Assistant Director of Athletics, Recreation

Brown University; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Athletics and Recreation seeks an Assistant Director of Athletics, Recreation to lead the Davol Square Recreation Center’s operations, staff, and programming. You will drive safe, efficient facility management, recruit and coach staff, and advance wellness offerings for the Brown community.

The role emphasizes data‑informed decisions, adherence to NCAA/Ivy League standards, and collaboration with campus partners to promote health, inclusivity, and engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with relevant experience.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in athletics or campus recreation.
• Experience supervising staff and managing daily facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the recreation center ensuring safety and service standards.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff at the facility.
• Develop fitness, wellness, and recreational programs for the university community.
• Assist with budgeting, expenditures, and revenue management.

Skills

Staff leadership

Operations management

Customer service

Data-informed decisions

Budget monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Fusion

WhenToWork

DSE

Job description

Job Description: Brown University Athletics and Recreation is seeking an Assistant Director of Athletics, Recreation to provide leadership and operational oversight for its new Davol Square Recreation Center. The Assistant Director will be responsible for the overall management of the facility, including daily operations, staff supervision, recreation and wellness programming, member services, and facility safety. This position will play a key role in establishing operational procedures, developing a high‑performing team, and ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging recreation experience for the Brown University community. Working collaboratively with Athletics and Recreation leadership, the Assistant Director will utilize data‑informed decision‑making, industry best practices, and continuous improvement strategies to support the successful operation and long‑term growth of the new facility. Please note: This position has an anticipated start date of January 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Operations and Management

Oversee daily operations of the Davol Square Recreation Center, ensuring efficient, safe, and effective facility management. Develop, implement, and maintain operational policies, procedures, and service standards. Coordinate facility schedules, space utilization, equipment maintenance, and operational needs. Ensure compliance with university policies, safety protocols, and applicable regulations. Collaborate with campus partners to address facility maintenance, security, and operational concerns.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate full-time, part-time, and student employees assigned to the facility. Establish staff schedules, performance expectations, and accountability measures to ensure appropriate operational coverage. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that emphasizes professional development, customer service, and employee engagement. Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to support staff performance and operational excellence.

Recreation Programs and Member Services

Oversee the delivery of fitness, wellness, and recreational services that meet the evolving needs of the university community. Support membership operations, including customer service, access management, and member engagement. Assess program participation, facility utilization, and member feedback to identify opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with recreation leadership to develop and implement programming that promotes health, wellness, and community engagement.

Administrative and Strategic Responsibilities

Assist with budget planning, expenditure monitoring, and revenue management for facility operations. Utilize recreation management systems and operational data to evaluate performance and inform decisions. Develop reports and recommendations related to staffing, facility utilization, program effectiveness, and operational improvements. Contribute to departmental planning and initiatives that advance the mission of Brown University Athletics and Recreation.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in athletics, campus recreation, fitness, wellness, or related facility operations. Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing daily operations in a recreation or similar environment. Experience coordinating recreational programs, facility operations, and customer service functions.

Job Competencies

Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams while maintaining clear performance expectations and accountability. Strong organizational and operational management skills, including the ability to balance daily demands with longer‑term priorities. Ability to design, implement, and assess recreational programs and services using data and industry best practices. Experience supporting budget development, tracking expenditures, and managing revenue‑generating activities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency with recreation and facility management systems such as Fusion, WhenToWork, DSE, or comparable platforms, and standard office software. Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to operational challenges and changing priorities. Commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and service‑oriented environment for the university community.

Additional Information

This position will be based at Brown University's new Davol Square Recreation Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The role may require occasional evening and weekend hours to support facility operations, programming and special events. Anticipated Start Date: January 2027. All division employees are required to demonstrate exemplary ethical conduct and conformance to NCAA rules and regulations; the duties of the position are to be performed in compliance with all NCAA, Ivy League rules and regulations; and any rules violations on behalf of themselves or any knowledge of violations within the division are to be reported to the compliance office and appropriate parties. Employees in coaching positions must receive annual rules education on NCAA legislation related to recruiting by the compliance office and maintain current AED/CPR and First Aid certification (certification is available at no cost through the Division). Background Check – Criminal, Education, MVR All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Benefits of Working at Brown

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date

2026-10-19

Job Posting Title

Assistant Director of Athletics, Recreation

Department and Grade

Department: Athletics and Recreation

Grade: Grade 10

Employment Details

Worker Type: Employee

Worker Sub-Type: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Position Work Location: Onsite

Submission Guidelines

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on‑site, hybrid, or remote. Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

E-Verify Employer

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

Welcome!

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Salary Information

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