Associate Director - Programs and Engagement

CENTERS, LLC; Jacksonville (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

CENTERS, LLC is seeking an Associate Director - Programs and Engagement to oversee recreation programming at Jacksonville State University. This role involves strategic management of various program areas, staff supervision, and collaboration with stakeholders to promote student engagement and satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and over 5 years of experience in recreation programs, alongside strong leadership and interpersonal skills. The position requires on-site presence and presents an opportunity to contribute significantly to student life.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive professional experience in recreation programs.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervision and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of all program areas.
• Lead marketing efforts, ensuring effective communication.
• Prepare reports on program outcomes and satisfaction.

Skills

Recreation/membership software

Strong computer skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Entrepreneurial spirit

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Overview

CENTERS, LLC is a professional management firm specializing in facility, operation, and program management for higher education. CENTERS' management approach is customized for each client yet retains our uniform quality. Our firm unites site staff with a centralized administrative team, each contributing to the firm's goals and client needs. The CENTERS team is innovative, entrepreneurial, trail‑blazing, and ambitious for both CENTERS and our clients.

Commitment to the well‑being, security, and future of our employees is a priority.

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Associate Director - Programs and Engagement is a member of the department’s senior leadership team and actively engages in department management, leadership, and visioning. The position is responsible for delivering programmatic outcomes to the client related to student life activation, student learning, and revenue generation through an effective recreation programming plan. This role also plays a key part in staff development, providing mentorship and direction to professional and student staff. At Jacksonville State University, the Associate Director leads marketing and assessment efforts across all program areas, ensuring data‑informed decision‑making and continuous improvement.

This position will work on‑site at our Jacksonville State University Client location. Located in the Appalachian foothills almost midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State has grown from very humble beginnings as a state teachers college in 1883 into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs.

Essential Functions

• Provide strategic oversight of all program areas, including fitness, intramural sports, club sports, aquatics, adventure recreation, youth programs, and special events.
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive program strategy focused on participation growth, engagement, and program quality.
• Ensure program success, manage risk, ensure staff training/certification standards, and lead policy and procedure development.
• Assist in the development, forecast, and management of annual budget. Set financial targets for the areas of responsibility.
• Foster and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders. Immerse themselves and the operation into the client community.
• Contribute to the annual operating business plan to deliver client objectives and CENTERS standards. Develop an annual comprehensive program plan that includes programs, finances, and participation targets.
• Prepares and delivers required and requested reports and data to the client and CENTERS central office.
• Direct assessment initiatives, including data collection, analysis, and reporting on participation, satisfaction, and program outcomes.
• Utilize data and trends to inform decisions, improve programs, and communicate impact to campus stakeholders.
• Adjudicate participant violations of program policies.
• Assist with departmental operations and special projects as needed.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise and support program area professional staff, ensuring alignment, accountability, and consistent execution across all areas.
• Select, train, manage, develop, and evaluate staff.
• Plan department staffing levels in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Act as a backup in the management of department‑wide bi‑weekly payroll.

Site‑Specific Responsibilities

• Oversee marketing efforts on behalf of the department, including campaign planning, messaging, and coordination with internal marketing resources.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive professional experience working in recreation programs.
• Knowledge of standard practices in recreational sports.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and/or evaluation.
• Minimum of 3 years supervision and leadership experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with recreation/membership software. Strong computer skills.
• Ability to navigate, collaborate, and work alongside other university departments.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm.
• Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work Environment

• Office environment/fitness center environment
• Moderate to loud noise
• Occasional evening or weekend work
• Non‑smoking environment

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 60% of the day.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to traverse throughout the facility and campus. Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools.
• Must be able to lift, move, and set up items weighing as much as 30 lbs.
• Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with arena patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.

Travel Required

• Local, regional, and national travel as required.