Manager, Recreation & Active Well Being

Wilfrid Laurier University•Waterloo, ON

4d•CA$85,357 - CA$106,696•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Athletics and Recreation, the Manager, Recreation and Active Well-Being provides strategic and operational leadership for a comprehensive portfolio of student-focused recreation, sport, and well-being programs and services. The role is responsible for the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of inclusive, accessible, and high-quality programming that enhances student experience, supports holistic well-being, and contributes to student success and retention. The Manager leads a large, multi-level staff team and oversees program areas including intramurals, fitness, instructional programs, aquatics, clubs, camps, and wellness initiatives. The Manager ensures programs are aligned with institutional priorities, student development frameworks, and sector best practices across the OUA and Canadian post-secondary recreation landscape. This includes a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB), risk management, financial sustainability, and data-informed decision making. The role works collaboratively across campus and with external partners to enhance engagement, strengthen community connections, and advance Laurier’s reputation as a leader in campus recreation and well-being.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Recreation, Sport Management, Public Health, or a related field
Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in campus recreation, sport, or wellness environments
Demonstrated experience managing complex program portfolios, facilities, and large staff teams (including student staff)
Proven success in strategic planning, program development, and service innovation
Strong leadership and people management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams
Expertise in student development and co-curricular learning models
Strong financial acumen, including budget management and revenue generation
Experience with data-informed decision making, assessment, and reporting
Deep understanding of risk management, safety standards, and regulatory compliance
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
Current First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
Knowledge of recreation management software and registration systems
Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g., Occupational Health & Safety, Rowan’s Law, AODA)
Valid ‘G’ Driver’s License required
Up to date Vulnerable Sector Check in good standing required
Safe Sport Certification Required
Formal training and education in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging including Four Seasons of Reconciliation and Safe Sport principles.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative senior leadership team.
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

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (e.g., Sport Management, Higher Education, Leadership, or Business) considered a strong asset
Experience in a post-secondary environment strongly preferred
Nationally recognized certifications in fitness, recreation, or aquatics (e.g., CSEP, NCCP, Lifesaving Society) considered assets
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.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of short- and long-term strategic plans for recreation and well-being aligned with departmental and institutional priorities.
Continuously assess emerging trends in campus recreation, student wellness, and OUA programming to inform innovation and service delivery.
Champion inclusive, accessible, and equitable program design to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to participation, engagement, satisfaction, and student outcomes.
Oversee the full lifecycle of recreation and wellness programming, including design, scheduling, delivery, and evaluation.
Ensure consistent delivery of programs that meet high standards for safety, quality, and customer experience.
Implement structured program assessment processes using data analytics and student feedback to drive continuous improvement.
Maintain compliance with all applicable legislation, standards, and university policies (e.g., safety, risk management, Rowan’s Law, accessibility standards).
Lead a large student employment program (300+ staff), emphasizing leadership development, experiential learning, and skill building.
Develop and implement training frameworks that align with student competencies, leadership outcomes, and employability skills.
Foster a supportive environment that prioritizes mentorship, inclusion, and professional growth.
Develop, manage, and monitor operating and ancillary budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
Use data and market analysis to guide revenue generation strategies, cost recovery models, and program pricing.
Identify opportunities for new revenue streams, partnerships, and operational efficiencies.
Provide regular financial forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
Lead risk management planning for all program areas, including high-risk environments (aquatics, climbing wall, camps, sport programming).
Ensure appropriate policies, procedures, training, and incident response protocols are in place.
Collaborate with internal partners (e.g., Risk Management, Special Constables, Health & Safety) to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.
Build and maintain strong partnerships across campus (Student Affairs, Wellness, Residence, Student Associations) and externally.
Act as a key liaison to enhance integrated well-being initiatives and co-curricular programming.
Support marketing and engagement strategies to increase participation and awareness of recreation opportunities.
Provide leadership, supervision, and performance management for full-time staff and student leaders.
Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability measures across the team.
Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and service excellence.
Support staff development through coaching, training, and succession planning.