The Director of Recreation is responsible for the successful administration and management of all Recreational Programs. The Director of Recreation will supervise Sunday Programming (SOAR/Sunday School), Respite Programming, Adult Recreation, and Camp Programs including parent communications while managing new program development as needed. This position will be responsible for maintaining and developing community and camp (Camp Chi) partnerships; trainings and consultation through the PPIC and oversee volunteer programs.

This position will supervise the Program Managers coordination and administration of all aspects of ongoing programs including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling program activities. Reporting to the Chief Programming Officer, the Director of Recreation will be responsible for the operational success of Keshet's Recreation Programming, ensuring seamless team management and development, program delivery, and quality control and evaluation. The Director of Recreation will be the key external face for Recreation in the community.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

Plan the program

• Plan the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of Keshet
• Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization
• Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the program
• Work with Chief Financial Officer to develop an annual budget and operating plan to support the program
• Develop a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the program and to identify areas for improvement
• Ensure growth and sustainability for camp and recreation programming

Organize the program

• Ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of the organization
• Ensure that program activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards
• Develop goals and metrics to determine programs success and sustainability
• Oversee the collection and maintenance of records on the team members of the program for statistical purposes according to the confidentiality/privacy policy of the organization

Staff the program

• In consultation with the CEO and CPO, oversee the process to recruit, interview and select well-qualified program staff

• Ensure that all program staff receive an appropriate orientation to the organization and the programs
• Perform mid-year and end of year performance reviews for all direct staff

Lead the program

• Ensure all staff members receive orientation and appropriate training in accordance with organizational standards
• Supervise program staff by providing direction, input and feedback
• Communicate with team members and other pertinent members to gain community support for the program and to solicit input to improve the program
• Liaise with other Program Directors to ensure effective and efficient program delivery
• Coordinate the delivery of services among different program activities to increase effectiveness and efficiency

Control the program

• Maintain and develop good relationships with community partners
• Write reports on the program for management
• Ensure that the program operates within the approved budget, including payroll
• Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures
• Meet monthly with Controller to go over budget on a regular basis (monthly/bimonthly)
• Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures
• Work with Chief Financial Officer and finance team to ensure that all financial records for the program are up to date
• Monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct an annual evaluation according to the program evaluation framework
• Report evaluation findings to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Program Officer and recommend changes to enhance the program, as appropriate

• Minimum of five years professional experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Undergraduate degree required in elementary or secondary special education or a degree in a related service; Master's Degree preferred
• Knowledge of Judaic studies and special recreational programming

About Keshet

From its core programs for children and adults with intellectual challenges in the Chicago area, to its international consulting work, Keshet serves over 1,000 individuals with disabilities and touches the lives of many more family members, peers, supporters, and other stakeholders around the globe. Keshet's local leadership, comprised of nearly 100 lay leaders from all walks of life, provide the inspiration, direction, and funding required to fulfill the organizations mission: to do whatever is necessary to allow individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential.

About the Program

Keshet provides highly individualized and integrated education programs at five sites throughout Chicago and the north shore from kindergarten through age 22. We believe in maximizing each students potential while fostering caring communities in which students learn and grow. Therefore, we maintain a dual focus on developing students academic and daily living skills while also integrating them into their home community. With Keshet support, kids, teens and young adults thrive at day and overnight camps. Whether learning a new swim stroke or participating in a talent show, camp provides the ideal setting for campers to continue growing, learning, socializing and, of course, having fun. Keshet sets the stage for creating lifelong memories and friendships.