Assistant Director Campus Recreation in Worcester, Massachusetts at Assumption University

The Department of Campus Recreation is a vital component of the Division of Student Affairs. The Assistant Director of Recreation contributes to the development of a vibrant co-curricular experience that promotes student engagement, leadership development, wellness, belonging, and student success within the context of Catholic Higher Education. The Catholic mission manifests in the work of all staff within the division, committed to educating the whole person in relation to God, self, and others. Our work reflects the values of Catholic teaching, including respect for human dignity, and seeks to create opportunities for students to develop meaningful connections, leadership skills, and lifelong healthy habits.
Through recreation programs, student employment opportunities, and leadership experiences, the Assistant Director helps prepare students for meaningful involvement on campus and future professional success. The position fosters an environment where students can develop transferable skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and personal responsibility through participation in programs and employment within Campus Recreation.
The Assistant Director serves as a key member of the Campus Recreation leadership team and is responsible for the administration and assessment of the University's intramural sports program, advisement of assigned club sport organizations, oversight of fitness programming, and the supervision and development of student employees and student leaders. The position assists with facility operations, risk management, strategic planning initiatives, and the assessment of departmental programs and services.
Because the majority of Campus Recreation programming occurs during evenings and weekends, the Assistant Director provides operational support and professional presence during periods of peak facility usage and student engagement. The position plays a key role in supporting intramural sports, Club Sports teams, fitness programming, special events, facility operations, and emergency response needs outside of traditional business hours. Hours of operation are from 2pm to 10pm with occasional weekends.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Recreation Programs & Student Engagement

1. Provide leadership and oversight for the University's comprehensive Intramural Sports program, including leagues, tournaments, special events, and informal recreation opportunities.

2. Develop, implement, and assess recreation programs that support student engagement, belonging, wellness, and student success.

3. Recruit, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop student employees supporting intramural sports and recreation programming.

4. Oversee the administration of IMLeagues, including registration, scheduling, communications, payroll, reporting, and program assessment.

5. Develop, implement, and evaluate program policies, procedures, and risk management practices.

6. Coordinate NIRSA-related initiatives, extramural competition opportunities, and the implementation of industry best practices.

7. Administer fitness programming, including instructor recruitment, scheduling, program evaluation, and participant engagement efforts.

8. Provide advisement and oversight to assigned club sport organizations, supporting officer development, budgeting, travel planning, home contests, risk management, and organizational success.

9. Assist with the planning, implementation, and assessment of special events and departmental engagement initiatives.

10. Collaborate with campus departments, student organizations, and university partners to develop and implement programs, initiatives, and events that enhance student engagement, wellness, belonging, and campus life.

11. Track, maintain, and analyze participation data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

Student Leadership & Development

1. Directly supervise, advise, and mentor the Graduate Assistant for Marketing & Special Programming, supporting the development of professional competencies in campus recreation, student affairs, marketing, assessment, event management, and leadership.

2. Recruit, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop Intramural Supervisors and other student leadership positions responsible for program administration, facility oversight, and student staff supervision.

3. Develop and implement leadership development opportunities that prepare student employees and student leaders for future professional, civic, and leadership roles.

4. Coordinate student staff training programs and ongoing professional development initiatives.

5. Foster a culture of learning, accountability, inclusion, and professional growth among student employees and program participants.

6. Provide mentorship and support to student leaders in achieving personal, academic, and organizational goals.

7. Assist with student employee recognition and appreciation initiatives.

8. Supervise and mentor assigned interns, student employees, and other student leadership positions.

Facility Operations & Risk Management

1. Assist with the overall management and daily operation of the Plourde Recreation Center and associated recreation facilities.

2. Support facility scheduling, space utilization, and event coordination to ensure safe, effective, and student-centered operations.

3. Assist with facility inspections, equipment maintenance planning, and safety reviews.

4. Monitor facility operations and identify opportunities to improve facility functionality, user experience, equipment offerings, and operational effectiveness.

5. Provide recommendations regarding facility enhancements, equipment replacement, space utilization, and future recreation facility needs.

6. Ensure compliance with departmental, university, and industry risk management standards and practices.

7. Respond to and document accidents, incidents, injuries, and facility concerns.

8. Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of emergency action plans, operational procedures, and risk management protocols.

9. Support staff training related to facility operations, customer service, emergency response, and risk management.

10. Assist with departmental purchasing, inventory management, and equipment replacement planning.

11. Collaborate with the Director in evaluating facility needs, operational priorities, and long-term improvements that support the student experience.

Assessment, Administration & Strategic Initiatives

1. Collect, maintain, and analyze participation, engagement, and utilization data for Campus Recreation programs, services, and facilities.

2. Assess recreation programs and services to evaluate effectiveness, participant satisfaction, operational efficiency, and alignment with departmental goals.

3. Utilize assessment findings and participation trends to recommend improvements, identify growth opportunities, and support informed decision-making.

4. Assist in the preparation of annual reports, program summaries, benchmarking initiatives, and other departmental assessment projects.

5. Develop and maintain accurate records related to program participation, staffing, facility usage, and departmental operations.

6. Support departmental strategic planning efforts through data collection, assessment practices, and outcome measurement.

7. Assist with budget administration, purchasing, and financial tracking within assigned program areas.

8. Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials that support departmental, divisional, and university decision-making processes.

9. Collaborate with campus partners to evaluate program outcomes and identify opportunities to enhance student engagement, belonging, wellness, and success.

10. Remain informed of emerging trends, best practices, and assessment strategies within campus recreation and higher education.

11. Represent the Department of Campus Recreation on university committees, working groups, and collaborative initiatives as assigned.

12. Serve as the departmental representative in the absence of the Director, ensuring continuity of operations, communication, and decision-making.

13. Assist the Director with departmental planning, policy development, budget preparation, and other administrative initiatives that support the mission and goals of Campus Recreation.

Professional Coverage & Operational Support

1. Provide professional staff oversight and support for evening and weekend recreation programming, facility operations, and special events.

2. Because the majority of intramural sports, fitness programming, and student recreation opportunities occur during evenings and weekends, maintain a visible and accessible professional presence during periods of peak facility usage and student engagement.

3. Respond to incidents, emergencies, facility concerns, and operational issues involving Campus Recreation facilities, programs, participants, and student employees.

4. Assist with facility opening and closing procedures, staffing shortages, and other operational needs as necessary.

5. Provide professional support and guidance to student employees during periods when the majority of recreation programming occurs.

6. Support continuity of operations during weather-related emergencies, staffing shortages, and other unforeseen circumstances. 7. Assist with the supervision and management of facility rentals, special events, and other activities requiring professional staff oversight outside of traditional business hours.

SUPERVISION:

Direct Supervision

• Graduate Assistant for Marketing & Special Programming.

Functional/Indirect Supervision

• Intramural Supervisors, Officials, and assigned Intramural student staff.
• Fitness Instructors and assigned fitness programming student staff.
• Assigned club sport officers and student leaders.
• Assigned interns, student employees, and student leadership positions within Campus Recreation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are required of this position. Use of a computer keyboard and computer screen for periods of time with close vision and the ability to adjust visual focus plus manual dexterity are required.

• Work may, on occasion, involve exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises.
• Moderate physical activity.
• May require physical effort including lifting, carrying, pushing, or moving equipment
• weighing up to 50 pounds and some extended periods of standing or walking.

MENTAL DEMANDS: The mental demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Examples of mental demands include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, language, math, reasoning, oral communications, written communications, customer contact, multiple concurrent tasks, constant interruptions, and performing calculations when necessary.

About Assumption University

St. John Paul II wrote: “Man’s creation by God ‘in his own image’ confers upon every human person an eminent dignity; it also postulates the fundamental equality of all human beings.” Assumption University recognizes the essential contribution of a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty and condemns all forms of harassment, discrimination, and disrespect. As such, and in compliance with the requirements of federal law and/or the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Assumption University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy, as well as other legally protected status, in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, except where such conditions may constitute bona fide qualifications for the programs or activities in question

• Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University and demonstrate respect for the Catholic and Assumptionist identity of Assumption University.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Recreation, Sports Management, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Leadership, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in campus recreation, student affairs, student engagement, recreation management, or a related field.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or developing student employees, student leaders, or volunteers.
• Experience planning, implementing, or assessing programs, events, or student engagement initiatives.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while exercising sound professional judgment.
• Experience utilizing technology platforms, data management systems, and assessment practices to support program administration and decision-making.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required within three months of employment.
• Valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with intramural sports, club sports, fitness programming, facility operations, or other collegiate recreation programs.
• Experience supervising graduate assistants, interns, or student staff.
• Familiarity with NIRSA standards, best practices, and professional competencies.
• Experience with recreation management software, scheduling systems, and data analysis tools.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Ability and willingness to work evenings, and weekends as necessary.
• Ability to respond to facility, program, and operational concerns outside traditional business hours as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within three months of employment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate University vehicles in accordance with University policies.