidents/accidents from programs to Support Services Coordinators and Park District Site Directors/Leaders.
  • Send P-card receipts to Support Services Coordinators by required due date each month.
  • Return program keys to proper location after each program.
  • Other duties needed to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by NWSRA's Core Values.

Safety
  • Understand safety polices, maintain a working knowledge of all general and departmental-specific safety policies and inspect work and program areas for compliance with safe work practices and policies.
  • Enforce safety policies by improving employee and public knowledge while correcting unsafe behavior and conditions.
  • Cooperate and assist in the investigation of accidents/ incidents and attends all required safety program and education meetings.

JOB STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS:
Weight Bearing:
  • Ability to gather and transfer program equipment and to move heavy recreational equipment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push a wheel chair up to 300 lbs.

Agility/Flexibility/Balance:
  • Ability to safely lift, transfer and/or position individuals with mobility impairments in wheelchairs.
  • Ability to kneel, crawl, reach, rotate body position, reach into small spaces and run to maintain interaction with participants in programs who may need individualized assistance or close supervision.

Manual Dexterity:
  • Ability to maneuver wheelchairs through narrow or small spaces, such as doorways, washrooms, and vehicles, while operating doors and lifts and lift wheelchairs over obstructions such as curbs, small stairs, and other barriers.
  • Ability to manipulate a variety of objects such as eating utensils or G-tubes to perform personal care for participants as well as writing utensils, communication devices and recreation equipment of all types.

Stamina:
  • Ability to work a varied schedule of days and hours.
  • Ability to drive or ride long distances required for the program.
  • Ability to keep pace with active participants who may be aggressive or a flight risk

Psychological Considerations:
  • Ability to work with individuals from all backgrounds and special interests in a respectable manner and to maintain a positive attitude in public places.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and handle stress in a calm, professional manner.

Environmental Considerations:
  • Ability to perform in a variety of weather conditions, ranging from mild to severe, year round, and in facilities that may range in temperature, and/or have various exposures such as pool chemicals.
  • Ability to perform in outdoor situations where there is potential exposure to poisonous plants, insects, and wild animals.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • At least 21 years of age.
  • Illinois Driver's License, required.
  • No moving violations in the last 36 months.
  • Experience working and/or volunteering with children and adults with disabilities.
  • Previous supervisory and/or leadership experience preferred.
  • Demonstrate dependability, promptness, flexibility and punctuality.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with full-time employees, part-time employees, volunteers, parents/guardians, participants, park district and school district personnel, as well as members of the community.
  • Ability to perform duties under stressful situation without supervision.
  • Willingness to learn and accept new ideas.
  • Work at least one entire program season as a program assistant.
  • Exhibit interest and ability to plan and implement meaningful activities for all ability levels.
  • Current certification in CPR and First Aid preferred.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team.

Apply