Program Director (Recreation)

Impact: Community Development

Plans, organizes, and directs recreation programs and activities for a community, organization, or facility. This includes developing program content, managing budgets, supervising staff, and ensuring participant safety and satisfaction.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
70% Team, 30% Solo
Client facing
Always
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Low
Schedule flexibility
Moderate
Remote work
Limited Remote
Typical work hours
40
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$65,000
Entry-level
$45,000
Senior
$90,000
Growth by 2033
7%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
38%
Typical student debt
$25,000 - $40,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Program Management
  • Budgeting
  • Event Planning

Soft skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving

Technical complexity: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education
Bachelor's Degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
5
Years to senior
10
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Recreation Coordinator
      2. Program Manager
      3. Program Director
      4. Department Head

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      5%
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.8/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      7.5/10
      Social perception
      Very High

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