Manager, Recreation Programs

MDA 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 partnered 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.

The Manager, Recreation Programs report to the Director, Recreation Programs. This individual will support the day-to-day activity of members of the Recreation Programs Team. This position plays a key role in the oversight of planning, management, and execution of best-in-class recreation programs including, but not limited to, Summer Camps and Family Weekends. This Manager is instrumental in the strategic development and implementation of recreational experiences for the neuromuscular disease community.

What you’ll do:

• Manage team of Specialists who execute and deliver best-in-class recreation experiences
• Provide oversight for program implementation, ensuring adherence to national guidelines and risk management policies
• Collaborate with a variety of internal MDA team members to execute program priorities
• Provide leadership and program management both onsite and remotely during both camp sessions and other recreation programs
• Supervise program budgets by providing guidance and oversight
• Develop a positive relationship with staff and volunteers to ensure the culture of each MDA camp and recreational experience is represented
• Provide guidance and assist with management of sensitive situations and conversations with various participants and stakeholders
• Serve as on-call help for several week-long and weekend program sessions each year, as assigned
• Integrate national initiatives, donor recognition, and corporate backing of department programs
• Work closely with Mission leadership to ensure coordination across departments
• Gather and share substantive feedback from executed activities and engagements through the proper process flow to the appropriate MDA team lead
• Ensure internal databases are maintained with accuracy including tracking work product on appropriate and designated platforms
• Actively participate in training geared toward enhancing your personal growth and professional development.
• Represent MDA appropriately in all interactions to ensure the culture of each Recreation Program reflects the mission of the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary Range:

This position's salary range is $60,000 - $65,000. Final offer amounts and levels are determined by multiple factors, including your experience, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

What we are looking for:

• 3+ years previous experience in voluntary health organizations with a focus on recreation or community-based programming.
• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in education, recreation or related field is strongly preferred
• Experience working with non-profits/hospitals/programs serving specific medical populations is a plus
• Ability to manage multiple direct reports in different geographic locations
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a matrix reporting structure
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple work-streams and manage complex implementation and execution schedules
• High level of discretion and demonstrated ability to appropriately handle confidential information
• Experience providing oversight of programs for youth and families, including a demonstrated history of improving programs and increasing participation from the community
• Available to travel and assist several weeklong programs in the summer (May-September), and occasional weekends throughout the year
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, AED preferred
• 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.
• Hold a valid Driver’s License
• Muscular Dystrophy Association requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment. As required by applicable law, Muscular Dystrophy Association will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.

MDA Benefits:

*For fulltime 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 increasing accrual rate schedule
• 16 paid holidays
• Standard 35-hour work week with flexible hours
• Remote, work from home opportunities
• Leadership Development training opportunities
• Company sponsored Wellness Program

MDA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.