Director of Recreation

Inspire Programs. Develop Leaders. Strengthen Community

Are you a passionate leader who thrives on creating memorable experiences, empowering staff, and building strong community connections?

Dundee Township Park District is seeking an innovative and experienced Director of Recreation to lead a talented team responsible for delivering exceptional programs, events, and services that enrich the lives of residents of all ages.

Why This Role Matters:

As Director of Recreation, you'll oversee the planning, organization, and management of recreation programs, community events, partnerships, and customer-focused services throughout the District. You will serve as a key leader responsible for shaping recreational opportunities, developing staff, and ensuring the community's evolving needs are met through innovative and high-quality programming. This role requires a collaborative leader who can inspire a team, drive strategic initiatives, and successfully balance long-term planning with daily operations in a dynamic environment.

What You'll Do:

Lead, coach, and support recreation staff in delivering high-quality programs, services, and events.

Oversee the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of recreation programs and community initiatives.

Analyze participation trends, demographics, program performance, and community needs to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

Manage and oversee large-scale community events, seasonal offerings, and special initiatives.

Foster staff development through coaching, mentoring, training, and leadership opportunities.

Develop and manage departmental budgets while ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.

Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organizations, local agencies, and business partners.

Collaborate with the Marketing Department to promote programs, services, and special events.

Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for District leadership and the Board of Commissioners.

Promote a culture of excellence, accountability, customer service, and innovation throughout the department.

What We're Looking For:

A positive and engaging leader who enjoys developing and supporting staff.

A strategic thinker who can successfully balance long-range planning with day-to-day operations.

A recreation professional with experience managing programs, personnel, budgets, and community partnerships.

A collaborative leader who values exceptional customer service and community engagement.

A proactive problem solver who embraces innovation and continuous improvement.

An effective communicator who builds strong relationships within the organization and throughout the community.

Qualifications:

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field required.

• Experience
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in department leadership and recreation programming, including supervisory and leadership responsibilities.

Demonstrated experience with:

Recreation program development and evaluation

Staff supervision and leadership

Budget preparation and financial management

Community engagement and partnership development

Special event planning and management

Strategic planning and organizational initiatives

Customer service and public relations

Licensure

Valid Illinois Driver's License required

Ability to obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire

Certifications and Professional Affiliations

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred

Participation in professional recreation organizations encouraged

In exchange for your time and talent, we offer a generous benefit package, including:

Defined contribution medical insurance plan options

Dental insurance plan

Vision insurance plan

District-paid life insurance and voluntary additional life insurance, spouse and dependent coverage

Participation in IMRF (retirement, disability, and death benefits)

Vacation days, personal days, sick leave, and paid holidays

Sick bank leave and paid bereavement leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Deferred compensation retirement plan option

Flexible spending accounts for unreimbursed medical and dependent care

Free family memberships to our unique facilities

Free/discounted District programs, merchandise, and concessions

Educational assistance, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities

Professional organizational memberships

Service Awards Program

Employee social activities

Wellness Incentive Program

Credit Union

If you're ready to inspire your team, elevate recreation services, and help shape exceptional experiences for our community, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Now!

Closing Date: September 25, 2026.