Recreation Director

Town of Harwich

Job Postings

Union: SEIU

Position: Recreation Director

Hours: 40 hours/week

Pay Grade: M2

Pay Range: $86,736.16-$107,933.64 per year (FY26)

Definition

The Director of Recreation performs management and administrative work developing, directing and overseeing the town’s Recreation Department under the day to day supervision of the Town Administrator within the scope of the general policy and direction established by the Recreation Commission. The Director of Recreation is responsible for evaluating the needs of visitors and residents and planning, designing and organizing a comprehensive program of athletics and recreational activities and programs for residents and visitors to the Town, such policies and programs shall be designed to meet the recreational needs of children, youth, adults and senior citizens. All employees of the Department report to the Director either directly or indirectly through their supervisors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position

Evaluates the recreational needs of visitors and residents and plans, designs and administers a comprehensive town program of recreation including but not limited to programs at parks, athletic fields and beaches; schedules activities and ensures that programs are effectively administered; conducts on-site visits to program sites to oversee activities.

Prepares and manages Recreation Department’s annual budget. Maintains a system with accountability for the security of receipts and timely deposit of such.

Procures needed equipment and ensures that it is safely accounted for and stored.

Trains staff; recruits, interviews and selects seasonal and volunteer staff members; trains and supervises seasonal personnel; responsible for staffing and management of seasonal beach operations; assists the Recreation Commission with budget preparation; oversees expenditures.

Prepares program announcements, publicizes programs; seeks community support for programs; and responds to inquiries from the general public.

Provides advice and assistance in the maintenance and up-keep of recreational areas.

Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Supervision

Works under the administrative direction of the Town Administrator and receives advice and guidance from the Recreation Commission; performs responsible duties requiring initiative and independent judgment in the development, promotion, planning, and administration of community recreational services, including the oversight of seasonal beach activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises departmental employees, several part-time staff, and seasonal staff and volunteers.

Work Environment

Most work is performed in office conditions; other work is performed at program sites and outdoors; the work load is subject to seasonal fluctuations and program schedules.

The employee operates standard office equipment, hand tools, power tools, and a light truck.

The employee has daily contact with the general public and community groups and frequent contract with the highway department concerning parks and playing fields.

The employee has access to bid documents and other departmental confidential information.

Errors could result in unsafe conditions for program participants causing personal injury, delay or loss of service, damage to property or equipment, and legal repercussions.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in recreation management or a related field; three to five years of progressively responsible experience in recreation management; supervisory experience; municipal experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

First Aid and CPR training

Lifeguard training

Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Thorough knowledge of the administration of recreational programming; thorough knowledge of the methods and approaches used in recreation programming; knowledge of program planning and administrative procedures; understanding of trends in recreation programming and services.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with town employees, outside organizations and the general public; ability to supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; ability to manage multiple programs.

Planning and organizational skills; excellent customer service skills; personnel management skills; public relations skills.

Physical Requirements

Mid level physical effort is often required in assembling, repairing and setting up sporting goods and equipment. Minimal physical effort is required to perform administrative duties; the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, speak and hear, required to reach and use hands to operate equipment. Vision requirements include the ability to read documents and use a computer.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Applicants must submit a Town of Harwich Employment Application along with a cover letter and resume to the Human Resources, Angelique McGibbon. Submittals can be submitted electronically to View email address on jobs.institutedata.com or mailed/delivered to 732 Main Street, Harwich MA 02645

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 a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

Pay: $86,736.16 - $107,933.64 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person