Recreation Programs Specialist

This is a 75% full-time equivalency (FTE) position working 30 hours per week and is eligible for benefits associated with any full-time position. The salary grade and range listed in the posting is reflective of a 100% full-time position; full-time equivalency job offers may fall outside of the listed range due to the assigned percentage of effort.

About the Role

The Recreation Programs Specialist develops, coordinates, administers, and evaluates comprehensive recreation programs and services that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and community building. This role provides leadership and oversight for assigned recreation program areas such as intramural sports, sport clubs, fitness and wellness, outdoor recreation, aquatics, informal recreation, special events, facilities, or related recreational services.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, administer, and evaluate recreation programs, services, activities, and special events that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and recreational participation.
• Assess participant needs, industry trends, and program effectiveness; identify opportunities for program enhancements, growth, and new initiatives.
• Coordinate program operations including scheduling, participant registration, facility reservations, equipment allocation, staffing, and event logistics.
• Establish program goals, performance measures, and assessment strategies; collect and analyze participation and operational data and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of policies, procedures, and standard operating practices to ensure effective program delivery and compliance with University, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Monitor program activities and facilities to ensure participant safety, risk mitigation, accessibility, and a positive user experience; coordinate incident response, documentation, and corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate in the oversight of inventory, maintenance, and utilization of recreation equipment, supplies, and program resources.
• Schedule student employees, instructors, officials, volunteers, and other assigned personnel.
• Facilitate training and development programs related to leadership, customer service, risk management, program delivery, and operational effectiveness.
• Administer and monitor program budgets; track expenditures and revenues, analyze financial performance, and recommend adjustments to support operational and strategic objectives.
• Coordinate purchasing activities, vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with other recreation staff and campus partners to support recreational programming, student success initiatives, facility operations, and special projects.
• Serve as a liaison with University departments, student organizations, community partners, vendors, and professional organizations to advance program goals and foster engagement.
• Coordinate marketing, promotional, and outreach efforts to increase awareness, participation, and engagement in recreation programs and services.
• Provide specialized instruction, coaching, facilitation, or fitness programming within assigned areas of expertise and ensure activities are delivered in accordance with established standards and best practices.
• May supervise professional staff, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, coaching, and professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• A generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.