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Sports Recreation Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sports Recreation Intern

Moline, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Under general supervision of the Sports Recreation Manager, performs a variety of assignments within the Parks and Recreation Department relating to the supervision, planning, development, and ...

Sports Recreation Intern

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Under general supervision of the Sports Recreation Manager, performs a variety of assignments within the Parks and Recreation Department relating to the supervision, planning, development, and ...

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Sports Recreation Management information

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$28.5K

$64.8K

$103K

How much do sports recreation management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports recreation management in the United States is $64,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $80,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sports Recreation Management vs Sports Coach?

AspectSports Recreation ManagementSports Coach
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in recreation, sports management, or related fieldRelevant coaching certifications, such as CPR, First Aid, and sport-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentRecreation centers, sports clubs, community programsSports fields, gyms, schools, private teams
Employer & IndustryPublic and private recreation organizations, sports facilitiesSchools, sports teams, athletic clubs
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on managing sports programs and facilitiesFocus on training and developing athletes

Sports Recreation Management involves overseeing sports programs, managing facilities, and coordinating community activities. In contrast, a Sports Coach focuses on training athletes, developing skills, and guiding team performance. While both roles are integral to the sports industry, they differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environments.

Is a sports recreation management degree worth it?

A sports recreation management degree prepares individuals for careers in managing sports facilities, programs, and events, often requiring skills in organization, communication, and leadership. The degree can improve job prospects and earning potential, especially when combined with certifications or experience in the field.

What jobs can you get with a sports recreation management degree?

A sports recreation management degree prepares individuals for roles such as sports facility manager, recreation director, event coordinator, sports marketing specialist, and community recreation supervisor. These jobs typically require skills in organization, communication, and knowledge of sports operations, often involving working in gyms, parks, sports clubs, or community centers.

What is sports recreation management?

Sports recreation management is a field focused on overseeing, organizing, and promoting recreational and sports programs, facilities, and events. Professionals in this area may manage community sports leagues, fitness centers, parks, or recreational facilities, ensuring programs run smoothly and participants have a positive experience. They often handle budgeting, staffing, event planning, marketing, and compliance with safety regulations. A career in sports recreation management combines a passion for sports with strong leadership and organizational skills.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in sports recreation management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Sports Recreation Management often face challenges such as balancing limited resources, managing diverse participant needs, and ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial for coordinating with staff, stakeholders, and participants. Staying updated with industry trends, maintaining flexibility, and investing in ongoing training can help address these challenges and support successful program delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports recreation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Recreation Manager, you need a background in recreation management or a related field, experience in program development, and knowledge of sports regulations. Familiarity with scheduling software, budget management systems, and industry certifications such as CPR/First Aid are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help effectively coordinate teams and engage participants. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, enjoyable, and efficiently run sports programs that meet the needs of diverse communities.

What can I do with sports recreation management?

Sports recreation management involves overseeing sports programs, facilities, and events, often requiring skills in organization, leadership, and communication. Careers include managing sports leagues, community recreation centers, or athletic programs, and may require certifications such as CPR or first aid. Professionals in this field work in settings like parks, gyms, or sports clubs and often coordinate schedules, budgets, and staff.
More about Sports Recreation Management jobs
What cities are hiring for Sports Recreation Management jobs? Cities with the most Sports Recreation Management job openings:
What states have the most Sports Recreation Management jobs? States with the most job openings for Sports Recreation Management jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sports Recreation Management job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,815 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Sports Recreation Intern

City of Rock Island

Rock Island, IL • On-site

$200 - $300/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description This is administrative and support work assisting the Sports Recreation Manager with a variety of tasks related to the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department's Sports programs. Under general supervision of the Sports Recreation Manager, performs a variety of assignments within the Parks and Recreation Department relating to the supervision, planning, development, and implementation of youth and adult sports programs, tournaments, rentals, clinics, and camps. Examples of Duties Serves as staff assistant to the Sports Recreation Manager.

Assists in the supervision, planning, development, and implementation of youth and adult sports programs, tournaments, rentals, clinics, and camps. Assists in the supervision and operation of concessions during league games, tournaments, and rentals. Develops a network of volunteers to serve as youth sports coaches.

Develops a network of referees/umpires/officials for youth and adult sports programming. Assists in set up and supervision of youth and adult league games. Assists with the creation and development of new sports programming for the Department.

Will be assigned responsibility for carrying out specific projects related to sports programming. Performs detailed analysis of Department sports programming on best practices and industry trends. Typical Qualifications Requires no specific previous experience but must possess interest in a future career in Parks and Recreation and/or Sports Management.

Ideal candidate will be a student pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Parks and Recreation and/or Sports Management. Knowledge of rules and organization of general sports activities including soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, golf and others. Ability to prepare detailed written and oral reports including recommendations.

Ability to conduct basic research assignments and to prepare written recommendations and related findings. Ability to operate a computer using office related software. Ability to work independently in accordance with general instructions.

Ability to work cooperatively as a team member with employees of the Parks and Recreation Department, City of Rock Island, and its partners. Ability to deal with the public and fellow employees in a professional and positive manner. Ability to provide a positive interaction with each child, and evaluate each child and adjust programming to meet the needs of participants.

Ability to display a positive, cooperative attitude when working with each child, parent, and staff member. Position is paid at 20 hours week and 20 hours will go towards educational/field experience Supplemental Information Requires possession of a valid Class D Illinois Drivers' License or an equivalent license issued by the employee's state of residence. 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 use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate tools and equipment as well as equipment controls reached with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk, hear, and smell.

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in outside weather conditions. The employee may work near moving mechanical parts; and is occasionally exposed to wet and slippery surfaces, humid conditions, extreme cold and heat.