Associate Director, Interuniversity Sport Programs

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Wilfrid Laurier University is seeking an Associate Director of Interuniversity Sport Programs to manage the overall operations of Interuniversity Sport Programs, Student Athlete Services, Athletic Therapy, Strength & Conditioning, off-campus facility programming, and departmental contracts for equipment, uniforms, and transportation. This senior leadership role involves developing and implementing strategic plans to enhance the university's competitive sport programs and reputation. The incumbent will manage day-to-day operations, financial aspects, coaching staff, and program evaluation, leading the high-performance sport unit and fostering collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders. The position requires supervising a diverse team of coaches and staff, acting as a liaison with numerous university departments and external organizations, and potentially traveling to other campuses. The role encompasses managing departmental contracts and partnerships related to apparel, equipment, and facilities. Key responsibilities include overseeing athlete services, coaching staff, travel arrangements, and support for approximately 650 student-athletes, including orientation, leadership opportunities, and compliance education. The Associate Director will develop and evaluate program goals, objectives, and policies, manage athletic financial awards, and support event management. Community relations involve cultivating relationships with alumni and external stakeholders, overseeing academic reviews for student-athletes, and liaising with municipal partners for facility usage. Special projects may include needs assessments, viability studies, and managing bid processes for hosting championships. The position directs the travel program for sport teams, oversees the interuniversity schedule, and represents the university at OUA & U Sports league meetings. Human resource responsibilities include supervision, performance management, recruitment, training, and development of coaching and intercollegiate staff, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations. The role also oversees student-athlete eligibility, compliance programs, and the development of the Student Athlete Development Program, including academic success, drug education, Safe Sport, and partnerships with wellness services. Furthermore, the position involves developing departmental policies for recruiting, overseeing financial awards, managing interuniversity team budgets, and identifying new revenue opportunities.

Requirements

Undergraduate Degree in Education, Kinesiology, Leadership, Training & Development or Sport Management
Minimum 6 years’ experience in post-secondary with knowledge of up-to date coaching/teaching techniques with respect to student-athlete support and counseling.
Experience with Apparel, Equipment & Uniform Contracts, Sponsorship & Partnerships
Experience in delivering performance evaluations
Experience in contract negotiation and development
Working knowledge of high performance sport culture, technical requirements
Experience with objective setting and planning
Understanding of dynamics of working with student athletes and coaches
Excellent communication (oral and written) and proven counseling, motivational skills.
Knowledge of the university environment an asset
Ability to work with confidential material
Proven experience within a high-performance sport environment, with a strong understanding of the demands, pressures, and standards associated with competitive interuniversity or professional athletics.
Demonstrated familiarity with the university athletic environment and its governance, culture, and operational complexity considered an asset.
Demonstrated leadership capacity with a proven ability to motivate, mentor, and develop student-athletes and staff within a values-driven, performance-oriented culture.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate meetings, deliver presentations, and navigate complex, sensitive, or conflict-driven conversations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
Proven ability to build, sustain, and leverage trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, including athletes, coaches, academic partners, sport medicine professionals, and institutional leadership.
Experience managing complex schedules, operational logistics, and budgets, reflecting an expanded scope of accountability
Valid driver’s license and demonstrated willingness to travel, including evenings and weekends, in support of recruitment, competition, and program commitments.
Strong understanding of the academic, athletic, and personal demands of the student-athlete experience, including time management, academic progression, eligibility, and holistic development.
Comprehensive knowledge of U SPORTS and OUA policies, procedures, and regulations, including eligibility, recruiting compliance, and governance standards.
Demonstrated awareness of inclusive coaching practices and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by BIPOC student-athletes; experience supporting academic pathways and culturally responsive student-athlete supports considered a strong asset.
Formal training and education in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging including Four Seasons of Reconciliation and Safe Sport principles.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusive cultures, equitable access to resources, and student-athlete education initiatives aligned with institutional EDI priorities.
Experience responding to crisis situations and contributing to student-athlete case management, exercising discretion, empathy, and sound professional judgment.
Working knowledge of mental health supports, sport medicine practices, and relevant diagnostic terminology, enabling effective collaboration with interdisciplinary support teams.
Ability to operate effectively within integrated support models, partnering with academic advisors, sport medicine staff, and healthcare professionals to support student-athlete well-being and retention.
Safe Sport Certification required.
Vulnerable Sector Check in good standing required.
Demonstrated understanding of institutional risk management, duty of care, and ethical leadership responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative senior leadership team.
Commitment to continuous professional development, innovation, and reflective practice within a high-performance sport environment.
Flexibility and resilience in managing the variable demands of a competitive football program, including extended hours, travel, and peak seasonal workloads.
Ability to manage and motivate staff to accomplish program goals

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Education, Kinesiology, Leadership, Training & Development or Sport Management is preferred

Responsibilities

Manage the overall management of Interuniversity Sport Programs, Student Athlete Services, Athletic Therapy, Strength & Conditioning, off campus Facility programming by Interuniversity Sport, and Department Equipment, Uniforms and Apparel contracts, and the bus transportation contract.
Develop and implement comprehensive annual and long-range plans for a successful inter-university and competitive sport program.
Manage aspects of the inter-university sport including annual planning, day-to-day management, financial management, coaching staff, Student Athlete Development Program, sport program delivery and program evaluation.
Lead the high-performance sport unit, providing strategic vision, operational leadership, and people-focused management across varsity programs and integrated athlete support services.
Work closely with coaches, athletes, staff, campus partners, alumni & development, external sport organizations and external partners.
Responsible for the hiring, performance evaluations and supervision of Full Time Head Coaches/Managers, Manager, Sports Medicine & Athlete Performance, Sr. Coordinator, Sport & Athlete Services, Administrative Coordinator, part time head coaches, and volunteer/part time assistant coaches.
Serve as a department liaison to Recruitment & Admissions, Student Wellness Centre, Residential Services, Dean of Students Office, Accessible Learning, Academic Faculties, Centre for Student Success, Office of the Registrar, Career & Co-Op Services, Student Awards Office, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U Sports.
Support the Manager, Marketing & Communications with Logo and Brand Management and maintaining trademark of Golden Hawk logo and wordmarks.
Support the Administrative Coordinator and department units to facilitate needs, ordering and design of apparel, equipment and uniforms.
Liaise with external providers to ensure contractual requirements are met for apparel, uniforms, and equipment.
Oversee inventory control for all products including adidas student athlete apparel, team uniforms, equipment, giveaways and promotional materials.
Develop and maintain contracts with business partners, including the City of Waterloo & Kitchener for facility usage and One Team & Adidas for apparel and hard goods purchases.
Oversee the broad delivery of athlete services, coaching staff, travel arrangements, and support to approximately 650 student-athletes.
Develop, implement, and evaluate short and long-term goals, objectives, performance indicators, and policy development for intercollegiate programs.
Issue contracts and guaranteed payments for preseason play.
Provide support and assistance to other members of the Department, including revenue generation strategies.
Lead orientation programs and staff training for the interuniversity unit.
Lead the creation and facilitation of the student athlete development model curriculum.
Support the Events Management team for key interuniversity games and events.
Manage and facilitate the departments Athletic Financial Award Process.
Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni and external stakeholders.
Oversee the formal academic review of all student-athletes, including tracking academic progress and eligibility for OUA & U Sports.
Direct Liaison with the City of Waterloo & Kitchener for facility usage.
Participate in and/or manage special projects involving needs assessments, viability studies and surveys.
Work with the Sr. Coordinator, Sport & Athlete Services on leading the application and bid process for hosting championships.
Work with the Manager, Alumni Engagement (Student Affairs) on engagement opportunities and Annual Giving Day Challenge.
Direct the travel program for all sport & recreation teams representing Laurier.
Oversee the master interuniversity schedule and direct the scheduling of conference and non-conference competitions.
Lead the implementation and ongoing application & evaluation of the Sport Model for the Department of Athletics & Recreation.
Represent Wilfrid Laurier University at all OUA & U Sports League Meetings.
Oversee the management of all required fees as part of the OUA and U Sports.
Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and provide direction and leadership to the interuniversity sport coaching staff.
Establish clear performance targets and KPIs; ensure accountability through regular performance review, evaluation, and support.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of departmental procedures, standards and work practices.
Responsible for the effective management, direction, resource planning, recruitment, training, development and performance management of full and part time coaches.
Comply with staff policies and procedures as determined by Federal or Provincial regulations, relevant collective agreements and University Human/Resource/Labour Relations practices.
Responsible for the annual Performance Management of coaches and intercollegiate staff.
Oversee student athlete eligibility requirements of both the OUA and U Sports.
Develop a comprehensive compliance program including interpreting CIS and OUA eligibility rules.
Educate and inform all coaches and athletes of any changes in eligibility rules.
Oversee, create, vision, evolve and evaluate the Student Athlete development Program.
Develop department policies in conjunction with the University, OUA & U Sports recruiting policies.
Develop vision & mission for recruiting practices for full time and part time head coaches.
Oversee student athlete financial awards process as per protocols set out by University & U Sports respectively.
Work in collaboration with the Manager, Student Affairs Finance, to oversee the interuniversity team budgets.
Lead in collaboration with the Manager, Student Affairs Finance the budget preparation, forecasts and variance analysis.
Authorize interuniversity sport and event related expenditures.
Track and disburse alumni/fundraising accounts.
Ensure Compliance with OUA & U Sports regulations regarding awards.
Assist with identifying, initiating and generating new revenue opportunities.
Manage all projects/work assigned by the Director.
Represent the department on applicable committees, working groups, or task forces.
Liaise and partner with on/off campus partners related to intercollegiate program business.
Manage the communication between appropriate management/facilities and U Sports/OUA.
Seek proper interpretation of rules and regulations and coordinate any appeals.
Update the student athlete resource page and present these updates to student athletes.
Assist other departmental staff in coordinating special events.
Serve as the athletic department representative/liaison regarding Student Support, Academic Advising Recruitment & Admissions; Adopt a Hawk & Annual Giving.