Assistant Director of Recreation Facilities and Operations

Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

73d • $56,780 - $62,500

About The Position

Under the administrative direction of the Associate Director of Recreation Facilities and Operations, the Assistant Director of Recreation Facilities and Operations is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused facilities. This role oversees the hiring, training, and supervision of a large temporary workforce dedicated to guest relations and operational support at Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Blomquist Recreation Center. In addition, this position provides direct supervision and strategic oversight of the Facility Coordinator. The Assistant Director ensures that services are accessible, well-utilized, and delivered at the highest quality to enhance member satisfaction and retention among students, faculty, staff, and community members. Additionally, this position serves as a representative of Northwestern Recreation, promoting programs and services while fostering a professional, welcoming environment and ensuring consistent enforcement of departmental policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field or successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of temporary staff supervisory experience; Demonstrated experience in supervising, training, and evaluating staff, preferably student employees or part-time staff.
• Experience in recreation facility operations, customer service management, recreation programs, or a related field in a collegiate or community recreation setting.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work with independence, discretion, and sound judgment in sensitive or complex situations.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues, campus partners, and community members.
• CPR/First Aid certificate, or ability to obtain within 30-days of hire.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact and establish engaging relationships with a wide variety of constituents.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the NCAA, CSC, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred.
• Master's Degree in Recreation Administration, Sports Management, Business Administration, Higher Education or a related field.
• Graduate Assistantship or internship in Facility Operations or related field.
• 2 years' experience operating collegiate recreational facilities and managing student staff.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise both Facility Coordinator and a large temporary workforce (student and part-time staff) to support member and guest experience, facility monitoring, and facility operations.
• Develop and implement training programs that emphasize customer service, safety, and policy enforcement. Conduct regular staff evaluations, provide feedback, and support professional development opportunities for student employees.
• Oversee all aspects of the temp staff scheduling software as it pertains to scheduling procedures, software updates, reports, and troubleshooting issues within the system. Maintain accurate employee scheduling and payroll records.
• Assist in maintaining repair logs for fitness and weight training equipment. Troubleshoot facility amenities to ensure minimum down time impacting member and guest experience.
• Conduct regular facility-wide walkthroughs to ensure the policies and procedures are being enforced and that a safe environment for recreation prevails. Take action to correct safety and liability hazards.
• Manage and maintain the pro shop at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, which includes all aspects of towel service, resale items, and equipment for checkout.
• Collaborate with other Northwestern Recreation units (programs, aquatics, fitness, IM's and club sports) to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Manage internal and external facility reservations requests, including but not limited to student organizations, rentals, and university department requests.
• Assist with the oversight of Fusion modules associated with building operations.
• Review shift reports from Building Supervisors and act to resolve problems or patron requests.
• Assist with facility tours. Promote memberships and programs to prospective students and members.
• Report any concerns regarding staff performance, facility conditions, or member experiences in a timely manner directly to the Associate Director of Recreation Facilities and Operations.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference, College Sports Commission, and the NCAA.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.

Benefits

• Meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Tuition discounts.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Programs to help locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care.
• Comprehensive programs and services to help navigate life's challenges and opportunities.
• Support for employee career development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree