Director of Programs for University Recreation & Wellness

About the role

The Director of Programs for University Recreation & Wellness leads the planning, delivery, and evaluation of campus-wide recreation and wellness initiatives. Reporting to senior university leadership, this role ensures that programs support student health, engagement, and overall campus vitality.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive portfolio of recreation, fitness, and wellness programs for students, staff, and faculty.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team of staff and student employees, providing coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Create and administer annual budgets, monitor expenditures, and secure resources through internal and external partnerships.
• Collaborate with academic units, student affairs, and community partners to integrate wellness initiatives into the broader campus experience.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, safety standards, and relevant regulations.
• Collect and analyze program data to assess impact, inform continuous improvement, and report outcomes to stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in recreation management, health promotion, public health, or a related field.
• Significant leadership experience in university or large‑scale recreation and wellness programming.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, staff, and complex projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a focus on collaborative partnership building.

Required skills

What we offer

• Comprehensive health, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Tuition waivers for employees and eligible family members.
• 12 paid holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a supportive work‑life balance.
• Retirement plans with university contributions ranging from 5 % to 10 % of salary.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a nationally recognized research university.