Specialist, Recreation Programs

MDA; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid sick leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life insurance

401(k) matching

Generous PTO

Paid holidays

Remote work opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

MDA is seeking a dedicated Program Lead for Recreation Programs within the Community Engagement Department. You will develop and manage nationwide recreational activities for the neuromuscular community, focusing on growth, inclusion, and engagement across ages.

Responsibilities include planning, recruiting volunteers, following national guidelines, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver impactful programs. Some travel will be required May–September and on weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Recreation or related field preferred.
• 2 years of experience leading recreation/community programs.
• Experience developing and facilitating youth/family programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Able to communicate with internal and external partners.
• Skilled in independent work and teamwork.
• Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Reliable, accountable, and professional.
• Growth mindset and willingness to learn.
• Willingness to travel in-state and out-of-state (May-Sep) and occasional weekends.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Standing/walking/sitting with light lifting (25+ lbs).

Responsibilities

• Lead Recreation Programs nationwide.
• Plan programs with initiative and independent problem-solving.
• Communicate ideas to strengthen team and programs.
• Inform participants of opportunities and requirements.
• Recruit Volunteers and manage a recruitment/retention plan.
• Ensure programs follow national guidelines and risk management.
• Procure supplies within budget.
• Contribute to focus groups on recruitment and programming.
• Build relationships with staff, volunteers, vendors and partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams to execute priorities.
• Participate in trainings for growth and development.
• Integrate donor recognition and corporate aid into programs.
• Manage program queue and maintain data accuracy.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Organizational skills

Project planning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation

Driver’s License

Tools

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

Job description

Job DetailsMDA Overview:

At MDA, we believe our biggest asset is our combination of different backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines united to form one high-performing team. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive. What we do starts with our people and the neuromuscular disease community we serve. As America’s largest voluntary health organization covering research, healthcare, and advocacy for people with neuromuscular diseases, MDA is leading the way in improving the quality of life for those living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, and dozens of related disorders – many first discovered and diagnosed by MDA supported scientists and clinicians.

Department Overview:

The Community Engagement department at MDA aims to connect and empower the neuromuscular disease community by providing meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and play. The Community Engagement department is comprised of the Recreation Programs, Community Education, and Community Programs teams.

Position Description:

The mission of the Recreation Programs team within the Community Engagement Department is to enhance the quality of life of people in the neuromuscular disease community by providing recreational programs for people of all ages that build community, foster growth, and provide enjoyment.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as Program Lead for various Recreation Programs across the nation as assigned.
• Plan Recreation Programs with intention, taking initiative to independently identify opportunities and seek solutions.
• Communicate and welcome new ideas and information constructively, with the goal of strengthening both the team dynamic and the programs we offer.
• Inform all eligible participants of Recreation Program opportunities and requirements through an established communication plan.
• Actively recruit Volunteers to assist Recreation Programs through a comprehensive recruitment, placement, and retention plan.
• Plan and implement programming that adheres to established national guidelines, program parameters, themes, and risk management policies.
• Identify and procure necessary medical and program supplies, while maintaining compliance with established budgetary parameters.
• Actively contribute to Recreation Program Focus Groups to further develop strategies related to participant recruitment, logistics, medical management, training, and/or programming.
• Develop positive, productive relationships with Program Facility Staff, Volunteers, vendors, and other partners.
• Collaborate with a variety of internal MDA team members to execute program priorities.
• Actively participate in trainings geared toward enhancing your personal growth and professional development.
• Integrate national initiatives, donor recognition, and corporate aid in Recreation Programs as assigned.
• Manage the Recreation Program Queue, responding accordingly in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate and complete information in the MDA Community Databases.
• Actively participate in program evaluations and trainings to continuously improve best practices.
• Represent MDA appropriately in all interactions to ensure the culture of each Recreation Program reflects the mission of the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or related field preferred
• 2 years of experience leading recreation or community focused programming required.
• Experience in developing and facilitating programs for youth and families, including a demonstrated history of improving programs and increasing participation from the community.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Able to effectively communicate with and develop relationships with internal and external partners.
• Skilled in working both independently and within a team framework.
• Able to manage multiple programs simultaneously, with strong organization and attention to detail.
• Must be reliable, accountable, and professional.
• Self‑motivated, mindful of opportunities, growth mindset, and willingness to learn.
• Flexible schedule, responsibilities may fall outside of standard business hours.
• Available to travel in-state and out- of-state for several weeklong programs (May - September) and occasional weekends throughout the year.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, AED strongly preferred.
• Hold a valid Driver’s License.
• Able to stand, walk and sit; Talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; Regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift over 25 pounds.

MDA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Location:

Remote work with local & overnight travel required.

Salary Range:

This position's salary range is $50,000 – $55,000.

Benefits MDA Benefits:

For full-time employees

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with prescription coverage
• Health Savings Account with contribution matching and Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and/or dependent care
• Paid sick leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 100% contribution towards basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Optional additional life insurance and dependent life insurance available
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
• Generous paid time off policy, with an increasing accrual rate schedule
• Paid holidays
• Standard 35-hour work week with flexible hours
• Remote, work from home opportunities
• Professional Learning and Development opportunities, including Leadership skills