Manager, Recreation

Northern Arizona University; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Arizona University’s Campus Recreation Department seeks a Manager of Recreation to oversee the daily operations of the University Recreation Center, supervise professional and student staff, and lead member services, facility operations, and program delivery. This on-site role reports to the Assistant Director of Recreation.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree, 1 year of supervisory experience, and 2 years in related work, plus CPR/First Aid certifications within 60 days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1 year of management or supervisory experience.
• 2 years of relevant experience required.
• CPR, AED and First Aid or obtain within first 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the University Recreation Center.
• Supervise ~50 student employees and coordinator of Fitness and Wellness.
• Manage member services, access control, and facility programs.
• Support budgeting, risk management, and safety measures.
• Lead staff development, training, and performance feedback.

Skills

Staff management

Operations oversight

Customer service

Budgeting

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Campus recreation software

POS systems

Inventory management

Job description

Manager, Recreation

Northern Arizona University

Special Information

This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.

About the Department/College

The Campus Recreation Department at Northern Arizona University provides inclusive, student-focused programs and services that promote health, wellness, and community. With a wide range of offerings including fitness, intramural sports, outdoor adventures, and sport clubs, the department supports student success through active engagement and personal development.

About the Position

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Recreation, the Manager of Recreation provides leadership and oversight for the daily operations of the University Recreation Center. This position is responsible for the supervision and development of professional and student staff, including direct supervision of the Coordinator of Fitness and Wellness and leadership of approximately 50 student employees. The Manager supports high-quality recreation services through the implementation of industry's best practices, delivery of inclusive and engaging informal recreation opportunities, and effective management of member services, staffing, and facility operations.

Responsibilities Include

30% - Facility Operations

• Coordinate the daily operations of the University Recreation Center under the direction of the Assistant Director of Recreation, including facility services, informal recreation spaces, fitness areas, and equipment.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment through oversight of facility appearance, custodial coordination, equipment readiness, inspections, maintenance documentation, and risk management practices across all program areas, including locker rooms and fitness spaces.
• Collaborate with the Coordinator of Fitness and Wellness to support the delivery of group fitness classes and wellness programs within the Recreation Center, ensuring appropriate space use, operational support, and member access.
• Assist with ordering, inventory management, inspection, and maintenance records for fitness and facility equipment to support safety, lifecycle planning, and asset accountability.
• Serve as a member of the department's risk management team, supporting emergency response planning, incident review, and proactive risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist with the creation, monitoring, and management of the Recreation Center operating budget, including tracking expenditures and identifying operational efficiencies.

30% - Member Services

• Oversee member services and access control operations, including administration of facility management software supporting point-of-sale transactions, memberships, guest access, equipment rentals, locker rentals, and online services.
• Manage locker systems, including assignments, utilization tracking, and cleanout processes, to ensure efficient use and positive member experiences.
• Cultivate an inclusive, respectful, and engaging recreation environment for members and guests; address patron concerns, behavior, incidents, and conduct issues in accordance with departmental and university policies.
• Support the development and implementation of marketing and promotional strategies to increase awareness, participation, and utilization of Campus Recreation programs, services, and fitness class offerings.
• Prepare and contribute to participation, utilization, and assess ent reports to support data-informed decision-making and continuous service improvement.

30% - Staff Management

• Supervise the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator by offering ongoing guidance, performance feedback, and support for professional development.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate approximately 50 student employees, including facility leads, supervisors, front desk attendants, weight room attendants, and rovers.
• Provide leadership and development opportunities for student employees, emphasizing customer service excellence, operational competency, teamwork, and career readiness.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of training methods and resources, including employee manuals, onboarding materials, and in-service training programs.
• Support staffing plans and operational coverage to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery during all Recreation Center hours of operation.

10% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• 1 years of management or supervisory experience.
• 2 years of relevant experience.
• CPR, AED and First Aid or obtain within first 60 days of employment.