Assistant Executive Director, Wellness and Recreation

Associated Students, CSUF•Fullerton, CA

About The Position

Where purpose meets possibility, and students are at the center of everything At ASI, we don’t just run programs; we build the student experience. This role sits at the center of it all: recreation, wellness, and basic needs. You’ll shape how students access spaces, services, and support systems that directly impact their success. This is not a behind-the-scenes role. You’ll work across campus, with students, and through teams to bring big ideas to life. Explore our Full-Time Staff Benefits The Role The Assistant Executive Director (AED) provides executive-level leadership for ASI’s wellness and recreation portfolio, including the Student Recreation Center (SRC), wellness programs, and basic needs services. You’ll lead strategy, oversee large-scale operations, and help design the future of ASI’s wellness infrastructure.

Requirements

Master’s degree (or equivalent)
5–7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience
Experience overseeing complex programs, facilities, and budgets
At least 3 years of supervisory experience
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and large-scale initiatives
Master’s degree or equivalent and five to seven years progressive experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in facilities management and contract negotiations required.
Must have three years of responsible supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or CSU auxiliary systems
Facility planning or capital project experience
Background in wellness, recreation, or basic needs programs
Doctorate in a related field.
Experience in California State University auxiliary system preferred.
Experience in higher education and complex facility oversight in the university setting preferred.
Five years of responsible supervisory experience is preferred.
Demonstrated experience in creating and implementing assessment practices.
Construction project management experience with projects involving complex architectural plans and coordination of multiple trades preferred.
Understanding of space and facilities design and management.

Responsibilities

Oversee operations of the Student Recreation Center, wellness programming, and the Food Pantry/Basic Needs initiatives
Lead integration of wellness initiatives aligned with the 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Direct long-range planning for facilities, including SRC enhancements and future wellness spaces
Manage budgets, financial performance, and resource allocation across the portfolio
Supervise and develop multiple director-level leaders and their teams
Build partnerships with campus entities (Student Health, Counseling and Psychological Services, Academic Affairs, Dining, etc.)
Use data and assessment to improve programs, services, and student outcomes
Ensure compliance with safety, risk, and industry standards (NIRSA, ACHA, etc.)
Provide executive leadership for the development, integration, and long-term sustainability of ASI’s wellness and recreation portfolio
Provide executive level strategic vision and oversight for the operations of the Student Recreation Center and associated recreation programs, Student Wellness Center and associated wellness programs, and the ASI Centralized Basic Needs Center and associated programs.
Collaborate on strategic planning and development of future ASI wellness and recreation facilities, including feasibility analysis, capital planning, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with related university and commercial organizations.
Lead development and integration of wellness initiatives in alignment with the 8 Dimensions of Wellness.
Oversee financial and administrative performance of the wellness & recreation portfolio; responsible for the preparation of the portfolio's annual budget submission and ensuring resource allocation aligns with ASI strategic direction.
Collaborate with campus partners including Student Health Center, CAPS, Basic Needs Services, Academic Affairs, Dining Services, Auxiliary Services Corporation, Human Resources & Inclusive Excellence, and related Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management departments.
Oversee long-range facility planning, capital improvements, and financial sustainability.
Ensure compliance with safety, risk management, and industry best practices (e.g., AORMA, NIRSA, ACHA, CAS).
Utilize assessment practices and data for continuous quality improvement of facilities and programs.
Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships with local and regional community partners, other divisions, departments, academic units, administrative leaders, faculty, and students to enhance wellbeing on campus.
Create and implement a comprehensive assessment agenda for recreation & wellness services.
Specify key performance indicators and desired student outcomes.
Utilize assessment data and student feedback to guide program & facility development and service improvement.
In collaboration with ASI leadership and CSUF University Advancement, research and develop appropriate grant funding strategies for campus-wide wellness and recreation programming ensuring compliant administration and reporting.
Propose recommendations and solutions to issues and problems directed to Associated Students Inc., CSUF being sensitive to stakeholder considerations and viability of courses of action.