Director of Programs for University Recreation + Wellness

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Programs for University Recreation + Wellness is a pivotal senior leadership role that oversees a diverse and dynamic portfolio including UREC Outdoors, Intramural and Club Sports, Athletic Training and Student Development & Assessment. This position oversees 3 direct reports and 5 indirect reports, directly influencing the department’s impact and future. The Director of Programs role offers the unique opportunity to shape the largest student employer on campus, mentoring the next generation in a high energy, wellness focused environment. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Recreational Sports, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, or related fields.
• At least five years of experience in University/Collegiate campus recreation
• Demonstrated experience supervising full time professionals
• Demonstrated experience in managing, planning, and oversight of programs

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience supervising full time professionals with emphasis in campus recreation
• At least seven years of campus recreation experience
• Demonstrated success developing and managing large budgets.
• Active involvement in campus recreation and/or higher education professional organizations.
• Knowledge of program design and implementation for campus recreation activities.
• Has a sense of their own agency and social responsibility that includes others, their community, and the larger global context.
• Must possess exceptional computer literacy skills, emphasis in campus recreation software programs.
• Ability to balance multiple assignments, deadlines, and tasks.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to teach, delegate, and evaluate staff and peers.
• Demonstrated competence in policy and procedure design

Responsibilities

• Program Administration: The Director provides strategic oversight and operational leadership for all program areas, ensuring that activities align with the department’s mission. This role is responsible for identifying emerging trends and setting the long-term direction for programming while maintaining a safe, community-led environment. From a fiscal perspective, the Director manages 5 different comprehensive budgets, oversees revenue-generating activities, and provides the Executive Director with recommendations on financial policies and resource allocation. Beyond core operations, will assist in spearheading high-level projects, facilitating staff meetings, and providing support to the business services team.
• Departmental Leadership & Strategic Alignment: Serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director coordinates, supervises, and evaluates a diverse portfolio including Assessment, the Sports Injury Clinic, Staff Development, UREC Outdoors, and UREC Sports. The Director ensures compliance with university and departmental regulations while fostering a culture of development and excellence through intentional feedback, evaluations, and development. This position plays a vital role in shaping the organizational structure and long-term strategy of University Recreation + Wellness. By monitoring the effective allocation of resources and facilities, the Director ensures that the department is continually working and aligning to serve the University of Arkansas community.

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary
• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• industry-leading employer-matching retirement contribution of up to 10%
• Tuition Assistance For employees and eligible family members

What This Job Offers

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