Specialist, Recreation Programs

About the role

At MDA, we believe our biggest asset is our combination of different backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines united to form one high-performing team. The Community Engagement department connects and empowers the neuromuscular disease community by providing meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and play. Within this department, the Recreation Programs team enhances the quality of life for people in the neuromuscular disease community through recreational programs for all ages that build community, foster growth, and provide enjoyment.

The Specialist, Recreation Programs plans, manages, and executes best-in-class recreation programs, including Summer Camps and Family Weekends. This role oversees recruitment, acquisition, and retention of program participants and volunteers, ensuring consistent, impactful experiences nationwide. The position reports directly to the Manager, Recreation Programs and requires remote work with local and overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Program Lead for various Recreation Programs across the nation as assigned.
• Plan Recreation Programs with intention, taking initiative to independently identify opportunities and seek solutions.
• Communicate and welcome new ideas and information constructively to strengthen team dynamics and programs.
• Inform all eligible participants of Recreation Program opportunities and requirements through an established communication plan.
• Actively recruit Volunteers through a comprehensive recruitment, placement, and retention plan.
• Plan and implement programming that adheres to established national guidelines, program parameters, themes, and risk management policies.
• Identify and procure necessary medical and program supplies while maintaining compliance with budgetary parameters.
• Contribute to Recreation Program Focus Groups to develop strategies for participant recruitment, logistics, medical management, training, and programming.
• Develop positive, productive relationships with Program Facility Staff, Volunteers, vendors, and other partners.
• Collaborate with internal MDA team members to execute program priorities.
• Participate in trainings to enhance personal growth and professional development.
• Integrate national initiatives, donor recognition, and corporate aid into Recreation Programs as assigned.
• Manage the Recreation Program Queue, responding in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and complete information in the MDA Community Databases.
• Participate in program evaluations and trainings to continuously improve best practices.
• Represent MDA appropriately to ensure each Recreation Program reflects the organization’s mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or related field preferred.
• 2 years of experience leading recreation or community-focused programming required.
• Experience developing and facilitating programs for youth and families, with a demonstrated history of improving programs and increasing community participation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to develop relationships with internal and external partners.
• Skilled in working both independently and within a team framework.
• Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously with strong organization and attention to detail.
• Reliable, accountable, and professional with a self-motivated, growth mindset.
• Flexible schedule; responsibilities may fall outside standard business hours.
• Available for in-state and out-of-state travel for several weeklong programs (May–September) and occasional weekends throughout the year.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED strongly preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Able to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and lift over 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with prescription coverage.
• Health Savings Account with contribution matching and Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and/or dependent care.
• Paid sick leave and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 100% employer-paid basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• Optional additional life insurance and dependent life insurance.
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with company match.
• Generous paid time off policy with increasing accrual rates.
• Paid holidays and a standard 35-hour work week with flexible hours.
• Remote work opportunities.
• Professional Learning and Development opportunities, including leadership skills.

Pay

Salary range: $50,000 – $55,000.