ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Pearl of Fox River Valley

Activity Director

Elgin, IL

$45K - $50K/yr

Develop and oversee the delivery of activity/recreational programs to promote patient opportunities ... Degree in recreational therapy and/or Activity Director Certification (required) * At least three ...

Premier Gymnastics Academy

Be Seen First

Gymnastics recreational and team coach

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$15 - $30/hr

... Full time recreational & team coaching position. Applicant must be available to: Work weekday ... Perform duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Director.

Breakthrough

Sports & Fitness Program Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

Director of Operations amp; Recreation Program Area: Breakthrough Youth Network Hours: 40-hour workweek; including weekends and evening hours Location: FamilyPlex, 3319 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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

Recreation Program Director information

See Wheaton, IL salary details

$28.5K

$69K

$134.3K

How much do recreation program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation program director in Wheaton, IL is $68,982.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $88,400.00 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 popular job titles related to Recreation Program Director jobs in Wheaton, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Recreation Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Director job openings in Wheaton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,982 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Superintendent of Recreation

BARTLETT PARK DISTRICT APPLE ORCHARD GOLF COURSE

Bartlett, IL • On-site

$85K - $101K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Administer the Recreation Department and oversee its programs, services, and operations.

  • Supervise full-time staff including Recreation Managers, Marketing Manager, and Environmental Education Manager.

  • Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of recreation programs and services, and develop new programs and services.

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
The Superintendent of Recreation is responsible for the administration, supervision, planning, staffing, and operation of the Park District's Recreation Department including the research and development of recreation programs and the operation of Donald H. Schrade Gymnasium and Bartlett Nature Center. The Superintendent of Recreation is an exempt, at-will position and reports to the Executive Director. This position vacancy arises with the current Superintendent of Recreation announcing retirement after twenty-six (26) years of Creating Fun with Bartlett Park District.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Administer the Recreation Department as established within the organization of the Park District.
- Directly supervise five (5) full-time team members; three (3) Recreation Managers, one (1) Marketing Manager, and one (1) Environmental Education Manager.
- Prepare and recommend the adoption of long-range and immediate plans to meet community needs for recreation space, facilities, programs, services, and staffing.
- Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of existing Recreation Department programs and services while looking for opportunities to develop new programs and services.
- Effectively analyze Recreation Department programs and services revenues and expenditures and perform financial recaps.
- Oversee and prepare ~ $2-million annual Recreation Department budget.
- Maintain excellent inter-department communication and teamwork with all departments within the Park District.
- Establish and maintain effective cooperative planning and working relationships with local community agencies, governmental agencies, and voluntary and private organizations.
SALARY
Anticipated Hiring Range: $85,000 - $101,000
Position Range: $85,000 - $125,000
SELECTION PROCESS AND TENTATIVE TIMELINE
September 14, 2026: Deadline for applicant materials to be received
Week of September 21, 2026: Candidate interviews begin
Week of October 5: Candidate finalist interviews begin
November 2, 2026: Tentative date of employment
ABOUT US
Bartlett Park District is a unit of local government that provides 611 acres of beautiful parks and outstanding recreational opportunities for the residents of Bartlett and surrounding communities. Major facilities of this Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and two-time National Gold Medal finalist include 44 parks, a flagship community center, indoor aquatic center and outdoor water park, a 9-hole golf course and an 18-hole golf course, event venue, ski slopes, athletic field complex, nature center, two gymnasiums, and more.
BENEFITS OFFERED
In exchange for your time and talent we offer a generous benefit package, including but not limited to:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life insurance (basic and voluntary)
- Pension plan (IMRF), 457 (b) Nationwide plan, and Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for self and dependent care
- Paid holidays (9 annually) and vacation, sick, personal, and floating holiday time
- Facility discounts & usage benefits
QUALIFICATIONS, CHARACTERISTICS, AND TRAITS
- Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration or related field required.
- Minimum five (5) years' experience in parks and recreation in a supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training required.
- Certification as a Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) required.
- Obtain and maintain CPR/AED certification.
- Ability to maintain and improve community services with a high level of customer and guest satisfaction.
- Ability to work independently in day-to-day operations with general direction from the Executive Director.
- Ability to work harmoniously with fellow employees, community groups, and other units of local government.
- Ability to organize, prepare, and present information effectively both verbally and in written form.
- Ability to recognize and manage priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to Create Fun!
***APPLICANT MATERIALS MUST CONTAIN ALL INFORMATION FOR FULL CONSIDERATION***
  1. Formal letter of application (cover letter) indicating reasons you desire to be a candidate.
  2. Resume including employment history, duties, and responsibilities.
  3. Provide at least two (2) currently dated letters of recommendation.
  4. Provide at least three (3) professional references with complete names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Each professional reference must be an individual other than the two individuals writing a dated letter of recommendation (directly above).
  5. Provide a written response to each of the questions contained within the employment application via Paycom.
    • Describe your management style.
    • State and discuss your philosophy of recreation programming
    • If chosen for the position, what steps would you take as the Recreation Department's new leader in your first 120 days?

*Please upload two (2) separate .PDF files: 1.) resume; 2.) letter of application (cover letter) WITH two (2) letters of recommendation.*

Apply