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Recreation Program Director Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Recreation Program Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$29.1K

$70.4K

$137.1K

How much do recreation program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation program director in Rochester, NY is $70,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $90,300.00 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Director jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What job categories do people searching Recreation Program Director jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreation Program Director jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Recreation Program Director jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Recreation Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreation Program Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,421 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Lead Recreation Specialist and Lifeguard

Happiness House and CP Rochester

Rochester, NY

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Lead Recreation Specialist/Lifeguard

Location: CP Rochester – Rochester, NY and surrounding area

Salary:  $17.00 - $20.00 per hour commensurate with experience

Employment:  This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week. Hours vary and involve days, some evenings, and some weekends.

Summary/Objective:  This position ensures all recreation services provided by this agency are individually focused, promote independence, productivity, and choice.  In addition, the Lead Recreation Specialist will ensure that these services are integrated into the community, cost effective, and of high quality as rated by the individuals and funders. Responsible for water safety and supervision of consumers, both children and adults, and staff during swim sessions.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required. Higher education degree in recreation or related field as determined by the department or program preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable.
  • Experience in providing recreational services to individuals of all ages and abilities preferred.
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification preferred
  • Red Cross, or equivalent, Advanced Lifesaving or Lifeguarding certification required
  • Red Cross, or equivalent, First Aid and CPR certification required.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and organize the daily operations of the department or program.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in planning, implementing and evaluating programs with individuals, customers, and employees.
  • Demonstrated tolerance for stressful interactions and situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office software, Electronic Health Record programs and other computer programs which are pertinent.
  • Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License and ability to travel in the Rochester area

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: 

  • Must have reliable transportation to travel between locations.
  • Ability to drive a pick-up truck and trailer preferred.

Key Job Tasks/Essential Functions:

  • Imparts agency philosophy of “Equal Opportunity, Independence and Realization of Individual Potential” to individual, families, program staff and community resources.
  • Maintains confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with agency policy.
  • Communicates, in a positive manner, the mission, vision, organizational values and program or departmental goals to employees.
  • Works collaboratively to create and implement community-based recreation programs.
  • Communicates effectively with peers, service providers, individuals, caregivers, family members, and the community to ensure services are individually focused and promote independence, productivity and choice.
  • Provides oversight to ensure safety and supervision of individuals. 
  • Completes all necessary documentation and reports as required and per agency policies in a timely manner.
  • Communicates with department supervisor and director/VP to assess progress, problem solve, make decisions and accomplish the goals of the program/department.
  • Responsible for water safety and supervision of consumers, both children and adults, and staff during swim sessions. 
  • Responsible for initiating First Aid, water rescues and/or emergency procedures as necessary.
  • Trains new team members as needed.
  • Is approachable and responsive to staff.
  • Completes tasks related to the functioning of the program or department.
  • In collaboration with SportsNet Supervisor, takes the lead when implementing programs, activities and/or events.
  • Communicates agency, regulatory body and departmental or program policies, procedures and standards of work in a positive manner. Shares important information regarding the safety and welfare of others.
  • Complies with Regulatory and Agency audits (internal and external).
  • Attends meetings as assigned and communicates information to peers.
  • Participates in conferences, workshops and in-service training as needed or recommended to enhance job skills and personal growth and development.
  • Adheres to agency’s policies and procedures as well as department guidelines.

Competency Requirements:

  • Collaboration Skills and Team Development
  • Leadership Skills
  • Relationship Management
  • Organizational Skills

Supervisory Responsibility:  Provides direct supervision to SportsNet program interns. This position manages any interns that are involved in the program and is responsible for their performance management.

Other Duties:  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment:  This job operates in both site-based and community settings.

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with consumer transfers.  Ability to push and pull 250-300 pounds – maximum weight (individual in wheelchair).

Travel:  Travel is primarily local during the day and evenings and employee will be expected to work at any of our partner agencies or community partner locations.  Some out-of-the-area travel may be expected.

Our comprehensive benefit plan includes but is not limited to:

  • Affordable Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
  • 17 days Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Sick Time
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • 403(b) and/or ROTH Retirement Plan with employer match
  • Additional Insurance Offerings – Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Specified Disease Insurance w/ Cancer Rider, Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection
  • Employer Paid Health Reimbursement Arrangement (high deductible medical plan)
  • Employer paid term Life/AD&D Insurance and Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement plus a 25% Tuition Discount for benefit-eligible Employees and Family Members at Roberts Wesleyan College

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for successful applicants. It may be modified in the future. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, internal equity, and location.

EEO Statement:  The agencies are equal opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants in the hiring, promotion, compensation, placement, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence or any other term or condition of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation/identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, domestic violence victim status, prior arrest and conviction records or any other protected category in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.