We are seeking a forward-thinking, energetic team player with strong leadership skills to join our team! This dynamic role is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing recreation programs and summer camps for individuals with disabilities, while leading a team of Recreation Specialists. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills and be detail oriented while bringing positivity and collaboration to managing budgets, program evaluations, recruitment, training, and development of summer staff. With responsibilities ranging from coordinating day camps and special events, to advocating for community access and providing direct participant support, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while representing M-NASR in the community.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Program Manager

Accountability: Superintendent of Recreation 
Salary Range: $68,000-$78,000 

FLSA Status: Exempt. The Program Manager is a full-time employee with hours that fluctuate to accommodate evening or weekend programs and meetings.

Summary: The Program Manager is responsible for oversight of overall program development and consistency. This position oversees the Leisure Education and Day Camp programs, and supervises three Recreation Specialists for the following areas: Adults with Physical/Visual Impairments, Adults with Intellectual Disabilities, and Youth and Teens. This position requires the application of specialized therapeutic training to formulate and administer a broad delivery of recreation services for individuals with disabilities without exclusion.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree plus knowledge and/or training in therapeutic recreation, special education, adaptive physical education or a related field. Four (4) years full-time experience in therapeutic recreation, parks and recreation, special education, adaptive physical education or related field. Knowledge of the recreational needs of persons with a disability without exclusion. Ability to complete NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) or comparable certification within six (6) months of employment desired in addition to First Aid/CPR, AED and other certifications as required. A valid Illinois class “D” Driver’s License is required.

Essential Functions:

1. Plan, conduct, oversee, implement, and evaluate and/or assist recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. This includes but is not limited to implementation of lesson plans, adaptations, behavior management strategies and documentation including but not limited to budgeting, program evaluations and incident reports.
2. Provide supervision of overall program, assisting staff, and participants. Participant supervision may include lifting and transferring, feeding, and other personal care. Provide physical and emotional support to children and adults with disabilities.
3. Safely transport participants of varying ages and abilities using agency vehicles.
4. Assist with agency-wide and Foundation events.
5. Advocate for community access to recreation for individuals with disabilities.
6. Represent M-NASR through attendance at community meetings and functions, and address schools, parents, participants, Member Agencies and/or other service groups.
7. Adhere to all agency policy, procedure, and safety manuals by exhibiting a working knowledge of general and department specific rules and operations.
8. Provide timely response to communication.
9. Utilization of computer software and specific databases, specifically Microsoft Office and RecTrac.

Job Specific Essential Functions:

1. Recruit, hire, orient, train, evaluate, and supervise three full time Recreation Specialists.
2. Maintain the budgeting process for programs.
3. Works with Recreation Specialists to ensure development of well-rounded program delivery.
4. Oversee the entire summer day camp process. Recruit, hire, orient, train, supervise, approximately 50 part-time Day Camp staff and Site Directors.
5. Manage and communicate staffing assignments, placements, and changes to ensure coverage for M-NASR day camps.
6. Oversee evaluation process for part time day camp staff.
7. Proof and submit bi-weekly payroll for part time day camp staff.
8. Provide Recreation Specialists with seasonal program master layout, budget sheets, and the training and utilization of Rec Trac.
9. Working with the Communications and Marketing Manager, oversee the brochure development and production timeline. Oversee and coordinate the delivery of brochures.
10. Oversight of tournaments, overnight trips, vacation trips and any special programming being offered. Including the annual Boccia Tournament, TR Section Basketball Tournament, and the coordination of the Regional Boccia tournament.
11. Provide reports as needed pertaining to program area.
12. Any other task or responsibility deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.

Marginal Functions:

1. Drive agency or personal vehicle to daily programs, seasonal special events, or away trips.
2. Attending meetings for state or local organizations.
3. Deliver seasonal brochures and other flyers to member districts and other facilities.

Safety Considerations:

1. Staff will comply with all M-NASR Safety Policies and Procedures and carry out all tasks in a safe manner.
2. Attendance at various safety in-services will be required.

Psychological Considerations:

1. Must be able to respond to needs of individuals with disabilities.
2. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.
3. Must demonstrate adequate leadership qualities.
4. Must be willing to work as part of a team.
5. Must be confident when presenting to a group at orientations and trainings.

Physiological Considerations:

1. Must be able to lift and transfer participants or equipment safely.

Environmental Considerations:

1. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions (i.e. during damp seasons, rain, snow and heat).
2. May be exposed to elements when driving to meetings/programs or when assisting in outdoor functions.
3. May be exposed to hazardous vegetation (i.e. poison ivy) during activities.
4. May work with flammable material.

Cognitive Considerations:

1. Must exhibit good problem-solving ability and good judgment in keeping with the mission of M-NASR.
2. Must be able to demonstrate good safety awareness and judgment.
3. Must be able to follow rules and directions.
4. Read and understand large volumes of electronic or non-electronic paperwork.
5. Must be able to communicate effectively.

Essential Physical Capabilities:

1. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, bending, stooping, and walking.
2. Ability to closely supervise individuals with disabilities.
3. Operating a passenger vehicle.
4. Capable of lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying items weighing 20-50 pounds with mechanical assistance or team lift.