Job Description of a Recreation Program Coordinator

A recreation program coordinator or director's job description includes program and event planning; marketing and promotion of activities; supervision of group recreational activities; facility management; reporting, monitoring and evaluation of programs. Recreation program coordinator jobs can be found in municipal government, federal and state recreation facilities, health care facilities, retirement centers and resorts.

Purpose

• Recreation coordinators are generally responsible for scheduling, program supervision and management of recreational facilities. This includes ensuring a safe, clean and well-ordered environment for sports and activities conducted by the organization. Recreation activities themselves can be for the enhancement of the participants' quality of life, for therapeutic purposes or for generating income for the company.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Recreation program coordinators usually report to the director of the organization or to such intermediaries for whom recreation is a responsibility. Recreation coordinators are often department directors themselves and might supervise lifeguards, coaches, activity facilitators, maintenance and other staff members. Recreation coordinators supervise maintenance, equipment upkeep, safety monitoring and general facility repairs. In health care and rehabilitation settings, the coordinator is responsible for client evaluation, therapeutic recreation treatment planning and, to some extent, marketing and public relations related to the recreation programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Recreation program coordinator duties and responsibilities can include, but not be limited to scheduling, recruiting seasonal or permanent staff, staff assignments, hiring staff, recruiting volunteers, assessing feedback, evaluating programs and reporting results, monitoring safety code and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and purchasing supplies and equipment. They might design and distribute fliers and promotional materials, issue press releases and announcements or post upcoming events. In therapeutic settings, the coordinator assesses clients or patients, participates in treatment planning, monitors progress and write appropriate reports. The program coordinator might participate in formulating policies or programs for the organization and often recommends new directions for the program. Duties can include budget planning and monitoring, facility preparation, event booking, event planning, equipment rental, managing contracts with facilitators and service providers and even fundraising.

Physical, Mental, Social Requirements

• Recreational program coordinators, due to the broad demands of the job, are literally required to be able to walk, talk, sit, see, read, identify colors and hear at a minimum. Some coordinator jobs might allow for reasonable accommodation for certain disabilities, but where a physical ability is essential to the safety monitoring aspect of the job, an accommodation might not be possible. Coordinators must be able to use hands and fingers, to reach, lift or move up to 50 pounds. They might be required to crawl, crouch, kneel, stoop, balance or climb. Most also must have the ability to use a computer for scheduling and reporting. The coordinator manages multiple tasks and requests, keeps track of responsibilities and activities. He must be able to manage time, stress and demanding or difficult people while remaining calm, polite and highly organized.

Work Environment

• The work environment includes indoor and outdoor locations in a variety of temperatures, light conditions, activity and noise levels. The recreation coordinator deals with constant interruptions, is always on the go, dealing with crowds of various sizes, temperamental people and demanding schedules. The job requires extensive multi-tasking in busy, noisy settings. Stressful or emergency situations can arise at any time.

Qualifications

• Qualifications vary depending on the job. Some require a high school diploma and experience. Others require a bachelor's degree in recreation or a closely related field. Health care and rehabilitation programs might require a master's degree in therapeutic recreation or certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist. Most positions call for at least 3-5 years' experience as a recreational worker and basic first aid and CPR training.