Assistant Director of Campus Recreation - Mountain Sports

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Assistant Director of Campus Recreation – Mountain Sports (ADCR-MS). The Mountain Sports program exists to augment the Western experience for over 150 student athletes participating across seven teams. The position reports to the Director of Campus Recreation and provides supervision and support to the Mountain Sports coaches and the Mountain Sports Coordinator.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in program management, coaching, outdoor recreation, or a closely related field.
• Sport-specific certification
• Demonstrated experience in at least one Mountain Sports discipline.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Strategic, systems-oriented self-starter with experience in market analysis, marketing strategy development, data-informed decision-making, program evaluation, and building strong internal and external partnerships.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in fundraising and securing business sponsorships
• Experience in marketing, advertising, and recruiting for athletic or recreational programs.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and supervising Mountain Sports coaches and administrative staff.
• Providing leadership, performance oversight, and professional development support while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Working closely with the Mountain Sports Coordinator to align staffing, budgets, and travel planning with programmatic and operational needs.
• Managing all operational and logistical functions for the Mountain Sports program, including team travel, transportation coordination, purchasing, reservations, spend authorizations, and event planning.
• Ensuring that practices, competitions, and events are executed efficiently and in compliance with institutional policies and operational standards.
• Developing and implementing strategic recruiting efforts in collaboration with the Mountain Sports Coordinator, including partnering with Marketing and Admissions to support outreach to prospective student‑athletes, maintaining recruitment pipelines, and leading targeted campaigns that support enrollment and competitive success.
• Leading fundraising and advancement initiatives by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive strategic plan for Mountain Sports, providing long‑term direction for program growth, operations, recruitment, travel, and advancement.
• Overseeing and managing the Mountain Sports budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and alignment with strategic and operational priorities.
• Maintaining accurate participation and performance data and preparing reports for senior leadership, the Cabinet, and the Board of Trustees.
• Evaluating academic progress, athletic outcomes, recruitment effectiveness, and key performance indicators to support accountability, continuous improvement, and informed decision-making.
• Collaborating with the Director of Campus Recreation to manage risk related to Mountain Sports practices, competitions, and travel, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, certifications, and industry best practices.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Other insurance options
• Free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years (after one year of employment)
• Complimentary annual pass to the Mountaineer Field House

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level