Recreation & Activities Director

Eugene Family Ymca•Eugene, OR

About The Position

The Recreation & Activities Director leads recreation and physical-activity programs that help youth and teens move, play, develop skills and confidence, and experience belonging. The position emphasizes accessible, developmentally appropriate opportunities for participants of varying abilities and experience levels, including skill development, clinics, camps, open recreation, game days, outdoor experiences, family activities, competitive leagues, and developmental or functional sports offerings based on community needs and organizational capacity. The Director may also explore adult and family recreation opportunities that align with community needs and existing YMCA programs. The Director builds partnerships with schools, parks and recreation agencies, sports organizations, and other community partners to identify needs and gaps, expand access to facilities and expertise, and connect youth with continued recreation opportunities. The role oversees program safety and quality, risk management, budgets and administration, facilities and equipment, and the recruitment, training, supervision, and development of staff and volunteers. The Director reports to the Chief Program Delivery Officer and must maintain a valid Oregon driver’s license, a driving record meeting YMCA standards, and evidence of insurability throughout employment. The role may require evenings and weekends as needed.

Requirements

At least 2 years of relevant education, coursework, training, or professional development beyond high school.
At least 4½ years of experience developing or leading engaging, developmentally appropriate recreation, physical activity, camp, sports, out-of-school-time, or other active programs for youth with varying interests, abilities, and experience levels.
At least 1½ years of experience leading, supervising, training, and supporting staff and/or volunteers who work with children and teens.
Experience coordinating multiple aspects of program operations, including staffing, scheduling, facilities, registration, and/or budgets.
Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with families, schools, community organizations, and other partners.
Ability to maintain a current, valid Oregon driver’s license, a DMV driving record that meets YMCA standards, and evidence of insurability throughout employment.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support programs, leagues, activities, and special events.
Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 60 pounds and sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and safely supervise activities in varied indoor and outdoor locations.
Ability to perform the described physical demands, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
Ability to use a computer for extended periods and communicate using a computer and phone or smart device.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in recreation, youth development, education, physical education, sports management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Experience developing or expanding youth recreation, physical-activity, or community-based programs and partnerships.
Knowledge or experience across multiple areas of recreation, sports, outdoor activity, physical education, or youth development.
Experience developing recreation or physical-activity opportunities for adults and/or families.
Previous experience leading sports or recreational activities at a YMCA.
Conversational fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Create welcoming, developmentally appropriate opportunities for youth of all abilities and experience levels to try activities and build foundational athletic skills.
Develop clinics, camps, game days, skill-development sessions, open recreation, developmental sports, and other active-play experiences according to community needs, participant interests, and organizational capacity.
Design opportunities ranging from introductory activities to ongoing and seasonal programs that support skill development, confidence, and continued participation.
Develop seasonal activities that introduce youth to new pursuits or prepare them for community or school recreation seasons.
Develop and operate recreational and competitive leagues or other team-based experiences, emphasizing skill development, participation, confidence, sportsmanship, belonging, and fun.
Assess and adapt the program portfolio based on participation, family feedback, community needs, and organizational capacity.
Identify and explore adult and family recreation and physical-activity opportunities aligned with community needs and YMCA programs.
Build relationships with schools, parks and recreation agencies, sports organizations, and other partners to identify needs, gaps, and partnership opportunities.
Create pathways connecting youth to continued community recreation and sports opportunities and identify community facilities and spaces that can expand access to YMCA programs.
Ensure programs, staff, volunteers, and partners comply with child-protection practices, YMCA policies, applicable regulations, mandatory-reporting requirements, and safety standards.
Assess and manage risks for programs, activities, locations, and partnerships, including supervision, check-in/check-out, emergency procedures, and caregiver communication.
Ensure facilities, fields, equipment, and program spaces are appropriate and safely maintained, including inspection, inventory, storage, maintenance, and replacement systems.
Respond to injuries, incidents, and safety concerns, completing required documentation, communication, follow-up, and corrective action.
Develop and manage program budgets, pricing, financial-assistance strategies, purchasing, and expenses to support access and financial sustainability.
Manage registration, rosters, schedules, waivers, participant records, and required documentation.
Develop program calendars and coordinate facilities, staffing, equipment, and other resources.
Track and report enrollment, capacity, attendance, repeat participation, financial performance, and participant and family experience.
Maintain centralized program standards, curricula and activity plans, procedures, and resources that support quality, staff development, and continuity.
Collaborate across YMCA departments to share resources and expertise, coordinate programming and communication, and expand recreation experiences.
Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop staff and volunteers.
Ensure staff and volunteers complete required screening, child-protection training, certifications, and role-specific preparation before working with participants.
Provide staff and volunteers with clear expectations, activity plans, safety procedures, coaching, and support.
Lead or support programs and activities as needed to model program quality, support staff, and address operational needs.
Maintain a current, valid Oregon driver’s license, a DMV driving record meeting YMCA standards, and evidence of insurability throughout employment.
Perform other duties as assigned.