Recreation Programs Specialist

Penn State University•Harrisburg, PA

4d•$44,628 - $64,668•Hybrid

About The Position

The Recreation Programs Specialist develops, coordinates, administers, and evaluates comprehensive recreation programs and services that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and community building. This role provides leadership and oversight for assigned recreation program areas such as intramural sports, sport clubs, fitness and wellness, outdoor recreation, aquatics, informal recreation, special events, facilities, or related recreational services. The specialist assesses program needs, develops and implements initiatives, leads program operations and resources, ensures compliance with University policies and safety standards, and collaborates with campus partners to enhance the recreational experience for students, faculty, staff, and community participants.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
PA State Police Criminal Background Check
PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, administer, and evaluate recreation programs, services, activities, and special events that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and recreational participation
Assess participant needs, industry trends, and program effectiveness; identify opportunities for program enhancements, growth, and new initiatives
Coordinate program operations including scheduling, participant registration, facility reservations, equipment allocation, staffing, and event logistics
Establish program goals, performance measures, and assessment strategies; collect and analyze participation and operational data and prepare reports and recommendations
Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of policies, procedures, and standard operating practices to ensure effective program delivery and compliance with University, regulatory, and industry standards
Monitor program activities and facilities to ensure participant safety, risk mitigation, accessibility, and a positive user experience; coordinate incident response, documentation, and corrective actions as needed
Collaborate in the oversight of inventory, maintenance, and utilization of recreation equipment, supplies, and program resources
Schedule student employees, instructors, officials, volunteers, and other assigned personnel
Facilitate training and development programs related to leadership, customer service, risk management, program delivery, and operational effectiveness
Administer, and monitor program budgets; track expenditures and revenues, analyze financial performance, and recommend adjustments to support operational and strategic objectives
Coordinate purchasing activities, vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements in accordance with University policies and procedures
Collaborate with other recreation staff and campus partners to support recreational programming, student success initiatives, facility operations, and special projects
Serve as a liaison with University departments, student organizations, community partners, vendors, and professional organizations to advance program goals and foster engagement.
Coordinate marketing, promotional, and outreach efforts to increase awareness, participation, and engagement in recreation programs and services
Provide specialized instruction, coaching, facilitation, or fitness programming within assigned areas of expertise and ensure activities are delivered in accordance with established standards and best practices
May supervise professional staff, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, coaching, and professional development