Assistant Director of Adventure Recreation & Sailing Center / Intramural Sports Assistant Director/S

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks an Adventure Recreation Manager to oversee team members and programs at the Adventure Recreation and Sailing Center. Responsibilities include staff management, program development, and ensuring safety standards. Ideal candidates will have relevant education and experience in outdoor recreation, along with strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience managing outdoor recreation programs.
• Certifications such as Wilderness First Responder, Climbing Wall Instructor, AMGA.
• Knowledge of adventure recreation, sailing, climbing, and bouldering.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate part-time team members.
• Manage outdoor gear rental program and develop electronic tracking systems.
• Ensure safety standards at the Climbing Wall and document facility usage.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Team Building

Multi-tasking

Education

Master’s in Business, Parks & Recreation, Sports Management, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Health & Physical Education

Job description

Position Summary

Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate part-time team members, including Adventure Recreation Climbing Wall staff, Customer Service Assistants, Instructors, Route Setters, Maintenance Assistants, Sailing Center Attendants, and other part-time personnel. Monitor staff certifications for compliance; assign and delegate tasks; oversee day-to-day and long-term operations of Adventure Recreation and Sailing Center programs; and develop new program offerings. Lead, conduct, and evaluate programs, making updates based on current research. Conduct quality improvement projects and assess areas for enhancement. Increase campus community participation and explore additional revenue-generating opportunities.

Manage the outdoor gear rental program, including equipment maintenance and research for new purchases. Develop and manage electronic tracking systems for belay endorsements and oversee IT systems related to Adventure Recreation and Sailing Center operations. Lead updates to employee manuals and collaborate with campus units and the community to promote activities. Ensure safety standards at the Climbing Wall and document facility usage. Promote programs and achievements, support departmental initiatives, and handle administrative responsibilities such as fee review, budget oversight, and reporting. Develop departmental objectives, participate in committees, enforce policies, and assist with night and weekend coverage.

All RHS positions are critical; in emergencies or closures, employees are expected to report or work remotely as per agreements. Those with disabilities should contact RCPD for accommodations.

Minimum Requirements

Equivalent to one or two years of post-Bachelor’s education (e.g., Master’s in Business, Parks & Recreation, Sports Management, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Health & Physical Education, or related fields). One to three years of experience managing outdoor recreation programs, such as climbing walls or equipment rentals, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Certifications such as Wilderness First Responder, Climbing Wall Instructor (CWA), AMGA, ACA Solo Instructor, ACCT Level I or II, or US Sailing Instructor. Knowledge of adventure recreation, sailing, climbing, and bouldering. Experience in team building, leadership, experiential education, supervision, and working with diverse student populations. Strong communication skills and ability to multi-task while meeting deadlines. Commitment to diversity and understanding of the needs of various user groups.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or veteran status.

Application Materials

Cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

Work Hours

Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with evenings and weekends as needed based on program requirements.

Bidding closes on May 27, 2025, at 11:55 P.M.