Department: Univ Athletics Recreation Adm
Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Athletics and Recreation, the Associate Athletics Director-Recreation  has responsibility for directing the overall planning and assessment of programs, services, and facilities in accordance with the articulated goals of the University and national best practices; working with the Northwestern community to ensure that the programs, services and facilities meet their respective needs and that the Recreation Department continues to be an integral part of a holistic campus life.

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operation, policy direction and maintenance of all units and facilities within Campus Recreation. The Associate Athletics Director-Recreation  is responsible for fostering a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness throughout all levels of the organization, including but not limited to, staffing and programming. This position will also adhere to a program that encompasses an understanding of wellness as a component to the overall campus recreation plan.

This position is administrative in nature and carries a very high level of responsibility within the overall management of the Recreation Department in alignment with the values and mission of the Department of Athletics and Recreation. The Associate Athletics Director-Recreation must also have a willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.

Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Develop and promote a shared vision that drives departmental, divisional, and institutional priorities and the on-going organization of work. Create and implement short-term and long-term organizational plans consistent with the strategic plan to ensure mission effectiveness.
• Recommends operating policies and procedures for the Aquatics, Beach, Fitness, Instructional Sport, Intramural, Sailing, Sport Club, Self-Directed Recreation, Tennis and Wildcat Summer Camp Programs.
• Responsible for the overall management, administration, and marketing of campus wide recreation services facilities and programs.
• Direct all operations, which include the recruitment, supervision, evaluation, development and oversight of exempt and non-exempt support staff in the execution of their duties.
• Establish and promote cross functional collaboration with similar units within Athletics and Recreation.
• Responsible and accountable for establishing a culture of inclusion throughout the organization.

Budget and Planning

• Plan, manage and evaluate the annual operating budget, which includes budget planning, revenue generation, expense analysis, cash controls and establishing pricing and fees for all Fitness and Recreation services.
• Responsible for the establishment and review of operational and personnel policies/procedures consistent with Department and University policies and procedures, industry best practices, state and federal laws as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA.
• Prepares annual reports on program status and recommends modifications or expansion of existing programs for review by the Deputy Director of Athletics and Recreation.

Safety & Security

• Assigns staff to regularly inspect their programs, equipment and related facilities for safety and to initiate prompt corrective action to maintain a safe operating environment. 
• Coordinates all program facility use, scheduling needs and maintenance/repair requests with the Associate Athletics Director, Facilities and Operations.
• Provides departmental leadership in establishing a culture of comprehensive excellence that minimizes risk and enhances quality programs and safety.

Community Relations

• Answers and addresses/resolves patron complaints and concerns.
• Serves on various University committees as assigned.
• Represents the University as the Fitness & Recreation spokesperson at conferences and national organizational meetings.
• Spearhead collaborative partnerships with other campus colleagues and departments that focus on annual overarching health and wellness themes & research opportunities that the Northwestern campus and recreation industry can benefit from.

Other

• Performs special projects as assigned by the Deputy Director of Athletics and Recreation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of progressive experience with a minimum of five years in an upper-level administrative position in a comparable athletics unit.
• Strong leadership and administrative skills.
• Strong commitment to student and staff development.
• Demonstrated background and experience with oversight and management of staff.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituents.
• Demonstrated achievement in managing a budget and developing new and diverse sources of revenue to support programs and facilities.
• Ability to think strategically in order to best address the recreational needs of current and future stakeholders.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.