Director, Recreation and Athletics (2175)

Concordia University; Chiché; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious educational institution located in France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is seeking a Director for Recreation and Athletics. This role involves overseeing sports programs, leading strategic development, and managing the department's budget. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least ten years of experience, including leadership roles. Strong communication skills in both English and French are required. The role offers a five-year renewable contract along with comprehensive benefits.

Prestations

Comprehensive benefits

Defined pension plan

Access to wellness facilities

Qualifications

• At least ten years of related experience managing a competitive sport program.
• Experience working with students in a post-secondary environment.
• Proficient in English (Level 5) and good knowledge of French (Level 4).

Responsabilités

• Develop strategic and operational plans for the department.
• Prepare and oversee the annual Recreation and Athletics budget.
• Collaborate with student services to promote a safe environment.

Connaissances

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Budget management

Human resource management

Problem-solving skills

Formation

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or related field

Master’s Degree is an asset

Outils

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Description du poste

Position Number:50001189

Department:Administration, Recreation and Athletics

Campus:Loyola (NDG)

Union/Association/HR Policy: HR POLICIES

Posting deadline: January 15, 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a cover letter expressing their interest and how their profile aligns with the role.

Recognized as one of Montreal’s top Employers, Concordia University is the place to be if you are looking to grow, contribute and innovate in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Be part of a community that addresses society’s big challenges, supports your personal and professional growth, and makes a real impact in building a more sustainable world.

As a member of our community, you will have access to comprehensive benefits, a defined pension plan and numerous on site well-being facilities such as a state of the art gym and health clinic as well as a variety of educational and cultural opportunities.

Concordia’s Recreation and Athletics (R&A) department is looking for its next visionary leader beginning in the spring 2026!

Recreation at Concordia is about more than fitness, it’s about community, wellness, inclusion, and fun, creating spaces where everyone can participate and thrive on both campuses.

Our legendary Athletics department includes a wide range of intramural and recreational clubs, and of course, the renowned Stingers – a source of pride and spirit for the entire University.

From fields to Dome to arena and gymnasiums, its commitment to excellence shines not only in competitive records, but also in academic achievement, coaching excellence, and its passion for the overall student experience!

As one of our key ambassadors, you will work closely with its coaches, staff, students, and internal and external community partners to enhance its visibility and reputation. You will help to drive and strengthen Recreation and Athletic programs, sports offerings and facilities while supporting the recruitment of talented student-athletes.

NOTE: This posting represents a five year renewable contract.

SCOPE

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Campus Services and Sustainability, the Director ensures the sustainability and visibility of Concordia’s varsity sports teams and its recreational programs. The Director leads the strategic development of the department, directs the day-to-day operations, as well as the planning, growth and development of the facilities, oversees the review and assessment of programs and services in order to optimize their performance and responsiveness to the needs of the University community. As well, the Director collaborates closely with the Student Services directorate to promote the success and development of students in a safe and inclusive environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement and assess strategic and operational plans for the department.
• Establish operating guidelines and procedures to promote effective administration and use of financial and other resources for all services and programs of the departments.
• Prepare and oversee the annual Recreation and Athletics budget, monitor variances, and manage expenses.
• Develop various revenue-generating programs along with coaches and internal and external partners to finance various initiatives related to students and sport.
• Represent and advocate for the University and its relationship with Canadian Intercollegiate Sports Association (U Sports), Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) and other conference policies relative to coaches, athletes and staff.
• Collaborate with student services to promote student experience and ensure a safe and inclusive environment.
• Review the equipment, facility and infrastructure development needs of the department and liaise with appropriate internal departments to advance the realization of the recreation and athletic requirements.
• Evaluate all aspects of the departmental staff, programs, revenue generation, alumni relations and facility development and renovation.
• In collaboration with the Concordia Advancement & Alumni Relations office, significantly contribute to the relationship building and fund-raising efforts of the department which includes student support and facilities development.
• Participate in internal and external governance bodies related to the mandate of the department.
• Develop and enhance campus recreational options for students and staff.
• Participate in the infrastructure upgrade projects of the Loyola Sports Complex (Arena renovation, field turfs upgrade, stands and additional buildings and projects).
• In consultation with the Associate Vice President, pursue and implement business development opportunities core to the mandate of the unit.
• In collaboration with University Communication Services, develop marketing and public relation strategies to optimize the exposure of the department internally and externally to opening of new markets and partnerships.
• Increase collaboration with the academic sector to promote and support student success.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or Physical Education or Recreation management or Leisure Studies or Kinesiology or in a field pertinent to the primary responsibilities and at least ten years of related work experience managing an elite or competitive sport program, preferably in an educational environment, including working with high performance coaches, administering budgets, managing schedules and sport events, logistics, program planning and review, and committee work, with at least seven years in a leadership/management role.
• Experience working with students in a post-secondary environment.
• A demonstrated history of highly effective human resource management skills, including but not limited to: proactive performance management; building a strong collaborative team; mediating conflict; change management skills; navigating complex and sensitive issues ensuring adherence to policy and finding resolution.
• Very good knowledge (Level 5) of spoken and written English to communicate effectively and to draft correspondence, documentation and reports and good knowledge (Level 4) of spoken and written French to communicate with internal and external contacts and to read documents and reports.
• Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proven leadership skills, management and team-building skills with strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to establish and respond to priorities.
• Proficient knowledge and understanding of the governance, policies and procedures of the provincial (RSEQ) and national bodies (USports and others) as well as a complete understanding of compliance procedures.
• Superior planning, negotiation, decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Dedication to providing exceptional customer service.
• Effective administrator with good budget management skills and experience.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure in a team environment.
• Ability to work outside normal operating hours.
• Master’s Degree in a related discipline is an asset.

Due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted by our Talent Team.

Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic and administrative functions of the university, proficiency in English and French, as indicated, is required.

IMPORTANT: The language and computer skills of short-listed candidates will be tested.

Territorial Acknowledgement

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

Employment Equity

Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a diversity survey. This information is voluntary and any information collected for this purpose is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources employees. Results will be aggregated and used to help Concordia achieve its goal to see all members of our community not only reflected, but welcomed, included and supported in their efforts to contribute to all areas of university life.

Accessibility

Concordia desires to increase diversity among its community members and we strive to make our recruitment processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants. If you are contacted for an interview and anticipate needing accommodations during the process, please contact, in confidence, [e-mail]

Immigration Status

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens.