Executive Director- Campus Recreation

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 106,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health coverage

Teacher Retirement System

Power Up Wellness program

Professional development opportunities

Staff scholarships

Job summary

University of Houston's Campus Recreation invites applications for the Executive Director to lead strategic planning, program development, and staff oversight. You will guide campus recreation services to support student well-being and engagement.

The role requires senior leadership experience, a master’s degree or equivalent, and a proven track record in managing budgets, facilities, and capital projects within a large university setting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Minimum seven years of directly job-related experience.
• Security sensitive position; criminal history check required.

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement short- and long-range goals, policies, and procedures for Campus Recreation and evaluate effectiveness.
• Supervise professional staff, graduate and undergraduate employees, and foster ongoing staff development.
• Direct and steward human, financial, and physical resources, including budget development and resource allocation.
• Provide strategic leadership for recreation, fitness, and wellness programs to promote engagement and well-being.
• Lead departmental planning, assessment, and reporting aligned with university goals.
• Oversee facilities maintenance, renovations, and capital improvement projects in collaboration with partners.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budget management

Strategic leadership

Facilities oversight

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Department: Campus Recreation Salary: $106,100 - $128,000

Description

University of Houston is a Division I university with over 48,000 undergraduate and post graduate students enrolled and is one of the most diverse student populations in the nation. UH has strong athletic programs and is in the Big 12 Athletic Conference. The Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Natatorium is home to the six-time champion varsity swimming and diving team. UH is committed to supporting all students, faculty and staff and is a Jed Campus.

Benefits include employer paid health coverage, retirements through the Teacher Retirement System, Power Up Wellness program, professional development opportunities, and staff scholarships available for eligible employees.

Contributing to an institutional culture of care, the Department of Campus Recreation is one of six departments that comprise the Health and well‑being portfolio within the Division of Student Affairs. UH is committed to supporting all students, faculty, and staff. Campus Recreation plays an integral role in the well‑being of the UH community.

The Executive Director, Campus Recreation manages and oversees various comprehensive functional areas within Campus Recreation, while supporting the development of student programs, supports student life and provides strategic oversight of operations for all recreational facilities.

• Establishes and implements short and long-range organizational goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures for Campus Recreation, monitors and evaluates operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.
• Develops and leads an efficient department by supervising administrative, graduate, and undergraduate student staff, manages the budget, and establishes a wide variety of high quality comprehensive recreational sports, fitness, and wellness programs that are dedicated to providing opportunities for recreation and wellness that develops a healthy and engaged community.
• In collaboration with the Associate and Assistant Directors, ensures implementation of campus recreation by supervising a year-round program for the campus community.
• Oversees current and future Campus Recreation facilities by supervising staff, providing accountable financial management, ensuring necessary renovations, maintenance, and capital improvement projects are completed, and planning for continued growth, as needed.
• Promotes awareness of Campus Recreation policies and information for the campus community.
• Assists with the development of a full and positive campus life by cooperating with other departments within Student Affairs including, but not limited to, the Wellness Center, Residence Life, Student Center, etc.
• Remains competent and current though self‑directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional conferences, development courses and training.
• Contributes to an effective unit by completing special projects and performing other duties.

Additional Job Posting Information

Job Duties

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Establish and implement short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures for Campus Recreation. Monitor and evaluate departmental effectiveness and implement improvements as needed.
• Lead and develop a high-performing department by supervising professional staff, graduate, and undergraduate student employees. Foster staff growth through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Direct and steward the department’s human, financial, and physical resources to ensure quality services, operational efficiency, positive outcomes, and alignment with divisional and institutional priorities. Oversee budget development, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Provide strategic leadership for comprehensive recreation, fitness, and wellness programs that promote engagement, well-being, and a healthy campus community.
• Lead departmental strategic planning, assessment, evaluation, and reporting efforts in support of divisional and university goals.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, safety, and long-term development of Campus Recreation facilities, collaborating with Facilities Services, Facilities Planning and Construction, and external contractors on maintenance and capital improvement projects.
• Maintain professional expertise through continued education, professional reading, participation in conferences and training programs, and engagement with colleagues and professional organizations.
• Serve as the primary representative of Campus Recreation to internal and external stakeholders, fostering collaborative partnerships that enhance student engagement and contribute to a vibrant campus experience.
• Serve on the Health and well‑being Leadership Team and Student Affairs Senior Leadership Team, contributing to initiatives that advance student success, health, and well‑being.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MQ: Education

Requires application of advanced principles, techniques and theory in a professional discipline or a thorough general business management knowledge. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through a directly job-related Master's degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

Experience

Requires a minimum of seven (7) years of directly job-related experience.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.