Position Title: RECREATION DIRECTOR
Location: Onsite – Town of Plaistow Department: Recreation Department Terms of Employment: Full Time (35-40 hours) FLSA Status: Non - Exempt Anticipated Start Date: As Soon As Possible
JOB SUMMARY:
The Recreation Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing a broad range of community programs, events, and activities that serve residents of all ages. Key responsibilities include coordinating seasonal programming, supervising staff, managing budgets, and maintaining Town recreation facilities.
This position also serves as the lead supervisor and program planner for the seven-week Summer Recreation Program, which welcomes up to 120 children per week in grades K–6 and runs through mid-August. Pre-season hours are dedicated to program planning, staff recruitment, and training. The Recreation Director works in both indoor and outdoor settings, with most time spent outdoors, and must be able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and simultaneously.
REPORTS TO: Town Manager
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
• Summer Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, and Summer Camp Counselors during the Summer Rec Program.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Plan, organize, and administer year-round community programs, events, and activities for all ages and ability levels.
• Oversee scheduling, purchasing, participation, and seasonal recreation programs.
• Recruit, train, and support staff, including the Leadership Team and Camp Counselors.
• Provide staff training in camp safety and emergency management procedures.
• Maintain program supplies, inventory, and requisitions.
• Supervise staff and ensure proper care and use of Town recreation facilities.
• Manage record-keeping, budgeting, and operational expenses.
• Collaborate with elected officials, advisory boards, volunteers, and community organizations.
Required Special Qualifications:
• Ability to speak effectively in public settings and give public presentations
• Ability to facilitate meetings and participate effectively in meetings
• Ability to cooperate with elected officials, staff, volunteers, and the general public
• Ability to work independently, meet frequent deadlines, and manage multiple projects
• Understanding of the principles and procedures of record keeping
• Methods and techniques of business correspondence and technical report preparation
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices
The ideal candidate for this position should possess a minimum of two years in a leadership role within a recreation or educational setting, with prior experience as a Recreation Director or Recreation Administrator highly preferred. They will be highly organized, energetic, motivated, and creative, with strong written and verbal communication skills and solid math abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, and MyRec.com recreation software is essential. Candidates should be team-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a municipal environment. This position requires a current, valid driver's license. The position requires travel throughout the region and attendance at evening meetings.
LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Applicant will be subject to a criminal background check and medical examination as part of a conditional employment offer.
• Must have valid Driver’s License and dependable vehicle.
• Current CPR and Standard First Aid certifications or willingness to obtain prior to the program start date.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Strong leadership and public relations skills.
• Ability to supervise, train and motivate staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional and tactful interpersonal demeanor.
• Ability to think critically and make sound evaluations.
• Ability to keep his/her composure with the community and co-workers in everyday, stressful and emergency situations.
• Ability to administer flexibility and resourcefulness in daily operations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function.
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function in operating a computer or other necessary equipment.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without accommodation, which permits the employee to function in having access to all areas of the town.
• Lift between 10 to 50 lbs: Frequently required
• Lift over 50 lbs: Occasionally required
• Carry 10 to 50 lbs: Frequently required
• Carry over 50 lbs: Occasionally required
• Reach above shoulder height: Frequently required
• Reach below shoulder height: Frequently required
• Push/Pull: Frequently required
• Hand Manipulation: Frequently required
• (Grasping, Handling, and Fingering)
• Other physical considerations: Frequently required
• (Twisting and bending)
• Kneeling and Crouching: Frequently required
Work surface includes office, desk, chair, and off-site locations. Various outdoor surfaces, required to work in all types of weather conditions.
SUMMARY OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:
• May be exposed to sunscreen and other chemicals; cleaning fluids and disinfectants, art supplies, photocopier toner, printer cartridges, dirt, dust, herbicides, pesticides, as well as health risks associated with providing emergency medical treatment in advance of rescue personnel.
SALARY INFORMATION: Wage range based on the current CBA wage schedule.
BENEFITS: This position includes a generous benefits package REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION: Applicants should be prepared to provide the following documents:
• Town of Plaistow Application
• Resume
• Three (3) recent references, including contact information. References should be non-family members that can attest to your work ethic and character
• Letter of Interest
Submit a completed application, resume, references and letter of interest to Town of Plaistow, Town Manager, Greg Colby, at GColby@plaistow.com or by mail to the Town of Plaistow, Town Manager, 145 Main St, Plaistow, NH 03865.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled
The Town of Plaistow is an Equal Opportunity Employer, DOQ/DOE
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation to be determined by management as a case-by-case basis.