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Job Description
The Recreation Program Manager is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and strategic direction of multiple recreation divisions, including School Age Programs, Cultural Arts & Special Events, and General Recreation. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality programs and events that meet the needs of the Vernon Hills community while supervising, supporting, and evaluating Recreation Supervisors and their respective teams. This position plays a key role in staff development, budgeting, operational planning, and maintaining compliance with safety and district policies. The position requires availability during early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
REPORTS TO
: Director of Recreation
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Parks & Recreation, Public Administration, Education, or related field with a minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in recreational program management and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. CPRP certification preferred (as eligible per NRPA). Must possess CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire. Valid Illinois Class "D" driver's license is required. Must successfully complete a physical exam, drug screening, background check, and road test. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Provide supervision and mentorship to Recreation Supervisors; conduct regular team meetings and annual evaluations. Develop professional development plans and training programs for supervisory staff. Support supervisors in staff hiring, onboarding, and performance management across their respective program areas. Foster collaboration and communication across divisions to ensure consistent service delivery and staff coverage. Monitor, guide, and evaluate programming across the general recreation, cultural arts/special events, and school-age portfolios. Work in collaboration with Recreation Facility Manager to ensure program offerings align with department goals, community needs, strategic goals, and industry best practices. Approve seasonal program lineups and ensure alignment with budget and operational standards. Prepare, review, and monitor division-wide budgets; ensure accuracy and fiscal responsibility. Review program revenue and expense reports and assist supervisors in identifying growth or cost reduction opportunities. Collaborate with the Marketing Department to develop promotional strategies and materials. • Collaborate with IT Department for reports to support the needs of the recreation department. Represent the Park District at community meetings, interagency collaborations, and special events as needed. Ensure division-wide compliance with safety, OSHA, ADA, and risk management policies. Review and support the implementation of emergency preparedness plans and training within each division. Assist in addressing participant or safety issues escalated by supervisors. Approve payroll, contracts, and purchasing requisitions submitted by Recreation Supervisors. Seek and oversee grant applications or sponsorship opportunities across programming areas. Assist with policy and handbook development across all assigned divisions.
PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Ability to manage multiple staff and projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment. Must maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound judgment, and handle stressful situations diplomatically.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands for various tasks. Occasionally lift objects up to 40 lbs.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Work occurs in both office and field settings; must be comfortable attending programs and events in varied weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and communicable illnesses.
COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS
Must have strong analytical, time management, and decision-making skills. Proficiency in written and verbal communication. Ability to adapt quickly to changes in schedules, personnel, or program needs. Employee must have the ability to communicate in English both verbally and in writing. This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements and working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to review the job when circumstances change; e.g. emergencies, deadlines, personnel changes, workload and technological development, etc.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Parks & Recreation, Public Administration, Education, or related field with a minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in recreational program management and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. CPRP certification preferred (as eligible per NRPA). Must possess CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire. Valid Illinois Class "D" driver's license is required. Must successfully complete a physical exam, drug screening, background check, and road test. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential.
