Recreation Program Lead - Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation

Job Summary

The Recreation Lead oversees and coordinates daily operations of recreational programs, events, and facilities. This position provides leadership to part-time staff, volunteers, and participants while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. The Recreation Lead supports program planning, supervises activities, and serves as a key contact for patrons and staff.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; coursework in recreation, education, or a related field preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Previous experience leading recreation programs (e.g., youth camps, sports leagues, after-school programs, senior programs, fitness classes, or special events).
• Preferred previous experience with relevant certifications (e.g., lifeguard certification, coaching certifications, youth development training, behavior management/de-escalation training, or related recreation/fitness credentials).
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) or demonstrated experience serving diverse communities.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of recreational programming and group facilitation techniques.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to manage groups of children, teens, or adults in an active setting.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Cultural competency and a commitment to inclusive programming.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, respond appropriately to incidents/emergencies, and maintain a calm, professional presence with participants and the public.
• Ability to use common office and program-related technology (e.g., email, basic spreadsheets, scheduling/registration systems, and incident/attendance documentation tools) to track participation, complete reports, and communicate with staff and patrons.

Essential Functions

• Lead day-to-day operations of assigned recreational programs, such as youth camps, sports leagues, after-school activities, senior programs, or fitness classes.
• Supervise and support part-time staff, volunteers, and instructors; assist with training and task delegation.
• Maintain records of attendance, incident reports, and daily logs.
• Enforce program policies and health/safety regulations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides day-to-day lead direction to part-time staff, volunteers, seasonal employees, and/or instructors, including task assignment, basic training support, and coaching to ensure safe and effective program delivery. This position does not typically include ongoing responsibility for hiring, discipline, or formal performance evaluations; may provide input to the supervisor as requested.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

• Work is performed primarily outdoors and/or in recreation facilities, including fields, courts, parks, and multi-purpose rooms; exposure to varying weather conditions is expected.
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, and participation in physical activity to demonstrate, lead, and support program activities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and to safely set up/take down equipment such as tables, cones, goals, nets, mats, and related program supplies.
• Vision enough to observe participants and activity areas, identify hazards, and read printed/electronic materials necessary to complete work assignments and documentation.
• Manual dexterity enough to use recreation equipment, operate basic office/program technology, and complete written/electronic records.
• Communication skills to effectively convey information to participants, families, staff, and the public in person, by phone, and electronically, including during high-activity or emergency situations.

Benefits

This position is benefits eligible. Please view our benefits guide here.