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Recreational Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Recreational Therapist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$22.91 - $30.93/hr

The Recreational Therapist in the Child Acute Inpatient Services is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and provides direct clinical services to patients 18 years of age and younger. The ...

New

Design & implement recreational programs for Residents. * Work directly with Residents on units, without direct supervision. * Organize and obtain supplies and equipment as requested. * Assist ...

Design & implement recreational programs for Residents. * Work directly with Residents on units, without direct supervision. * Organize and obtain supplies and equipment as requested. * Assist ...

Medical Director

Fairport, NY · On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

The area also offers abundant 4-season outdoor recreation among the picturesque trails, rivers ... Provide direct management and support to staff Veterinarians, Veterinary Interns/Externs, volunteer ...

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Recreational Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$36K

$82.8K

$179.6K

How much do recreational director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreational director in Rochester, NY is $82,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $93,200.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Recreational jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreational Director jobs in Rochester, NY? For Recreational Director jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreational Director jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Recreational Director jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Recreational Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Recreational Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreational Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,760 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Recreational Therapist

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

$22.91 - $30.93/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Part time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

32

Department:

500140 Psychiatry SMH Activities Ther

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 207 H

Compensation Range:

$22.91 - $30.93

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Recreational Therapist in the Child Acute Inpatient Services is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and provides direct clinical services to patients 18 years of age and younger. The Recreational Therapist provides evidence-based programming following Recreation or Music Therapy standardizations. These approaches are strength-based and patient-centered for the purpose of crisis intervention, skill-building, and stabilization. The Recreational Therapist facilitates therapeutic groups or individual sessions, which are customized to meet the needs of the patient, while ensuring a safe space to explore creative ways of managing symptoms, while building healthy coping skills, and increasing socialization through music, art, writing, journaling, mindfulness, relaxation, physical outlets, and education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Plans, organizes, facilitates daily therapeutic groups and activities, focusing on individual needs/strengths of the patients. Utilizes evidence-based, therapeutic modalities in art, music, leisure education, creative writing and journaling, while incorporating skills from various therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive therapy.

  • Observes, assesses and manages patient’s behaviors and interactions with peers and staff, while facilitating groups or 1:1’interventions. Provides therapeutic interventions as needed. Utilizes CPI methods when managing challenging behaviors.

  • Conducts and documents initial interview/assessment of newly admitted patients to determine readiness/appropriateness for participation in groups or individual sessions. Documents each patient’s weekly treatment goals, interventions, daily progress in groups/individual sessions, and level of participation.

  • Communicates effectively by attending daily morning/evening report. Attends treatment planning, as scheduling permits. Attends monthly team meetings, and participates in Unit Council as needed. Communicates effectively with staff regarding any behavioral issues observed in groups/1:1’s. May also participate in sub-committees or be a designated Unit-Champion.

  • Responsible for maintaining equipment & supplies. Inventories assigned unit group/activity supplies and initiates ordering of supplies/equipment through approved vendors while staying within budget. May also need to shop locally when supplies are not available through vendors. Ensures the safety & cleanliness of all materials before using with patients.

  • Provides observation opportunities/guidance for interns, shadowing students, and prospective hires. Provide some of the orientation for new hires. May have to cover another unit during staffing shortages or extended leaves of absences. Keeps up to date with all MyPath mandatory trainings.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or in Recreation with a concentration in Recreational Therapy required

  • Master’s degree preferred

  • Some experience in working with individuals or groups in a clinical setting with basic concepts of psychology and pathology preferred.

  • Completed relevant clinical education in comparable setting required

  • or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Some experience in working with individuals or groups in a clinical setting with basic concepts of psychology and pathology preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Registry Credentials (NCTRC) or MT-BC. Undergraduate affiliate training and prior professional experience in a psychiatric setting preferred.

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Notice: If you are a Current Employee, please log into myURHR to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward.

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.


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