Associate Director, Recreation

University of Victoria; Victoria; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks an Associate Director of Recreation to manage comprehensive recreational programs for its campus and community. This role emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion while overseeing significant revenue generation. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in recreation management, particularly in higher education, specialized in program development and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in recreation management, especially in higher education.
• Experience managing large budgets and revenue forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage day-to-day operations of recreation programs.
• Align programs with mental and physical health support for the campus community.

Skills

Strong expertise in recreation management

Proven financial acumen

Skilled in staff leadership

Knowledge of HR practices

Strategic planning and analytical skills

Exceptional communication skills

Adaptability to evolving needs

Conflict resolution skills

Passion for equitable opportunities

Education

Degree in Recreation Management or related field

Job description

Overview

The Associate Director, recreation will oversee the strategic planning, development, and management of comprehensive recreational memberships, programs and services for the university campus and community, that are built on equitable, inclusive and accessible frameworks. This role is crucial in development and promotion of integrated wellness components of physical and mental health, social connections, and community engagement among students, faculty and staff and is responsible for $4M+ of membership and recreation program revenue generation to support department operations.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the director, recreation, marketing and engagement, the associate director, recreation will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the department\'s revenue-generating recreation programs and services, including memberships, fitness programs, intramurals, climbing wall, youth programming, and recreation classes. This role will center equity, diversity and inclusion into their practice and will align departmental priorities to support the long-term operational viability and success of the department, with an annual revenue target of at least $4M. Priority focus will be on the holistic alignment of programs and services that support both mental and physical health of the student population, while also catering to the larger community population.

A degree in Recreation Management, Sports Administration, Physical Education, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience and/or at least [5] years of relevant experience in recreation management, with a preference for experience in higher education or community-focused environments. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Or Experiences

• Strong expertise in recreation management, program development, and membership-based service models.
• Proven financial acumen with experience managing large budgets, revenue forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Skilled in staff leadership, coaching, and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Knowledge of HR practices, risk management, and safety standards in recreation settings.
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with diverse campus and community stakeholders.
• Strategic planning and analytical skills to assess trends, optimize operations, and drive program growth.
• Exceptional communication, influence, and advocacy skills to engage stakeholders and champion wellness initiatives.
• Adaptability to evolving student needs and emerging technologies in recreation and wellness services.
• Demonstrate strong decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure or crisis situations.
• Conflict resolution skills in navigating difficult situations and emergencies.
• A genuine passion and commitment for creating accessible and equitable wellness and recreation opportunities for diverse populations, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice within the recreation setting, ensuring that all participants have access to quality programs, services, and resources.
• A critical thinking mindset to analyze, assess or resolve the ever-changing landscape within recreation programs, spaces and services.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in inclusive campus recreation, wellness programming, and health promotion, with a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the campus community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification from a relevant professional organization (e.g., NIRSA, CPRP).
• Experience with grant writing and fundraising.
• Experience with recreation management software products.