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 66 Jobs

Aquatics Supervisor (part-time)

  • Barrington, IL
  • 17 hours ago
  • Barrington, IL
  • 17 hours ago

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification OSHA compliant Adult/Child First Aid/CPR/AED from American Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council, or American Safety...

General Manager- Evanston, IL

  • Evanston, IL
  • 23 hours ago
  • Evanston, IL
  • 23 hours ago

At TOCA, we are passionate about people and the power of sport. We believe in creating an environment that becomes the "third home" for our guests - where they learn, where they live, and where...

Youth Sports Program Manager - Clinton County YMCA

  • Breese, IL
  • 1 day ago
  • Breese, IL
  • 1 day ago

Support planning and coordination of a program and its activities. Works with director to determine current needs for program. Ensure implementation of policies and procedures. Maintain budget and...

Assistant General Manager Social, Golf - Bucktown

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

General Manager Social, Golf - Bucktown

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

General Manager Social, Golf

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

Description 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 core mission is to seamlessly meld...

Athletic Director Heritage CUSD #8

  • Champaign, IL
  • 2 days ago
  • Champaign, IL
  • 2 days ago

Position Type: Administration/ Athletic Director Date Posted: 6/12/2025 Location: Heritage CUSD #8 Date Available: 08/01/2025 Closing Date: 06/27/2025 District:   Heritage Community School...

New Baden Pool/Youth Sports Program Manager - Clinton County

  • New Baden, IL
  • 2 days ago
  • New Baden, IL
  • 2 days ago

The Gateway Region YMCA is one of the leading nonprofit charitable organizations in the St. Louis metropolitan region, with a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving...

Aquatics Supervisor (part-time)

  • Barrington, IL
  • 2 days ago
  • Barrington, IL
  • 2 days ago

exercise classes.You will also be responsible for program implementation of swim lessons, budget management, and marketing/communication....

Anticipated Requisition SY 25-26 School Athletic Director

  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 days ago

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 330,000 students across 500 schools and employing nearly 36,000 staff members, most of whom are...

Part-Time Fitness Center Manager

  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 3 days 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...

Morris Aquatics Director

  • Morris, IL
  • 4 days ago
  • Morris, IL
  • 4 days ago

Working at the Y, youll discover more than a jobyoull enjoy a career that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others. Job Description POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of...

Fitness Director

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 days ago

Keep the department fully staffed at all times Hire, train and supervise fitness department managers (group exercise, fitness service, athletics, fitness floor operations) Meet monthly with fitness...

Cyclebar General Manager-OPRF

  • River Forest, IL
  • 5 days ago
  • River Forest, IL
  • 5 days ago

A national leader in luxury fitness is looking for amazing talent to join our team and seeking a motivated General Manager to lead our Cyclebar studio to success! This position will be based in...

Associate Athletic Director of Development

  • Macomb, IL
  • 6 days ago
  • Macomb, IL
  • 6 days ago

at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, United States Job Description Associate Athletic Director of Development Category: Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions Department:...

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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