Recreation Program Manager

Job Details

Job Location: Recreation - DeKalb, IL 60115

Salary Range: $55,000.00 - $69,039.00

Department: Recreation

Title: Recreation Program Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Summary of Position: Responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of a variety of recreation and educational programs and special events including day camps; days off school programming; special events; early childhood, youth, teen, and adult variety programming. Hires, schedules and supervises program staff, prepares and monitors budgets and assists with marketing the programs to the community.

• Develops, plans and conducts instructional, recreational, and educational programs and special events that are relevant to the community.
• Continually researches and identifies national and local trends in recreation and educational programming and develops similar programs and opportunities for District residents and participants.
• Evaluates programs and special events under assigned area of responsibility. Makes recommendations to improve, modify, continue, or eliminate the program offerings to the public.
• Actively seeks feedback from the public to ensure the current roster of recreational and educational programming, special events and services are meeting the needs of the community and the long and short‑term goals of the District.
• Responsible for all aspects of summer camp and days off school programming including hiring, training, scheduling and evaluating staff; developing program curriculum; activities and field trips; coordinating transportation; and coordinating the program with Community Coordinated Child Care (4‑C) and the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services.
• Assist in the development and support of marketing and promotional strategies to increase awareness, enrollment, and community engagement in programs and special events.
• Oversee program safety and customer service standards, responding to participant concerns and ensuring compliance with district policies and procedures.
• Monitor financial performance for assigned areas including program revenue and retention; prepare reports and assist with annual budgeting.
• Attends all meetings as requested and maintains open communication with the Superintendent of Recreation & Facilities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission of the DeKalb Park District.

• Periodically substitutes for absent staff, program supervisors, or instructors as necessary.
• Instructs and certifies District staff in First Aid and CPR.
• Participates in community groups and committees that relate to area of responsibility.
• Serves on internal District committees or project teams as assigned.
• Attends conferences, seminars, and educational sessions and participates in professional associations as they pertain to area of responsibility.

Desired

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior experience in coordinating youth programs and/or events required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation or related field.
• Two (2) – four (4) years experience in youth programs and events.

Necessary

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of all phases of recreation programming with an emphasis on youth programming and event development.
• Ability to develop and run innovative programs and facilities that meet the needs of the community.
• Ability to hire, train, lead, and direct staff in an effective manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written format.
• Marketing skills to grow and expand programming initiatives.
• Basic computer skills and an ability to learn and display proficiency at using the District’s registration software.
• Ability to interact with customers in a professional manner and resolve complaints and issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to develop and implement program budgets and to be fiscally accountable for areas of responsibility.

Preferred Requirements:

• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience with summer camps, before and after‑school programs, and/or childcare settings.
• Experience planning or supporting programs and events for all ages.
• Experience developing curriculum, lesson…