Director, Physical Activity, Sport & Wellness

University of Toronto; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The University of Toronto Scarborough invites applications for a senior role directing athletic, wellness, and recreation programs. Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Wellness, Recreation and Sport, you will lead the Athletics & Recreation team and collaborate with campus partners to advance student well-being and activity.

You will drive equity-focused initiatives, develop strategic community partnerships, and ensure program quality, with hybrid work arrangements and a strong commitment to

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant area; Master’s preferred or equivalent experience.
• Seven years’ experience in progressively senior management positions, including leading others.
• Experience creating, administering and assessing co-curricular programs in sport/recreation.
• Strong understanding of student mental health and impact of physical activity.
• Strategic planning with measurable outcomes; experience in unionized environments preferred.
• Experience building community partnerships to advance organizational goals.
• Knowledge of university physical activity, wellness and recreation programs.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and inclusive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, oversee and deliver athletic, wellness, and recreation programs for UTSC.
• Provide leadership to the Athletics & Recreation team and collaborate with Health & Wellness Centre and UTSCHealthy Campus.
• Build strategic partnerships with external organizations including City of Toronto and Pan Am Centre.
• Foster staff development, engagement and achievement of measurable outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Mentoring staff

Outlook/PowerPoint/Excel/Word

Education

Master's degree preferred

Bachelor's degree required

Tools

Database software

Job description

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Director, Physical Activity, Sport & Wellness

Date Posted: 09/10/2026
Req ID:50133
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Athletics & Recreation
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

About Us

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence ). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Wellness, Recreation and Sport, the incumbent is responsible for the development, oversight and delivery of athletic, wellness, and recreation programs to the University of Toronto Scarborough community and external users. This involves providing leadership to the Athletics & Recreation team, and working closely with the Health & Wellness Centre, and UTSCHealthy Campus, to design and implement initiatives that are aligned with the Athletics & Recreation department goals, campus strategic priorities and the recommendations from the Presidential & Provostial Task Force on Student Mental Health as it relates to sport, recreation and physical activity. The incumbent is expected to provide leadership in an equitable and collaborative way to all staff within the department.

The incumbent is responsible for the provision of a wide range of high quality educational physical activity opportunities that address in a proactive way the physical fitness and wellness needs of the diverse student population and general community. The incumbent provides sound administrative management, instilling best practices, policies, procedures and processes that support the strategic objectives for the department. The incumbent is passionate about sports and recreation; leads and motivates their team to plan and implement innovative programs, and encourage all students to participate in physical activity programs which includes but not limited to: sport, fitness, aquatics, and recreation programs.

The incumbent is responsible for developing strong relationships with physical activity, and recreation leaders across the province and plays a strategic leadership role in developing a network of professionals to ensure collaboration and coordination in policies and practices that impact on broad based physical activity, wellness and recreation at universities, and local community networks. Specifically, this role requires a close relationship with the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre and the City of Toronto and the ability to lead and navigate a complex tri-party partnership. The incumbent will proactively seek and maintain strong relationships with departments at UTSC including but not limited to Facilities Management, Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing (i.e. Student Housing & Residence Life, AccessAbility, International Student Centre, etc.).

The incumbent is responsible for developing strategic community partnerships to further the mission and develop programs and facilities that enhance the educational delivery of physical activity and wellness opportunities. Through these partnerships the incumbent enhances the profile of the department within the University’s community and externally to the broader community.

The incumbent is responsible for staff leadership and management, instituting a culture of engagement and executing based on the departmental vision and strategy. The incumbent is expected to provide and support staff with opportunities for professional development and growth as well as embrace the strengths and experience staff have to offer. Measurable outcomes of success and the identification of opportunities is central to this role.

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION:

• University degree in a relevant area of study including Business, Sports Management, Recreational Therapy, Kinesiology, Health Related field, Leadership or Strategy, (Master’s preferred) or the equivalent in education and experience required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of seven years’ experience in progressively senior management positions, including experience leading others and establishing outcomes in the areas of wellness, sport, health and physical activity.
• Substantial experience in the creation, administration and assessment of leading-edge co-curricular programs; with a focus on sport and recreation, student learning, and inclusive participation.
• Strong understanding of student mental health and the impact of physical activity on mental health.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, defining and assessing outcomes.
• Experience managing staff and leading diverse teams and driving engagement with measurable outcomes is required; experience managing staff in a unionized environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing community partnerships to further support an organization’s strategic goals.
• Extensive knowledge of current student and staff development theory and practice as it pertains to physical activity, sport and wellness in an educational setting; and of innovative approaches to supporting student success.

SKILLS:

• Demonstrated skills in leadership, decision making and managing organizational change.
• Team-oriented and leads with integrity.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral and written communication skills that support consensus building and shared decision-making not only within the job’s own portfolio but also with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven problem solving and negotiation skills and strong ability to manage conflict.
• Proven skills in training and mentoring staff.
• Technical understanding of various database software, proficiency with Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word.

OTHER:

• Proven analytical ability; ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines. Sensitivity and ability to lead on issues and initiatives involving equity and diversity; political astuteness and tact; results oriented; approachable and collaborative management style; ability to maintain professional decorum and make sound judgements under pressure. Ability to deal with a variety of tasks and meet deadlines; ability to frequently adjust priorities; great attention to detail is required. Current knowledge of University physical activity, wellness and recreation programs. Applicants are expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment. Must be able to handle matters of a confidential and sensitive nature. Ability to work with a high degree of independence and initiative.

Notes:

• This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto'sAlternative Work Arrangements Guideline .

Closing Date:09/20/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:PM 5 -- Hiring Zone: $120,499 - $140,583 -- Broadband Salary Range: $120,499 - $200,831
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building aculture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectivelyaddress and serve the interests of our global community. Westrongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples,Black and racialized persons, women, persons withdisabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities.We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment toequity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverseperspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential tostrengthening our academic mission.
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP .

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.
The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.
If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail] .