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Recreation Program Director Jobs in Suffolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

The Curriculum and Program Director serves as a resource and supervisor of the early care and ... age recreation * Computer experience: Creating and reading spreadsheets, database management ...

Recreation Manager

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$65K - $103K/yr

Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with program participants, employees, and volunteers. Reports to the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. To perform this job ...

Recreation Manager

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$65K - $103K/yr

Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with program participants, employees, and volunteers. Reports to the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. To perform this job ...

Supervises programs conducted in the Parks and Recreation facilities. Serves on committees to plan ... with direct interaction with adults and children; or any equivalent combination of education ...

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Recreation Program Director information

See Suffolk, VA salary details

$28.1K

$67.9K

$132.2K

How much do recreation program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation program director in Suffolk, VA is $67,897.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $87,000.00 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 Suffolk, VA?

The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Director jobs in Suffolk, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Recreation Program Director jobs in Suffolk, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreation Program Director jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What cities near Suffolk, VA are hiring for Recreation Program Director jobs?

Cities near Suffolk, VA with the most Recreation Program Director job openings:

Community Recreation Director

Norfolk, VA • On-site, Remote


Commander, Navy Installations Command
Executive Offices and Legislative Bodies • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$29 - $31/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the Community Recreation Division, of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department, located within Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). The primary purpose of this position is to provide support to the Installation Program Director through the day to day management of the Community Recreation Division.
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Duties
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MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Responsible for the development, management, maintenance, planning, business plan execution, and administration of a diverse recreation program. Develops and or assists managers with writing standard operating procedures. Ensures programs are in compliance with local Regional program policies, regulations, and procedures, and higher level Navy and DOD instructions, regulations and program standards; uses judgement in adapting guidelines for specific situations, methods and processes that may deviate from guidelines. Exercises authority and independent judgement in development of plans and solutions.
Provides specific guidance regarding the maintenance of current and development of new programs to recreation division managers. Continuously reviews the overall assigned recreation programs for accomplishments; recommends and establishes new operational activities/subprograms in conjunction with activity managers. Monitors associated contracts, Memorandums of Agreement or Understanding (MOA/MOU) in Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Solicits input from activity managers regarding internal short/long range goals/business plans objectives and program standards. Monitors various programs to ensure standards are met or exceeded. Routinely evaluates and reviews ongoing programs, and provides activity managers with guidance that may develop, adapt, modify, expand, or otherwise change the program activity to better meet and enhance the expected effectiveness of the programmed activity. Performs regular analysis of projected projects and programs; considering operating budget, staffing requirements, plans, trends, command mission and changing population. Provides onsite project oversight and ensures that approved plans are implemented, and notifies local and regional leadership of any issues or concerns that may arise. Finds and implements ways to eliminate or reduce significant bottlenecks and barriers to program execution, teamwork or use of established business practices. Uses metrics and financial data to make recommendations for any modifications to programs.
Provides day to day administrative and technical supervision of a workforce consisting of both Appropriated (APF) and Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) employees and acts as Rating Official (RO). Acts as Senior Rating Official (SRO) for activity managers in assigned AOR. Ensures approved staffing levels are maintained to support programs and operations in a cost effective manner. Plans work to be accomplished. Sets priorities and establishes schedules for work completion. Distributes and balances work based upon priority, skill requirements, and level of difficulty. Discusses work in progress, answering questions from team members concerning procedures, directives, policy, etc., as well as technical questions. Evaluates performance of subordinates and provides specific recommendations related to training needs. Responsible for training, supervising, scheduling and evaluating all employees within the branch. Participates in interviews and recommends selection for all new hires within the branch, initiates appropriate disciplinary action; hears and resolves complaints from employees. Assures equality in determining selection, assignment, training and promotion, discipline and incentive awards to employees. Recommends awards or bonuses for supervisory and non-supervisory personnel and changes in position classification subject to approval by higher level supervisor. Controls attendance and leave ensuring adequate work force is available at all times to accomplish the mission. Routinely approves sick and annual leave.
Maintains funds and property accountability for all APF and NAF fund equipment, supplies, resale funds, and inventories in AOR. Responsible for inventories conducted in accordance with applicable higher level regulatory guidelines. May act as an Approving Official (AO) for government purchase card holders within AOR.
Oversees, solicits and helps to negotiate partnerships on behalf of the MWR Department. Develops working partnerships with both on base and off base organizations (park districts, forest preserve, clubs, special interest ground, etc.) to support and benefit MWR programs. Responsible for the development of contacts and creating professional proposals, execution of agreements and follow-up. Researches and provides information and referral on a variety of recreation opportunities for individuals/families on and off the base.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must pass all applicable records and background check.
  • Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. (review required documents section for more information.)
  • Hours of work will vary as required by the needs of the program to include split days off, evenings, weekends and holidays. May be required to work early, late and on weekends and holidays.
  • Subject to recall regularly.
  • Wears protective clothing and equipment as situations warrant.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license for operating government vehicles.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
  • Travel may be required.

Qualifications
Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
A qualified candidate must possess:
A four-year undergraduate degree in Recreation or three years of comparable experience that illustrates a progression in management experience is preferred.
Possesses comprehensive knowledge of recreation policies, requirements, administrative practices and procedures relating to the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating of recreational programs and the efficient operation and utilization of facilities and equipment.
Must be capable of organizing and operating several facilities/programs simultaneously.
Must possess skill in negotiating program issues and operational requirements with patrons and personnel inside and outside the local installation and community organizations.
Must have knowledge of general business principles for financial planning/reporting and of the DON budget process methods for APF and NAF funds to ensure optimum use of resources.
Ability to plan, present, and execute budgets and to analyze impact on programs and to forecast long term funding requirements.
Knowledge of business principles and personnel management.
Ability to communicate and clarify the application of the department's policies to employees and management personnel.
Ability to develop, explain, justify, persuade and deal with a wide range of problems and with people of diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to manage various functions through a subordinate staff.
Ability to communicate proficiently both orally and in writing.
Education
Does not require a positive education.
Additional information
Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.
Some positions have special requirements. Selection may be tentative pending the completion of these requirements. Applicants may be required to submit proof of education, participate in medical screening, drug testing, etc. All selections are contingent upon satisfactory employment reference checks. Employment is subject to successful National Agency Background Check. Occupants of this position must maintain the privacy of official work information and data and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


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