Associate Director of Recreation

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

10d•$90,000 - $96,000

About The Position

The Recreation Department has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Director of Recreation to join their team. Associate Director of Recreation The University of Washington’s Recreation department invites a collaborative, innovative, and solutions-driven leader to join our Executive Team as the Associate Director of Recreation, with a focus on Operations and Facilities. This role is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional in campus recreation to oversee a diverse and complex portfolio that directly impacts thousands of students, staff, and community members each year. At UW Recreation, our mission is to provide safe, accessible, and dynamic recreation experiences to engage students in growth and well-being. As the Associate Director, you will help bring this mission to life by leading a large, talented team responsible for maintaining world-class facilities, creating seamless operations, ensuring safety, and fostering an environment of sustainability and excellence. The University of Washington is not only one of the nation’s premier public research institutions—it’s also a community of learners, leaders, and innovators. UW Recreation reflects that spirit. Our facilities are among the best in the country, our staff is deeply committed to student success, and our campus location in Seattle provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and community connection. This is your chance to shape the future of student wellness and engagement at one of the top universities in the country.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in recreation, higher education, or nonprofit management.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Nice To Haves

Proven leadership in supervising full-time staff, oversight of large and complex facilities, and the ability to advance both long-term strategy and day-to-day excellence.
A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to work effectively across a diverse campus community.
CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (can be obtained post-hire).

Responsibilities

In close partnership with the Director and Associate Director of Programs, develop and manage multi-million-dollar budgets with a focus on efficiency, equity, and sustainability.
Provide leadership and expertise to ensure high impact opportunities for students and patrons through employment and participation, and by advancing wellness priorities throughout campus.
Contribute to department-wide planning initiatives, strategic goals, and campus-wide committee work.
Provide high-level guidance and strategic planning for the maintenance, custodial care, and capital improvements across UW Recreation’s vast facility portfolio, including the IMA Building, Golf Range, Waterfront Activities Center, and several outdoor fields and courts.
Supervise the Assistant Director for Facilities and ensure the successful execution of repairs, cleaning, equipment purchasing, and vendor coordination.
Make final budget decisions on recommendations from the Fitness Facilities Work Team regarding changes in facilities and fitness equipment to best serve the needs and interests of students and Recreation members
Provide high-level guidance and strategic planning for departmental operations, business continuity, and emergency management planning across the department.
Supervise the Assistant Director for Operations and ensure high-quality service delivery in areas including facility access, membership, locker rooms, equipment issue, and space rentals.
Directly supervise the Assistant Director for Facilities and the Assistant Director for Operations, or other functions. These functional areas may shift as Recreation responds to new leadership and new opportunities.