Primary purpose:
The Lead Recreation Manager, Therapeutic Recreation, is responsible for the planning, development, coordination and evaluation of year-round recreational and community programs for individuals with disabilities. Position provides strategic operational leadership for therapeutic recreation programming, including camps, sports and leisure programs, special events and community-based activities. Responsibilities include budget administration, staff and volunteer supervision, program marketing and ensuring safe, inclusive and high-quality participant experiences. Position requires flexibility, including evenings, weekends and seasonal program schedules. Performs all other related work as required and directed.
Supervision:
Scope and Judgment: The Lead Recreation Manager, Therapeutic Recreation operates with independence in comprehensive planning, developing, implementing, and managing year-round recreational and community programming, including staff recruitment, placement, and engagement activities for individuals with disabilities within established departmental policies and procedures. The position exercises judgment in program management and strategic leadership to meet evolving program needs.
Supervision Received: Works under the policy direction of the Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and/or designee. Exercises judgement in planning, prioritizing and executing responsibilities in accordance with departmental policies and timelines.
Supervision Given: Provides direct supervision to Recreation Manager, Special Needs, seasonal staff of up to 50 staff and over 300 volunteers. Responsible for staff performance, safety, scheduling and adherence to program standards.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be 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.)
Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate inclusive, year-round therapeutic recreation programs for a large contingency if individuals with disabilities (over 350+ annually), including camps, sports and leisure programs, Special Olympics, social events, and enrichment activities.
Ensure programs are safe, accessible, and aligned with best practices; conduct participant intake, assessments, and ongoing evaluations to support individualized needs and accommodations, including behavioral, emotional, and physical supports.
Direct and manage all aspects of Camp Echo Bridge (six-week inclusive summer camp) and related programs, including budgeting, registration, staffing, logistics, and daily operations. This includes overseeing a one-week residential camping experience for ages 10-21.
Oversee signature experiences and events, including Annual Awards Ceremony, Kevin Clancy Basketball Tournament, and City participation in Special Olympics.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and coordinate a large volunteer workforce (300+ annually), ensuring high-quality service delivery and adherence to policies and procedures.
Develop, administer, and monitor program budgets; oversee financial operations including fee collection, payroll, purchasing, vendor coordination, and recordkeeping.
Coordinate marketing and outreach efforts, including website management, social media, and promotional materials to support program awareness and participation.
Collaborate with City departments, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance programming and expand inclusive recreation opportunities.
Manage program expenditures responsibly, ensuring staff and operational activities remain within approved budgets, and recommend/coordinate purchases of supplies and equipment to support program delivery and make recommendations to supervisor regarding annual budget needs for staff training and programming.
Maintain accurate records, prepare reports, monitor program performance, and implement improvements as needed.
Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development; stay current with trends and best practices in therapeutic recreation.
Performs all other related work as required and directed.
Minimum Entrance Qualifications:
(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and /or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. We encourage all candidates who feel they are capable of successfully performing the responsibilities as outlined in this position description, regardless of the qualifications below to apply.)
Education, Training, and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management, Special Education, or a related field is required. Candidates must also have a minimum of three to five (3–5) years of progressively responsible experience in recreation programming, including experience working with individuals with disabilities. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Must possess a Massachusetts’s driver’s license. A strong commitment to public service is required.
Special Requirements: Must possess a certification in first aid and CPR or able to obtain certification withing a specified timeframe as determined by the City.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, inclusive programming practices and behavioral, emotional and physical support strategies for individuals with disabilities. Knowledge or program management, municipal operations, budgeting and basic financial reporting. Knowledge of first aid methods and safety precautions used in recreational programming. Knowledge of basic office procedures and database management systems.
Ability. Ability to plan, manage, and prioritize multiple programs and operational demands simultaneously. Ability to supervise, train, and motivate diverse staff and volunteers. Ability to communicate effectively with participants, families, staff, and community stakeholders. Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and make independent decisions within established guidelines. Ability to present information effectively, to top management, public groups, employees of the city and/or governing boards.
Skills: Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal and supervisor skills. Strong communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving and analytical skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic database systems. Effective time management and record-keeping skills.
Work Environment:
This position works in an indoor office and outdoor environments with exposure to the elements including regular park and facility site visits. May require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, sitting, or driving a vehicle for prolonged periods of time; light lifting, and carrying. Operates computers, printers, copier, calculator, telephone and standard office equipment. Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendor/service providers. Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgement, discretion, and professional office protocols. Errors in judgment or omissions could result in considerable confusion and delay, have a continuing adverse effect on the department’s ability to deliver services, be costly to correct and cause significant adverse public relations, including legal liability. The position may require attendance at events outside of standard business hours. There is an expectation of flexible work hours; when required, this position is expected to work some night and weekend hours.
Physical requirements:
(The physical demands described here represent those requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10lbs). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Performance Standard:
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
(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.)
THE CITY:
The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT:
Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.
AS AN EMPLOYER:
The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.
Human Resources Diversity Statement
We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:
The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.