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

Casa Central

SAP Group Worker

Chicago, IL · On-site

Work with Program Director and other team members to maintain DCFS licensing standards and ... recreation, camping or other related fields; or 1560 clock hours of experience in a recreational ...

Casa Central

SAP Group Worker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.45/hr

Work with Program Director and other team members to maintain DCFS licensing standards and ... recreation, camping or other related fields; or 1560 clock hours of experience in a recreational ...

SEASPAR

Program Support Staff

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

We are a special recreation association, which is like a park district just for people with ... Attend all job-related season orientations, in-services, conferences, and workshops as directed by ...

Seaspar

Program Support Staff

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are a special recreation association, which is like a park district just for people with ... Attend all job-related season orientations, in-services, conferences, and workshops as directed by ...

Seaspar

Program Support Staff

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are a special recreation association, which is like a park district just for people with ... Attend all job-related season orientations, in-services, conferences, and workshops as directed by ...

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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.

Program Leader - Part Time

Opportunity Knocks

River Forest, IL • On-site

$19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

OUR MISSION & OUR TEAM
Opportunity Knocks exists to support people with different abilities as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community. We believe in a dynamic, person-centered, and community-based approach to programming that engages the voice of all Warriors.
We also believe in a dynamic, person-centered workforce that includes the voices of all varieties of humans. We strive to build our team with that ideal in mind. Everyone has something to offer this mission. Come bring what you have.
ABOUT OK PROGRAMS
Our dynamic, person-centered and community-based day program engages the voice of all Warriors, thrives on interdependent connections, encourages exploration, centers on holistic wellness and fosters healthy relationships. Activity offerings vary and evolve with Warrior input.
POSITION TITLE
PROGRAM LEADER
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Program Coordinator
JOB PURPOSE
The Program Leader at Opportunity Knocks is responsible for planning and leading activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all participants. This role primarily involves direct service, coordinating volunteer involvement, and collaborating with the program team to achieve organizational goals, while fostering a safe, supportive, positive, and inclusive environment for participants.
EXPECTATIONS
  • Operate within the guidelines of this job description
  • At all times, communicate and interact with Warriors in a manner that is respectful and age-appropriate
  • Commitment, understanding, and passion for the organization's mission, goals, and philosophies
  • Adhere to the standards and expectations set forth in the employee handbook
  • Ability to commit to a minimum of 12 hours assigned weekly schedule - mostly in-person, some remote flexibility for administrative duties
  • Complete Direct Support Professional Training and maintain Continuing Education

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Ability to work independently on projects and assignments
  • Ability to work effectively on a team - may include other staff members, board members, volunteers, and representatives from other partner agencies
  • Proficient or comfort in becoming proficient in providing all variety of support to Warriors of all abilities
  • Demonstrates good problem-solving skills, judgment, and ethical standards
  • A valid driver's license with the comfort to serve in transport role, using OK vehicles to transport Warriors during programs

PREFERRED
  • First Aid and CPR certification - if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days
  • Seizure first aid certification - if not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days
  • CPI or behavior management training certification - it not held upon hire, complete training within 90 days
  • Background or experience working in programs for young people with mixed abilities in an educational or recreational setting
  • Past experience either working or volunteering with individuals with intellectual and developmental differences in a school or recreational program setting
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office platform and Google applications

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Planning/Coordination
  • Work cooperatively with the program coordinator and other program leaders in program planning and implementation to achieve the goals and objectives of the program as set forth by Opportunity Knocks
  • Collaborate with the program coordinator to implement pre and post-assessments as part of the lesson plans
  • Adhere to specific planning requirements, criteria, and deadlines developed during program planning meetings
  • Create and implement appropriate daily activity plans
  • Develop and oversee assigned program initiatives (i.e., Wellness, Social & Recreation, Life Skills, Community Connections) through year-round calendar planning, project execution, and timely completion of established deliverables
  • Work to develop daily activities that are accessible to all Warriors
  • Coordinate opportunities to utilize volunteers within OK programs
  • Assist Program coordinator in day to day planning

Direct Service
  • Coordinate and facilitate designated OK initiatives (i.e. peer lead planning)
  • Lead activities during Opportunity Knocks programs, and when not leading an activity work to engage Warriors in OK programs
  • Engage with Warriors during programs
  • Bridge interactions between Warriors and other community members that may connect to programs - may include volunteers, partners, interns, etc.
  • Assist Warriors in making transitions during OK programs
  • Be open to working with Warriors of all abilities
  • Be available to assist Warriors in fulfilling their specific toileting and/or feeding needs during OK programs
  • Foster a safe and supportive learning environment for all Warriors during OK programs
  • Recognize that this role requires the ability to seamlessly transition between leading programs, supporting team members, and providing individualized 1:1 support as participant and program needs evolve.

Team Collaboration/Work Ethic
  • Participate in the group program planning in OK programs
  • Attend staff meetings, planning meetings that may include but are not limited to staff planning meetings, parent meetings, vocation, and volunteer meetings, and community networking meetings
  • Attend and assist in facilitating in-service training
  • Understands the rights to privacy, demonstrates confidentiality, and respect for differences among all persons interacting with individuals with disabilities.
  • Special projects may be assigned, expectations will be set forth at the onset of each project.

OK WORK CULTURE COMMITMENTS
The people who work for our organization are our most important alliance. We are committed to attracting, retaining and developing a diverse group of passionate, high-character individuals who will contribute their best efforts and skills. We are committed to supporting those individuals in a workplace that prioritizes well-being, and recognizes their value with meaningful compensation.
OK WORKFORCE COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
We will take a mindful and active role to ensure that we achieve diversity in all aspects of our organization and our work. Such diversity will reflect the culturally rich and vibrant community that we represent. We will openly welcome people of all backgrounds and seek to foster a culture of respect, openness, learning, integrity, and honesty.

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