Associate Director for Recreation

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington’s UW Recreation is seeking an Associate Director for Recreation to provide executive oversight, strategic direction, and supervision of professional staff managing Fitness, Intramurals, Mindfulness, Rec Clubs, Waterfront Activities and more.

The role serves on the Executive Team, helps develop long-range plans, and participates in campus‑wide initiatives. Telework 1x/week on the Seattle campus.

Qualifications

• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification required (may be trained after employment).
• Possess interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and colleagues.
• Successful management and supervision of a team of full-time recreation staff.
• Demonstrated ability in leading people and projects.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise three professional staff, who in turn manage large-scale student and temporary staff.
• Provide functional leadership to all areas of supervision.
• Assist in performance management, and offer counsel and strategic advising to managers regarding creating policies and procedures, developing new programming, etc.
• Provide guidance to managers and maintain general oversight in their budget planning and administration.
• In conjunction with the Administrator, approve and allocate annual budget requests that total approximately $1 million.
• Participate in department-wide strategic planning efforts as part of the Executive Team.
• Provide direction and counsel to the managers in their planning efforts.
• Implement recreation programs that are inclusive and accessible.
• Serve alongside Recreation colleagues on the Inclusion Work Team.
• Provides leadership and oversight for recreation assessment initiatives, including the development, implementation, and analysis of evaluation tools to measure program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, and operational outcomes.
• Ensures data-informed decision-making to enhance services, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Represent Recreation on Student Life and Campus-wide committees.
• Be an active member of the campus community, supporting students and colleagues.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Project management

Supervising staff

Education

Master’s Degree

Job description

Job Description

UW Recreation has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Director for Recreation to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, the Associate Director for Recreation is responsible for providing executive oversight, direction, and supervision of professional staff members (currently three) who manage an extensive portfolio of activities including Fitness, Personal Training, Intramurals, Mindfulness, Rec Clubs, Waterfront Activities, and ASU Shell House. In addition, this role oversees Recreation’s assessment efforts.

The Associate Director for Recreation serves on the department’s Executive Team, interacts with department staff on all initiatives related to the programming needs for Recreation, and assists in the development of long-range plans for the department.

This role will serve on the main UW Seattle campus and is eligible for telework 1x/week.

Key Responsibilities

Personnel: 50%

• Directly supervise three professional staff, who in turn manage large-scale student and temporary staff.
• Provide functional leadership to all areas of supervision.
• Assist in performance management, and offer counsel and strategic advising to managers regarding creating policies and procedures, developing new programming, etc.

Budgeting: 20%

• Provide guidance to managers and maintain general oversight in their budget planning and administration.
• In conjunction with the Administrator, approve and allocate annual budget requests that total approximately $1 million.

Strategic Planning: 10%

• Participate in department-wide strategic planning efforts as part of the Executive Team.
• Provide direction and counsel to the managers in their planning efforts.
• Implement recreation programs that are inclusive and accessible.
• Serve alongside Recreation colleagues on the Inclusion Work Team.

Assessment: 10%

• Provides leadership and oversight for recreation assessment initiatives, including the development, implementation, and analysis of evaluation tools to measure program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, and operational outcomes.
• Ensures data-informed decision-making to enhance services, resource allocation, and strategic planning.

Campus-Wide Initiatives: 10%

• Represent Recreation on Student Life and Campus-wide committees.
• Be an active member of the campus community, supporting students and colleagues.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Master’s Degree

• 2-3 years’ experience as a professional in Recreation or related field.

Additional Qualifications:

• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification required (may be trained after employment).
• Possess interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and colleagues.
• Successful management and supervision of a team of full-time recreation staff.
• Demonstrated ability in leading people and projects.

About the Team

At UW Recreation, we believe Recreation is essential to the student experience. Our team is dedicated to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces and programs that foster wellbeing, connection, leadership, and lifelong healthy habits. From fitness, aquatics, outdoor recreation, and sport programs to facility operations and special events, we work collaboratively to provide exceptional experiences for the University of Washington community. We value innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement, and we are committed to supporting the growth and success of our staff while making a meaningful impact on students every day.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $90,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum: $96,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift: First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?: This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.