The Recreation Manager is a key leadership role that leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of recreation and holistic wellness activities at the Youth & Family Wellness Camp and in participating First Nation communities. Guided by the Camp’s strategic plan, the role supports physical, emotional, mental, and cultural wellbeing and strengthens relationships between children, youth, families, communities, and the Camp.
Reporting to the Camp Director, the Manager oversees staff who deliver community-based recreation and wellness programming. The Manager works with community representatives to understand local interests, priorities, and barriers to participation, supporting both activities delivered in communities and opportunities to participate in programming at the Camp.
Working collaboratively with Camp departments, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and partners such as Right to Play and Jays Care Foundation, the Manager ensures programming is responsive, inclusive, culturally grounded, and coordinated across locations. A central responsibility is to maintain ongoing community relationships and strengthen access to the Camp’s programs, facilities, and events.
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Position Title: Recreation Manager
Department: Youth and Family Wellness Camp
Term: Full-Time – 40 hours per week, irregular hours
Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, ON
Reports to: Camp Director
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Staff Supervision & Team Leadership
· Serve as the direct supervisor to designated recreation staff who deliver programming at the Camp and in communities, including Right to Play Community Mentors and the Jays Care Program Staff.
· Establish staff workplans, schedules, and deliverables; provide day-to-day mentorship, coaching, and documented performance feedback.
· Lead staff recruitment, onboarding, and training processes, including implementation of a structured 30/60/90-day onboarding plan.
· Conduct regular team meetings and individual check-ins to review priorities, monitor delivery, identify support needs, and ensure follow-through on community commitments.
· Coordinate ongoing staff development in activity facilitation, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, participant safety, and community engagement.
· Promote a healthy, inclusive, and motivated team culture that reflects organizational values and the Code of Ethics.
Program Development & Delivery
· Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of recreation and wellness activities at the Camp, in member First Nations, and in other Treaty #3 communities and Kenora urban service areas.
· Develop activities with communities that respond to local interests and support holistic wellbeing, including sports, traditional games, creative activities, outdoor experiences, social connection, and other recreational and wellness opportunities.
· Coordinate program schedules, registration, facility use, travel, and equipment within the recreation and wellness portfolio, working with relevant Camp staff.
· Support community staff, coaches, and volunteers to deliver consistent, inclusive activities and develop local capacity.
· Develop seasonal workplans and monthly calendars that reflect community priorities, available resources, and partnership commitments; communicate schedules and changes promptly.
· Ensure activities are culturally safe, accessible, and responsive to participant needs, with appropriate supervision, risk assessments, emergency procedures, and equipment checks.
Administrative Oversight, Quality Assurance & Evaluation
· Develop program orientation materials and operational procedures for approval, and implement approved policies with staff and community partners.
· Establish program quality standards and evaluation tools to assess participation, wellbeing outcomes, satisfaction, and community connection to the Camp.
· Oversee attendance tracking, participant records, and timely program and financial reporting within the portfolio; protect confidential information in accordance with organizational policies.
· Gather feedback from participants, families, staff, and community representatives, and use findings to improve activities, access, and relationships.
· Provide regular updates to the Camp Director on community engagement, program results, service gaps, and actions taken in response to community feedback.
· Ensure staff follow communication protocols for schedule changes, postponements, and cancellations, including notifying participants and community partners and coordinating public updates with the communications lead.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
· Build and maintain ongoing relationships with First Nation community representatives, schools, families, and recreation and wellness organizations.
· Maintain a regular, planned presence in participating communities to support staff, observe programming, understand local priorities, and strengthen relationships.
· Act as the operational liaison for Right to Play, Jays Care Foundation, and other recreation and wellness partners, ensuring agreed deliverables, reporting, and evaluations are completed in coordination with Camp leadership.
· Engage community leadership, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and families in identifying priorities and planning and evaluating recreation and wellness activities.
· Coordinate community visits to the Camp and participation in Camp programs and events, working with communities and Camp departments to address registration, transportation, and other access barriers.
· Represent the Camp at local, regional, and national meetings, events, and networks that promote recreation, wellness, and youth development.
Financial Management & Sustainability
· Work with the Camp Director to develop and manage the annual recreation budget.
· Monitor staffing, supply, travel, and event expenditures; manage spending within approved budgets and delegated authority, and flag funding pressures promptly.
· Identify funding opportunities and support grants, sponsorships, and partnership proposals in collaboration with Camp leadership and the Foundation.
· Maintain accurate financial and program records, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Leadership and Organizational Engagement
· Participate in leadership and strategic planning discussions within the Camp.
· Work with cultural, land-based, equine, and other Camp teams to coordinate recreation and wellness activities and connect communities with the programming available at the Camp.
· Support staff leadership development and succession planning through mentorship and professional growth opportunities.
· Model a balanced work ethic and commitment to physical, emotional, and cultural well-being.
Other duties as assigned
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QUALIFICATIONS
· Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
· Ability to develop inclusive, culturally grounded recreation and wellness programs that respond to community priorities.
· Ability to establish program goals, workplans, and measurable outcomes.
· Knowledge of evaluation methods, including surveys, participant feedback, and participation and outcome tracking.
· Ability to analyze findings, improve programming, and clearly report results.
· Skills in staff supervision, community engagement, partnership management, and budget oversight.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, and program management software.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
· Knowledge of Anishinaabe culture, language, and traditional games is an asset.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
· Post-secondary degree or diploma in Recreation, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Indigenous Studies, or related field.
· Minimum 2–3 years of leadership experience in sports, recreation, or community-based programming.
· Experience in program development, evaluation, outcome measurement, and reporting.
· Experience working with First Nations organizations and youth-focused programs preferred.
· Ability to speak Anishinaabemowin is an asset
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
· Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
· Willingness to travel and work evenings or weekends as needed
· Clear Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check
Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting
