Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors

Overview

Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of comprehensive recreational, sports and fitness programs and services, national or provincial sports governing agencies and professional athletic teams. They are employed by municipalities, community and private recreational and fitness organizations, sports governing agencies and professional athletic team organizations.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of recreation, sports and fitness programs and services

  • Provide technical and professional advice on recreation, sports and fitness matters

  • Prepare budget estimates and develop policies and procedures to implement programs

  • Manage the operations of a sports governing agency

  • Organize and administer national and provincial training, coaching, officiating and other programs associated with a particular sport

  • Manage the operations of a professional athletic team

  • Recruit professional coaches and athletes

  • Direct fundraising drives and arrange for sponsorships from public and private organizations

  • Develop long range plans and negotiate business contracts.

Job titles

  • amateur sport manager
  • bingo hall manager
  • casino operations manager
  • cruise ship director
  • director of fitness administration - government
  • director of leisure

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$40,106

Median

$80,212

High

$156,420

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

653

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • A university degree in recreology, physical education, sports administration or a related field or A college diploma in recreation management or sports administration is usually required.

  • Several years of experience in an occupation related to recreation and sports administration, consulting or programming are usually required.

  • Some directors of recreation may be required to have a Municipal Recreation Director's Certificate.

Certification requirements

Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors in B.C.

  • Membership with the BC Recreation and Parks Association - Recreation Service Directors

Membership with the BC Recreation and Parks Association - Recreation Service Directors

To work as a recreation, sports, or fitness program and service director, you may choose to become a member of the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association. Membership can be accessed through an employer or individually.

Employment in this career may require several years of related work experience.

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Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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