Sports and Recreation Director Jobs in Illinois

A Sports and Recreation Director oversees the overall operations of sports and recreation programs. This includes planning, directing, and coordinating a wide range of activities and programs for both individuals and groups. They are responsible for creating meaningful recreational experiences, promoting healthy lifestyle options, and ensuring safety and satisfaction for all participants through efficient program management, budgeting, marketing, and staff supervision. They also play a significant role in community outreach and liaison with various stakeholders, including local government, sponsors, and other community organizations.

The role demands a range of essential skills, such as leadership, communication, strategic planning, and budget management. It also requires a solid understanding of sports and recreational programming and an ability to work with diverse populations. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Physical Education, or a related field is typically required, along with several years of experience in recreation or sports management. Key certifications such as Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) may also be required or preferred. Prior to becoming a Sports and Recreation Director, an individual might serve in roles such as Recreation Program Coordinator, Sports Program Manager, or Facility Manager.

1-15 of 55 Jobs

Fitness Center Manager

  • Chicago, IL
  • 16 hours ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 16 hours ago

Arch Amenities Group, the world's leading spa, fitness and leisure firm, is seeking an Fitness Center Manager. The Fitness Center Manager, under the direction of the Fitness Center Director or...

Fitness and Aquatics Director

  • Chicago, IL
  • 2 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 2 days ago

Position Summary: The Fitness and Aquatics Director is responsible for providing leadership and supervision to the Personal Training, Aquatic, Group Exercise, and Medical Integration departments....

Future Opening: Assistant General Manager IL-Arlington Heights-60004 07-17-25

  • Arlington Heights, IL
  • 2 days ago
  • Arlington Heights, IL
  • 2 days ago

Certificates and Licenses: Lifeguard, CPR/AED and first Aid certification required. Shallow water attendant highly rmended....

Assistant General Manager

  • Bolingbrook, IL
  • 3 days ago
  • Bolingbrook, IL
  • 3 days ago

CPR/AED certification required (can be obtained within 30 days of hire) Understanding of labor control, optional staffing levels and controls overtime....

Fitness Manager

  • Bolingbrook, IL
  • 3 days ago
  • Bolingbrook, IL
  • 3 days ago

Certified Personal Trainer ACE Personal Trainer Certification The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer Certification IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective...

General Manager

  • Bolingbrook, IL
  • 3 days ago
  • Bolingbrook, IL
  • 3 days ago

CPR/AED certification Ability to take assertive action to accomplish objectives, innovate and solve problems. Knowledge of key metrics and drivers to grow the gym level business....

Aquatics Supervisor- Programming

  • Oak Brook, IL
  • 5 days ago
  • Oak Brook, IL
  • 5 days ago

This position assists in managing and training all Aquatics Department Team Members. You will offer great customer service and maintain the cleanliness and order of our Aquatics Facilities....

General Manager - Evanston, IL

  • Evanston, IL
  • 5 days ago
  • Evanston, IL
  • 5 days ago

> Position: General Manager - Evanston, IL Location: Evanston, IL Job Id: 342 # of Openings: 1 General Manager At TOCA, we are passionate about people and the power of sport. We believe in...

Director of Sports Nutrition (4483) EXTENDED

  • Dekalb, IL
  • 5 days ago
  • Dekalb, IL
  • 5 days ago

Master's degree in food sciences or nutrition or Exercise Physiology. Specific work experience and knowledge as a Sports Dietitian with NCAA Division I athletics....

Assistant General Manager, Golf

  • Chicago, IL
  • 6 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 6 days ago

Description Five Iron Golf is the country's premier indoor golf and entertainment experience, with 26 locations across the globe and more on the way. Five Iron Golf's core mission is to seamlessly...

Fitness Center Director

  • Chicago, IL
  • 6 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 6 days ago

Ensures all employees are current in appropriate certifications Maintains quality control of all programs -- Arch Amenities Group, personal training, and group exercise....

Athletic Director

  • Elgin, IL
  • 6 days ago
  • Elgin, IL
  • 6 days ago

Recognizing athletics as a vital training ground for life lessons, the Athletic Director casts vision and provides direction that integrates spiritual growth, character development, and competitive...

Assistant Fitness Center Manager

  • Cicero, IL
  • 7 days ago
  • Cicero, IL
  • 7 days ago

The Assistant Fitness Center Manager supports the Fitness Center Manager in overseeing daily operations, ensuring the facility is safe, clean, and welcoming for all members. This role plays a key...

Athletic Director Secretary

  • Harvard, IL
  • 8 days ago
  • Harvard, IL
  • 8 days ago

Athletic Director Secretary Harvard Community Unit School District 50 Harvard High School - Harvard, Illinois This job is also posted in Harvard Community School District 50 Job Details Job...

General Manager Social, Golf

  • Chicago, IL
  • 10 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 10 days ago

Description New Location Opening August 2025! Five Iron Golf is the country's premier indoor golf and entertainment experience, with 26 locations nationwide and more on the way. Five Iron Golf's...

Demographic Data for Illinois

Moving to Illinois? Find some basic demographic data about Illinois below.


Local
National
12,812,477
319,486

Sports and Recreation Director Online Courses and Training Opportunities

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Sports Management Fundamental
Sports management is the field of business dealing with sports and recreation. Sports management involves any combination of skills that correspond with planning, organizing, directing,...
Prepare to Be Unprepared With Amy Poehler
From her time as a cofounder of Upright Citizens Brigade to her rise to fame on SNL and Parks and Recreation, Amy Poehler's been improv-ing her way into our hearts for decades. Now she takes the...
Sport Management Micro-credential
The sport management micro-credential is for individuals who desire administrative and management careers in the sport and recreation industry. The credential will provide you with a broad...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Sports and Recreation Director Jobs in Illinois

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireFitnessAndRec research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Sports and Recreation Director positions.



Highest Education Level

Sports and Recreation Directors in Illinois offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
60.2%
Master's Degree
25.8%
Associate's Degree
5.0%
Vocational Degree or Certification
3.0%
Doctorate Degree
2.7%
High School or GED
2.6%
Some College
0.6%
Some High School
0.2%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Sports and Recreation Directors in Illinois
4-6 years
24.4%
2-4 years
22.1%
10+ years
14.4%
8-10 years
13.0%
1-2 years
11.3%
6-8 years
8.7%
Less than 1 year
5.1%
None
1.1%


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