Recreation Program Manager Jobs in Massachusetts

Primary purpose:

Under the policy direction of the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation, position is responsible for planning, scheduling, organizing, and evaluating four season recreational and leisure programs for people with disabilities. Performs budget planning and administration, publicity, and other aspects of program management. This position requires working flexible hours, including nights and weekends, when programs are in session. Performs all other related work as required and directed.

Supervision:

Supervision Received: Works under the policy direction of and reports to the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation and/or designee. Follows department rules, regulations, and policies, requiring the ability to plan and perform operations, and to independently complete assigned tasks according to a prescribed time schedule.

Supervision Given: Provides general supervision of up to twenty-five (25) staff in a recreation program consisting of two or more work units doing recreation activities, responsible for safety, costs, methods, and personnel.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Develop schedules and coordinate special and seasonal activities for people with disabilities such as camps, clinics, sporting activities, Special Olympics, dances, special events, parties, and other recreational and social activities on behalf of the Department of Parks & Recreation. Programs could include, but are not limited to, indoor and outdoor programs that may happen in all seasons during the day, after school, nights, weekends, school and summer vacation weeks.

Experience working with people with disabilities and understanding behavioral, emotional, and physical needs.

Recruit, interview, train, supervise, evaluate, and provide recognition to volunteers.

Coordinates with other City departments to offer unique or partnered programs, trainings, and services.

Coordinates advertising and promotional materials, information distribution, news releases brochures, pamphlets, posters, flyers, publications, and such.

Prepares, administers, and monitors assigned programs budget. Administers funds allocations, fees collection, check requests, and payments for services. Purchases supplies and equipment. Maintains records of work performed, prepare periodic activity reports.

Follows progress of work, investigate causes of inadequate performance, and takes corrective action within limits of City and department policy to alleviate problem areas, writing evaluations & reports as needed.

Directs, instructs, interviews, hires, assists, and checks subordinates as to schedules, methods and procedures, standards of performance, City and department rules and regulations or other matters affecting their work. Maintains discipline and harmonious personnel relations.

Attends and participates in staff, department, and other meetings and trainings. Maintains contacts to keep abreast of developments in field or areas of interest or expertise.

Prepares and/or maintains time sheets, accounting transactions, or other data as required. Maintains established quality and quantity standards. Ensures work area(s) and equipment are maintained in a clean, orderly, and safe condition, and that prescribed safety measures are followed. Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations policies and procedures.

Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situations dictate.

Qualifications:

(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. We encourage all candidates who feel they are capable of successfully performing the responsibilities as outlined in this position description, regardless of the qualifications listed below to apply.)

Education, Training and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation/Therapeutic Recreation, Education/Special Education or related field and three to five years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Broad knowledge of therapeutic recreation programming for individuals with disabilities, behavioral science or business administration and use of equipment, including personal computers and computer software. Must possess a valid Massachusetts’s driver’s license. Must possess a certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

A strong commitment to public service required.

Knowledge: Knowledge of working with people with disabilities as well as specific department operations and policies related to recreation programming. Knowledge of first aid methods and safety precautions used in recreational programming.

Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in written or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables to make decisions within the limits of established policies.

Ability: Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals, financial reports, and safety regulations. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from citizens, outside contacts, regulatory agencies, or employees of the City. Ability to present information which may be controversial in nature, in a style consistent with tact and sensitivity. Ability to present information effectively, to top management, public groups, employees of the City and/or governing boards.

Work Environment:

When in the office, work is performed under typical office conditions; the noise level is quiet to moderate at most times.

When working or overseeing programs and events, work may be indoors or outdoors in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in temperatures and weather conditions consistent with those seasons. Programs may include large groups, amplified sound, bright lights, and noises consistent with sports, special events, children’s programs, etc. Multi-tasking with directing and leading participants, staff, parents, etc. is a key function when managing programs and events.

Operates computers, printers, copier, calculator, telephone, and standard office equipment.

Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendors/service providers.

Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion, and professional office protocols.

Errors in judgment or omissions could result in considerable confusion and delay, have a continuing adverse effect on the department’s ability to deliver services, be costly to correct and cause significant adverse public relations, including legal liability.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light to medium weight (5 - 50 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation, or extended periods of time standing or moving around at a program. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Physical skills and effort:

(The physical demands described here represent those requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Performance Standard:

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change, subject to collective bargaining obligations, where applicable.)

THE CITY:
The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT:
Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.
AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees