Recreation Program Manager

Come Join Us at Palatine Park District!

Palatine Park District is your opportunity to a vibrant community experience, where we enrich lives through an array of safe, enjoyable, and affordable parks, programs, and facilities. Join our dedicated and passionate team who embodies the spirit of parks and rec, creating opportunities for fun and personal growth every day. With 45 parks, 9 recreation facilities, and 3 aquatic centers, Palatine Park District offers something for everyone.

Position Summary
Palatine Park District is seeking a dynamic, creative, and experienced Manager to lead our Recreation programs and services including Special events, early childhood, camps, gymnastics and cheer. Our goal is to enhance the already successful program areas with fresh and innovative ideas to continue to provide excellent programming to the community. This position will provide leadership to the recreation Coordinators ensuring quality programming and operations. The right candidate should be a strong leader and problem solver, have excellent communication skills and lead with positivity, flexibility and adaptability.

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation or related field with equivalent experience preferred. 
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of experience coordinating recreation programs.
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of previous management and supervision experience.
  • Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.
  • Valid State of Illinois Class “D” driver’s license.
  • Attain (within six (6) months of employment) and maintain valid Adult & Child CPR/AED certification.
Benefits & Wages
  • Health/Dental/Vision insurance for individual and family
  • Paid life insurance
  • A retirement plan with the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
  • Paid vacation, personal days, holidays and sick time
  • Unlimited in-house complimentary programs
  • Seasonal pool passes for indoor and outdoor pools (individual and family)
  • Fitness Center membership (individual and family)
  • Discount at Palatine Hills Golf Course

Job details

$71,000-$81,000
February 20th, 2026
Palatine Park District
Dayell Houzenga
847-991-0333
dhouzenga@palatineparks.org