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Recreational Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary: Directly supervises the Residential Living and Recreation/ Fitness/Health ... Ability to direct and inspire both professional and paraprofessional personnel. Excellent ...

Park Nursing Home is seeking Recreational Aides to assist with the planning of recreational activities, following the supervision of a Recreational Director. Recreation aides prepare all the ...

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Recreational Director information

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$36.5K

$83.9K

$182K

How much do recreational director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreational director in the United States is $83,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a recreational director do?

A recreational director plans, organizes, and oversees recreational activities and programs for community centers, parks, or organizations. They coordinate events, manage staff, and ensure safety standards are met, often requiring skills in leadership, communication, and program development. The role may also involve budgeting and working with diverse groups to promote community engagement.

What is a recreational director?

Recreational Directors are professionals who plan, organize, and oversee recreational programs and activities for organizations such as community centers, parks, schools, or senior living facilities. They work to ensure that programs meet the needs and interests of participants, manage staff, and maintain equipment and facilities. Their goal is to promote physical, social, and emotional well-being through engaging and inclusive recreation opportunities.

What are some typical challenges a recreational director faces when planning programs for diverse groups?

A Recreational Director often encounters the challenge of designing programs that appeal to a wide range of ages, abilities, and interests within the community or organization. Balancing limited budgets, scheduling facilities, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations can also be demanding. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and adaptability to adjust activities based on participant feedback and changing needs. Collaborating with staff, volunteers, and external partners is essential to deliver engaging, inclusive recreational experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreational director?

To thrive as a Recreational Director, you need strong organizational skills, leadership abilities, and a background in recreation management or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and safety certification (such as CPR/First Aid) is typically required. Excellent communication, team-building, and problem-solving skills help create engaging programs and foster community involvement. These skills are crucial for designing safe, enjoyable activities that meet diverse participant needs and ensure smooth program operation.

What is the difference between Recreational Director vs Program Coordinator?

AspectRecreational DirectorProgram Coordinator
CredentialsCPR certification, relevant bachelor’s degreeCPR certification, relevant bachelor’s degree
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesCommunity programs, events, sports leagues
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, non-profits, private clubsNon-profits, schools, community organizations

The Recreational Director oversees overall recreational programs and staff, focusing on strategic planning and facility management. The Program Coordinator typically handles specific programs or events, executing plans and managing day-to-day activities. Both roles require similar certifications and work in community-focused environments, but the Director has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

How to become a recreational director?

To become a recreational director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Relevant experience in program planning, leadership, and certifications such as CPR or first aid are often required, along with strong communication and organizational skills.
More about Recreational Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreational Director jobs? Cities with the most Recreational Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational jobs? The most popular types of Recreational jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Recreational Director jobs? The top employers for Recreational Director jobs are:
What states have the most Recreational Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreational Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recreational Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,878 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Residential & Recreational Director

Exceed

Saint Petersburg, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
Directly supervises the Residential Living and Recreation/ Fitness/Health Programs. Responsible for the management of social development functions, in compliance with government and management directives. Demonstrates on-going commitment to preparing young people for the workforce by modeling, mentoring, and monitoring excellence in the eight Career Success Standards of: workplace relations and ethics; information management; communications; multicultural awareness; personal growth and development; career and personal planning; interpersonal skills and independent living.
Duties & Responsibilities:
* Plan, coordinate and manage the administrative and programmatic activities of the department, including coordination of the CSS program.
* Provide staff training, evaluate staff performance, and implement staff changes as approved by the Center Director.
* Provide oversight of the SGA and Student Leadership Program, and Y-2-Y.
* Assist in the preparation of the departmental budget; monitor/control expenditures. Review changes to budget authorizations.
* Develop new and revise policies and procedures affecting the Social Development Department. Coordinate with other departments to ensure attainment of overall objectives.
* Establish, implement, and supervise control procedures to maximize student living standards. Coordinate student participation.
* Provide group and individual staff training to develop greater staff proficiency in providing guidance to students.
* Coordinate Group Counseling Sessions: Personal Development, Conflict Resolution, Money Management/Budget, Home Sickness, and Personal Relationships.
* Coordinate on and off Center evening programs to include opportunities to enhance academic and English Language skills.
* Provide group and individual staff training to develop greater staff proficiency in providing guidance to students.
* Coordinate the Career Success Team (RAs and Counselors).
* Provide oversight of Leisure Time Employment.
* Coordinate evening WBL transportation, meal and schedule (Medical students).
* Control documentation and good maintenance records. Ensure that specified documents are turned over to each shift. Compile status reports for areas of responsibility
* Develops a planned orientation program for new hires and provides in-service training for departmental staff.
* Provides oversight of Evening Study Group and Library/Kindle Sign In and Out.
* Coordinate Evening TEAP/HEALS Programs.
* Assist in the development of community linkages and volunteers in areas of management responsibilities.
* Oversee the scheduling and operation of Center sponsored recreation activities and programs.
* Oversee the staff schedule 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for dorm and recreation coverage.
* Control documentation and good maintenance records. Ensure that specified documents are turned over to each shift. Compile status reports for areas of responsibility
* Ensures compliance with EEO, AAP and other contractual goals and objectives.
* Develops a planned orientation program for new hires and provides in-service training for departmental staff.
* Attends required staff training sessions.
* Inspect dormitory areas; recommend facility maintenance when needed. Control use of equipment and supplies; make minor repairs and recommend purchases.
* Provide support and guidance to staff in dealing with behavior of students and resolving individual or group situations.
* Report to Safety Manager any problems that have been identified in your areas immediately.
* Develop and distribute weekly monthly and annual recreation/avocation plans and scheduled activities.
* Initiates and coordinates the Recreation Assessment Plan for each new student and provides Recreation/Fitness/Health orientation.
* Coordinates the Career Success Standards /Conflict Resolution Programs and provides input on career development skills of students.
* Cultivate and maintain a climate on center that is free of harassment, intimidation, and disrespect in order to provide a safe place for staff and students to work and learn.
* Clearly communicates and consistently models appropriate CSS and employability skills including personal responsibility and computer fluency.
* Maintains accountability of staff, students, and property, adheres to safety practices in all areas of responsibility.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience:
* Bachelor's degree in counseling or work-related field.
* Three years of broad-based professional Job Corps or similar training program experience.
* One year of supervisory experience required.
* Five years of experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity in the field of education and/or vocational training, social services, or rehabilitation.
* Valid driver's license in the state of employment with an acceptable driving record.
Additional Requirements:
Knowledge of counseling, recreational and residential programs. Specific training in sociology, psychology or management preferred. Physical and mental toughness to withstand long hours required. Ability to communicate effectively, establish rapport and relate effectively with students and staff. Ability to direct and inspire both professional and paraprofessional personnel. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Position requires an ability to operate office equipment. In addition, individual must be able to interact with team members and maintain an effective working relationship with all facility staff and departments
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand and walk; to reach with hands and arms and talk and listen. The employee is occasionally required to sit; to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; to taste and to smell. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision capabilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.
Environmental Demands:
Position requires ability to spend 5% of work time outside and 95% of work time indoors; ability to withstand moderate noise levels, including voice levels 90% of work time; ability to work in heat up to 90 degrees outdoors in summer months. Position requires an ability to operate office equipment. In addition, individual must be able to interact with team members and maintain an effective working relationship with all facility staff and departments.