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Recreation Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$22.87 - $28.58/hr

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Parks & Recreation Director and is evaluated on the basis of attainment of individual and team objectives, program effectiveness, and ...

The Recreation Program Specialist will be scheduled for eight (8) hours per day and forty (40 ... Provide direct leadership for assigned programs, ensuring high-quality participant experiences ...

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Recreation Program Director information

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$29.5K

$71.4K

$139K

How much do recreation program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation program director in the United States is $71,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $91,500.00 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.

More about Recreation Program Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Recreation Program Director jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Program Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Program jobs?

The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs are:

What states have the most Recreation Program Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreation Program Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Director jobs?

For Recreation Program Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Recreation Program Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,372 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

RECREATION: Therapeutic Recreation Program Director

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

City of Sunnyvale
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees

$22 - $25.47/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


City Of Sunnyvale rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR (Recreation Specialist Job Code 9327) Temporary non-benefited casual/seasonal workers are limited to working no more than 900 hours or 6 months full-time in a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a qualified, self-motivated, energetic individual interested in working for the Department of Library and Recreation Services. The Therapeutic Recreation Program Director will plan, implement and evaluate recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.

Essential Job Functions As a Therapeutic Recreation Program Director, you will: Plan, implement and evaluate recreation programs for individuals with disabilities Adapt activities to meet the needs of program participants; create a positive and safe environment Establish positive rapport with parents, participants and volunteers Assist with the coordination of the Therapeutic Recreation program Guide and direct staff, interns and volunteers Maintain supplies and equipment Manage participants behaviors Attend staff meetings and trainings. WORKING CONDITIONS Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard.

Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work-related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books and documents weighing up to 10 pounds is also required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation. Minimum Qualifications Minimum age is 18 years old High School diploma or GED equivalent Two (2) years or two (2) summers of experience in specific program area (recreation, after school, health & fitness) or population (youth, adults, older adults, special population) identified above A valid American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certificate (course may be taken after hire) Licenses/Certifications: Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS One (1) year experience as a Therapeutic Recreation Instructor or similar position working with individuals with disabilities Ability to follow oral and written instructions Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision or in team with other staff Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin or Farsi Application and Selection Process APPLICATION PROCESS If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application, and complete answers to the required supplemental questions.

City application forms, completed in full, are required, as well as complete responses to the required supplemental questions. Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page, go to Sunnyvale.ca.gov, Search: Jobs. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience and/or skills relevant to this position

Resumes are optional and are not accepted in lieu of the application. SELECTION PROCESS Applications competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, qualified candidate applications will be forwarded to the hiring department for review.

Application materials will be evaluated for job-related skills, experience and education. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and information regarding next steps in the recruitment process will be sent via email.

Please check your email regularly for status updates. You may contact Faye Brand, HR Technician at: fbrand@sunnyvale.ca.gov or 408-730-3015 for recruitment updates. Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire

Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of their education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). If the candidate earned a degree from a college or university outside the United States, they must have their education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation

To find agencies that provide this service, you can search 'education equivalency verification' or similar online. A conditional job offer will not be made until the education has been evaluated and the evaluation results submitted. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For questions or more information about this position, please contact Susan Van Dyne, Recreation Services Coordinator 2, email to:svandyne@sunnyvale.ca.gov or call(408) 730-7359

For information relating to the application process contact Faye Brand, Human Resources Technician at (408) 730-3015 or email: fbrand@sunnyvale.ca.gov. For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video: How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13) The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.


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