Recreation Program Manager

Overview

Keshet is seeking a Recreation Program Manager to plan and run all recreation programming. This role focuses on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports accessibility and meaningful participation for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Recreation Program Manager will work with community partners, staff and volunteers to grow and strengthen program offerings, creating engaging and accessible recreation experiences that support participants in living a more fulfilling life.

We are looking for someone who brings strong leadership, creativity, and a genuine passion for inclusion to an inclusive, FUN, recreation program!

• Develop and curate a diverse range of programming that accommodate individuals with varying abilities, fostering an inclusive and engaging experience.
• Oversee all aspects of Recreational Activities for adult and youth participants ensuring they have equal opportunities to enjoy and benefit from these activities.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of parent orientation.
• Serve as liaison to parents of program participants and volunteers.
• Work with parents and staff to prepare for participation in program, including coordination of participants’ therapeutic, medical, vocational and communication goals/challenges.
• Evaluate and track program performance.
• Build positive relationships with participants, families, and the broader community to understand and address specific needs, promoting a sense of belonging and community integration.
• Conduct regular assessments of program effectiveness, seeking feedback from participants and stakeholders to continually enhance and refine offerings.

• Recruit, hire, and supervise the coaches, volunteers, and program staff.
• Schedule, assign, and ensure staffing needs are met.
• Design and implement regular trainings for staff and volunteers.

• Bachelor’s degree required; in Social Work, Education, Special Education, or Therapeutic Recreation preferred.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) optional.
• Experience planning and managing programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with participants, parents, staff, community partners, and donors.
• Strong recreation background is required, preferably in therapeutic, inclusion, or special needs role.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of Judaism helpful.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and adept at performing multiple tasks at once.
• CPR and First Aid Certificate required.
• Valid Driver’s license and safe driving record.

• Vision
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• 401k plan with employer matching contributions
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Sick Timr
• PTO

Keshet is a one-of-a-kind organization that brings classroom experiences, camps, sports, residential, social, and vocational activities for 600 people with disabilities each year. From the very start, Keshet has grown alongside our participants, creating a community of belonging where people of all abilities learn, play, work, live, and grow together.

Today, Keshet continues to flourish, with over 75 programs in the Chicago and Wisconsin area, four residential homes, 200 dedicated staff and lay leaders, dozens of community and corporate partners, and thousands of engaged donors around the world. Nurtured by respect, creativity, tenacity and unconditional love, Keshet makes a powerful difference in the lives of each child and adult with disabilities, their families, the community and beyond.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned at any time by CEO. Keshet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.