Executive Director, Recreation and Wellness

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

150d • $206,749 - $225,000

About The Position

The Executive Director of Recreation & Wellness will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for a comprehensive recreation and wellness program that supports the holistic development and well-being of the campus community. This role will oversee the design and delivery of diverse offerings-from intramurals and club sports to aquatics, outdoor adventures, and wellness workshops-ensuring they align with Stanford's health and student success goals. The Executive Director will manage multimillion-dollar budgets, lead a high-performing team, and build cross-campus partnerships to foster student belonging, engagement, and resilience. A data-driven and innovative leader, this individual will champion operational excellence, financial sustainability, inclusive programming, and a culture of continuous improvement that reflects Stanford's commitment to health, wellness, and community.

Requirements

• Master's degree required, preferably in Sports Management, Recreation Wellness, Kinesiology, Public Health, Recreation Management, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years in progressive leadership roles within collegiate or large-scale recreation/wellness programs; minimum 5 years managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Proven track record building high-performance, inclusive teams and driving measurable outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills to turn numbers into narrative-comfortable with dashboards, surveys, and outcome studies.
• Deep knowledge of intramural and club sports, NCAA regulations, Title IX, ADA requirements, and risk management protocols.
• Current CPR, AED and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Demonstrated success partnering with campus units, external vendors, and community stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Champion innovative technology integration-app-based engagement, online programming, and user analytics-to enhance accessibility and participation.
• Lead DEIB initiatives in recreation and wellness by designing inclusive programs, reducing participation barriers, and partnering with campus identity centers.
• Experienced with Recreation and Wellness services integrated into Athletics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for recreation and wellness, aligned with DAPER's mission and Stanford's broader health objectives.
• Serve as a thought-leader, galvanizing stakeholders around bold, evidence-based programming that drives participation and satisfaction metrics across campus and in the community.
• Intentional focus on student development, engagement, and belonging through recreation and wellness programs.
• Connecting rec/wellness efforts to mental health, academic success, and resilience.
• Oversee all recreational offerings-intramurals, club sports, aquatics, group fitness, outdoor adventure, mind-body studios, and wellness workshops.
• Oversee strategic marketing and communications to increase awareness, engagement, and participation across all demographics.
• Manage a multimillion-dollar budget for facilities, staffing, and equipment; optimize resource allocation to maximize ROI and user experience across functional areas.
• Ensure top-tier facility maintenance and development-gyms, pools, courts, trails-by collaborating with Capital Projects and Facilities teams.
• Develop and manage revenue-generating programs (e.g., memberships, external rentals, partnerships) to support long-term financial sustainability.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a diverse team of directors, program managers, and frontline staff.
• Instill a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Leverage participation analytics, satisfaction surveys, and health outcome data to iterate programs and demonstrate impact.
• Report quarterly to COO on KPIs: participation rates, retention, health metrics, and equity measures.
• Forge strategic alliances across Stanford units-Student Affairs, Athletics, Counseling, Residential Life, and external community organizations.
• Uphold NCAA, Title IX, ADA, and Stanford policy compliance across all recreation and wellness operations.
• Lead risk assessments and emergency response planning for outdoor and high-risk activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive rewards package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Supportive work environment promoting diversity and inclusion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree