Sports Facility Operations Manager

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Facility Operations Coordinator for Campus Recreation, based in Wichita, KS. Lead daily operations of the Heskett Center and related facilities, with responsibility for rentals, programming, and wellness services.

This on-site role requires strong leadership, safety oversight, and customer-focused service. Responsibilities include managing 7,000+ annual rental requests, coordinating F45 programming and massage services, and ensuring compliance

Qualifications

• 60 hours of college coursework in sports management, recreation administration, or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in recreation facility program coordination or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations for multiple recreation facilities and schedules.
• Oversee rentals, events, and program administration.
• Manage facilities maintenance, safety, and risk management.
• Coordinate with external vendors and campus partners on repairs and upgrades.
• Support budget planning and revenue reconciliation.

Skills

Leadership

Facility operations

Budget management

Customer service

Event coordination

Education

60 hours college coursework in recreation management

3 years recreation facility coordination experience

Job description

Department: Campus Recreation

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range is $50,000 - $60,000 and is commensurate withexperience

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours required based on facility operations, special events, and departmental needs. Work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Facility Operations Coordinator provides comprehensive leadership and oversight for all Campus Recreation facilities, including the 166,000 sq. ft. Heskett Center, three Metroplex Playfields, and all on-campus pickleball and tennis facilities. This position ensures safe, efficient, and customer-focused daily operations while managing key departmental functions such as facility rentals, F45 programming, accounts receivable, and wellness services. The role supports a high-quality recreation environment through operational excellence and alignment with university policies.

Job Summary

Develops and coordinates varsity sports and/or student competitive sports clubs and programs and one (1) or more functional programs. Mentors and assists with the operation and administration of campus recreation services and events. Manages the day-to-day maintenance and operations of one (1) or more assigned facilities. Assists leaders in coordinating athletic facility maintenance, grounds, in-house construction and custodial services, ensuring compliance with applicable policy and state regulations.

Essential Functions

• Maintains and oversees programs, events and activity schedules, and participant disciplinary situations. Assists patrons, University staff, and community with program specific and/or general inquiries.
• Provides skills training and directs program volunteers and staff to ensure compliance with program policies, procedures, and code of ethics. May provide program specific academic instruction as needed.
• Assists in the development and implementation of recreation policies and procedures.
• Assists leaders with facilities management including major construction, mechanical and building maintenance services.
• Manages daily athletic facility operations including event set-up and tear-down.
• Ensures adherence to maintenance schedules for assigned athletic facilities and playing fields. Compiles status reports for management.
• Recommends, monitors and administers program budget(s) and expenditure reimbursements in accordance with approved plans and procedures.

Job Duties

Facility Operations & Oversight

• Lead daily operations for the Heskett Center, Metroplex Playfields, and campus pickleball/tennis facilities.
• Ensure facility safety, cleanliness, risk management compliance, and operational readiness.
• Oversee building access, equipment functionality, and preventative maintenance coordination.
• Collaborate with Facilities Services and external vendors on repairs, upgrades, and long-term capital planning.

Facility Rentals & Scheduling

• Manage 7,000+ annual internal and external rental requests for recreation spaces.
• Coordinate rental agreements, pricing, and usage policies in alignment with university guidelines.
• Schedule events, programs, and rentals using facility management software.
• Serve as the primary contact for rental clients and ensure proper event setup.

F45 Fitness Programming

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and execution of all F45 classes.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise 15 F45 instructors, ensuring certifications remain current.
• Monitor attendance trends, collect participant feedback, and adjust programming to meet student needs.
• Partner with marketing staff to promote classes and wellness initiatives.

Massage Therapy Program

• Manage all aspects of the campus massage therapy program, including scheduling, staffing, and service delivery.
• Ensure therapists maintain proper credentials and adhere to professional standards.
• Oversee client intake, payment processing and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with health and wellness regulations.

Accounts Receivable & Financial Administration

• Process payments for memberships, rentals, massage services, and program registrations.
• Track departmental revenue and reconcile monthly financial reports.
• Support budget planning and forecasting for assigned program areas.
• Ensure compliance with university financial policies and procedures.

Required Education and Experience

• 60 hours of college coursework in sports management, recreation administration, or physical education or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in recreation facility program coordination or related field. An additional 60 hours of college coursework can be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - Professional Rescuer (CPR-PR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Standard First Aid, and Instructor certification by American Red Cross within 60 days of hire date
• Blood borne Pathogens: Preventing Disease Transmission (PDT) training within 120 days of hire date

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Facility Operations & Risk Management

• Ability to lead daily operations across multiple recreation facilities, including fitness centers, playfields, and racquet sport areas
• Strong understanding of safety standards, risk management practices, and operational readiness requirements
• Skill in coordinating preventative maintenance and ensuring equipment functionality.

Customer Service & Client Relations

• Ability to provide customer focused service in a high traffic recreation environment.
• Strong communication skills to serve as the primary contact for rental clients and program participants.

Event & Facility Scheduling

• Proficiency in scheduling events, programs, and rentals using facility management software.
• Ability to manage high volume facility rental requests (7,000+ annually) and coordinate pricing, agreements, and usage policies.

Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Ability to recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff, including F45 instructors and massage therapists.
• Skill in monitoring staff credentials, performance, and compliance with professional standards.

Program Management

• Ability to oversee fitness programming, including planning, scheduling, and evaluating F45 classes.
• Skill in managing wellness services such as massage therapy, including scheduling and staffing.

Financial & Administrative Skills

• Ability to process payments, track revenue, and reconcile monthly financial reports.
• Skill in supporting budget planning and ensuring compliance with university financial policies and procedures.

Collaboration & Partnership Building

• Ability to work effectively with Facilities Services, external vendors, and campus partners on repairs, upgrades, and long term planning.
• Skill in partnering with marketing staff to promote programs and initiatives.

Technical & Software Skills

• Ability to adopt and utilize technology to support operations and program delivery.

Organizational & Problem Solving Abilities

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple programs, rentals, and operational tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to assess needs, adjust programming, and respond to facility issues quickly and effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, recreation administration, physical education or related field

Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Frequent 60-90%
Ability to remain in a stationary position. Occasional 30-60%
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Occasional 30-60%
Ability to move, transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, or equipment. Occasional 30-60%
Ability to move or traverse across campus, within buildings and offices, and/or across external environments. Occasional 30-60%
Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state. Occasional 30-60%

Additional Physical Requirement:

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to constantly move objects.