Recreation Manager - Resort Activities & Guest Experiences

Lake Lawn Resort; Delavan (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Lawn Resort is seeking an energetic Recreation Manager to lead the Recreation department and oversee daily operations of resort activity programs. You will develop engaging activities for guests, families, conferences, and groups, and design customized programs for events.

The role requires overseeing staff, recruiting, training, and scheduling while maintaining high guest service standards and safety practices in a resort environment.

Qualifications

• Leader with recreation or guest activities focus.
• Experience creating resort activities and group programs.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities.
• Willingness to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of Recreation department and activity programs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate engaging activities for guests and families.
• Design programs for conferences, weddings, and groups.
• Coordinate with meeting planners to upsell recreation services.
• Supervise, train, and develop Recreation staff; create schedules.

Skills

Guest experience

Leadership

Staff management

Scheduling

Safety procedures

Communication

Tools

Website maintenance

Job description

Description

Lake Lawn Resort is seeking an energetic, creative, and guest-focused Recreation Manager – Resort Activities & Guest Experiences to lead our Recreation department. This position oversees daily recreation operations, develops engaging activities and team-building programs, and creates memorable experiences for resort guests, families, conferences, and groups. The ideal candidate is an outgoing hospitality professional who enjoys working directly with guests, leading a team, and developing innovative recreation programs in a resort environment.

Position Details

• Job Title: Recreation Manager
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Shift: Flexible / Days, Evenings, Weekends & Holidays as Needed
• Department: Recreation / Guest Activities
• Location: Delavan, Wisconsin

What You'll Do

• Lead the daily operations of the Recreation department and all resort activity programs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate engaging resort activities, family programs, children's activities, and team-building experiences.
• Design customized recreation and team-building programs for conferences, corporate groups, weddings, and other resort events.
• Work directly with meeting planners to identify opportunities, upsell recreation services, and coordinate group activities.
• Plan and lead scheduled guest activities such as crafts, family games, outdoor recreation, and other resort programs.
• Supervise, train, coach, and develop Recreation team members through ongoing training and performance feedback.
• Recruit and interview seasonal and year-round Recreation staff while maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
• Create employee schedules based on occupancy, business volume, guest needs, and budget guidelines.
• Maintain high standards of guest service through direct interaction with resort guests and group planners.
• Ensure Recreation staff maintain proper uniforms, name tags, grooming, safety practices, and professional conduct.
• Monitor and oversee the safe and effective use of resort recreation facilities and equipment.
• Oversee recreation amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, miniature golf, playgrounds, baseball fields, volleyball and tennis courts, bicycles, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and the Activity Center.
• Ensure Recreation team members receive appropriate training in safety, chemical handling, accident prevention, and facility procedures.
• Maintain department equipment and recreation facilities in a clean, safe, and guest-ready condition.
• Oversee rental and payment processes for recreation programs, equipment, and activities.
• Maintain department cash-handling procedures, assigned bank, and financial controls.
• Develop and maintain recreation handouts, activity schedules, and guest-facing information.
• Ensure the Lake Lawn Resort website and other guest communication channels contain current Recreation information.
• Provide guests with knowledgeable information about resort activities, amenities, schedules, and facility locations.
• Partner with Sales, Conference Services, and Catering teams to coordinate recreation programs and group activities.
• Complete payroll, timekeeping, and other required employee documentation.
• Communicate regularly with the Director of Operations regarding department performance, staffing, programs, and operational needs.
• Conduct monthly Recreation department meetings.
• Participate in department head meetings and other resort meetings as required.
• Assist with Recreation Attendant responsibilities as needed.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Resort Operations.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Previous Recreation Manager, Activities Manager, Guest Activities Manager, Resort Recreation, Hospitality, or Guest Experience leadership experience preferred.
• Experience creating and leading resort activities, family programs, children's activities, team-building events, or group recreation programs preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with experience hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and supervising employees.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Creative approach to developing new activities and guest experiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities.
• Comfortable working directly with guests, meeting planners, conference groups, and resort leadership.
• Experience with cash handling, rentals, payroll, scheduling, and departmental administration.
• Basic computer skills required; experience maintaining website or digital activity information preferred.
• Strong understanding of safety practices and the ability to train staff on recreation and facility safety.
• Positive, energetic, professional, and service-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak resort periods.
• Ability to work outdoors and participate in activities in varying weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and remain active for extended periods.
• Ability to demonstrate or participate in various recreational activities.
• Ability to lift and move recreation equipment and supplies.
• Ability to work around swimming pools and other waterfront or outdoor recreation areas.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Ability to assist guests and staff during activities or emergency situations.

Work Environment

• Dynamic resort recreation environment with frequent guest interaction.
• Combination of indoor and outdoor work throughout the resort property.
• Frequent interaction with children, families, conference groups, meeting planners, and resort guests.
• Fast-paced seasonal hospitality environment with increased activity during weekends, holidays, and peak resort periods.
• Work around pools, sports courts, playgrounds, activity areas, and other recreational facilities.

About Lake Lawn Resort

Located on Delavan Lake, Lake Lawn Resort is a premier hospitality destination known for exceptional service and a strong team culture. Whether you're starting your career or looking for a steady role, this is a great place to grow.

Disclaimer

This role includes a variety of responsibilities to support daily operations.