Director, Physical Activity, Sport & Wellness

Socket.dev; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

University of Toronto Scarborough is seeking a senior leader to develop and oversee athletic, wellness and recreation programs for students and the wider community. The role leads the Athletics & Recreation team and partners with the Health & Wellness Centre and UTSCHealthy Campus to align programs with campus priorities.

The incumbent will drive equitable practices, strategic partnerships and staff development, shaping a network across the campus and external partners to advance student

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years in progressively senior management positions in wellness, sport and physical activity.
• Experience creating, administering and assessing co-curricular programs focused on sport and recreation, student learning and inclusion.
• Strong understanding of student mental health and impact of physical activity on mental health.
• Experience managing staff in a unionized environment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop community partnerships to support strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, oversee and deliver athletic, wellness and recreation programs for UTSC community and external users.
• Provide leadership to the Athletics & Recreation team and collaborate with Health & Wellness Centre and UTSCHealthy Campus.
• Foster equitable, collaborative leadership and set staff development opportunities.
• Build strategic partnerships with external organizations to enhance program delivery and campus wellness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Change management

Conflict resolution

Team development

Education

University degree

Tools

Outlook

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Databases

Job 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.

Your Opportunity

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's Alternative 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