Associate Director - Programs and Engagement

Job Summary

The Associate Director - Programs and Engagement is a member of the department’s senior leadership team and actively engages in department management, leadership, and visioning. The position is responsible for delivering programmatic outcomes to the client related to student life activation, student learning, and revenue generation through an effective recreation programming plan. This role also plays a key part in staff development, providing mentorship and direction to professional and student staff.

Essential Functions

• Provide strategic oversight of all program areas, including fitness, intramural sports, club sports, aquatics, adventure recreation, youth programs, and special events.
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive program strategy focused on participation growth, engagement, and program quality.
• Ensure program success, manage risk, ensure staff training/certification standards, and lead policy and procedure development.
• Assist in the development, forecast, and management of annual budget. Set financial targets for the areas of responsibility.
• Foster and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders. Immerse themselves and the operation into the client community.
• Contribute to the annual operating business plan to deliver client objectives and CENTERS standards.
• Develop an annual comprehensive program plan that includes programs, finances, and participation targets.
• Prepares and delivers required and requested reports and data to the client and CENTERS central office.
• Utilize data and trends to inform decisions, improve programs, and communicate impact to campus stakeholders.
• Adjudicate participant violations of program policies.
• Aid in departmental operations and special projects as needed.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise and support program area professional staff, ensuring alignment, accountability, and consistent execution across all areas.
• Select, train, manage, develop, and evaluate staff.
• Plan department staffing levels in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Act as a backup in the management of department-wide bi-weekly payroll.

Site-Specific Responsibilities

• Oversee marketing efforts on behalf of the department, including campaign planning, messaging, and coordination with internal marketing resources.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive professional experience working in recreation programs.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and/or evaluation.
• Minimum of 3 years supervision and leadership experience.

Skills And Abilities

• Familiarity with recreation/membership software.
• Strong computer skills.
• Ability to navigate, collaborate, and work alongside other university departments.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm.
• Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable.
• Prominent track record of developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders.

Work Environment

• Office environment/fitness center environment
• Moderate to loud noise
• Occasional evening or weekend work
• Non-smoking environment

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 60% of the day.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to traverse throughout the facility and campus.
• Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools.
• Must be able to lift, move, and set up items weighing as much as 30 lbs.
• Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with arena patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.

Travel Required

• Local, regional, and national travel as required.