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A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Department Summary:

Michigan Recreation is dedicated to fostering a healthy lifestyle through engagement, leadership, and active participation. The department manages several programs, four indoor facilities, three outdoor field complexes, and an adventure-based education center. The department plays a vital role in campus life and well-being with a team of 40+ full-time staff members and 650+ student employees. Established in 1913, it is recognized as one of the first collegiate recreation programs. It was the first to develop a facility specifically for student recreation-the Intramural Sports Building, which opened in 1928. Michigan Recreation operates within the Division of Student Life, reporting to the Associate Vice President of Student Life for Health and Wellness.

Position Summary:

The Associate Director provides administration, oversight, and leadership of all Recreational Sports programs to include Intramural Sports, Club Sports, Esports, Fitness & Wellness, Adventure Leadership, and others.  Provides strategic leadership and vision for the department and staff by being a part of the Recreational Sports Executive Leadership Team.  Establishes, monitors, and manages budgets, policies, procedures, reporting, and operations of all areas of oversight.  Provides direct supervision to three Senior Assistant Directors.  Has financial/budget oversight of approximately $2,000,000.  Serve on assigned committees to represent the Department.  Support the Director in the oversight of the Department.

Responsibilities*

Department Leadership (30%)

Provide departmental leadership as a member of the Recreational Sports Executive Leadership Team. Ensure department programs and staff support the goals and operations of the entire department. Develop and enforce departmental policies and procedures. Ensure the development of students in all areas of supervision. Serve on committees or work teams to support the Department, Division, and University. Collaborate with University colleagues to represent the Department/Division.

Operational Oversight (30%)

Direct and lead the operations of all Recreational Sports programs. Establish and manage program area goals and objectives. Direct program operations to support the mission and the financial success of the department. Continually ensure the management of risks associated with all programs to provide safe environments and experiences. Collaborate directly with University partners to meet institutional, divisional, and department goals and objectives. Ensure compliance of program operations with Department, Division, and University policies.

Staff Oversight (20%)

Provide supervision, direction, coaching, and mentoring of direct reports. Establish and manage goals and objectives of direct reports that support their development and the department's needs.  Evaluate and provide regular feedback to direct reports. Ensure the hiring and development of student staff meets the needs and goals of the Department.

Fiscal Oversight (20%)

Prepare, oversee, forecast, and manage the operating budgets of the areas of oversight. Work collaboratively with the Student Life Business & Finance staff. Ensure that staff in all areas of oversight understand the financial components of their respective areas and operate within established Departmental budgets and goals.Other duties as assigned and other related campus recreation responsibilities that may evolve.Required Qualifications*Master's degree in Health, Wellness, Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field, or possess an equivalent combination of education and significant experience that demonstrates the competencies required for the roleMinimum of 8 years of professional supervision and leadership within campus recreation, or related operationsMinimum of 4 years of experience supervising full-time campus recreation, or related field, employeesDemonstrated experience in the development and oversight of budgetsDemonstrated experience and knowledge of campus recreation risk management best practicesExperience and knowledge of campus recreation management software programsCurrent certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED, or the ability to obtain within six months of hireDesired Qualifications*Experience in the successful development of staff and studentsDemonstrated leadership within a campus recreation programSustained involvement in NIRSA or other professional associationsModes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Position Responsibilities Criteria:

Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service while ensuring compliance with departmental/institutional policies and proceduresDemonstrated ability to lead and promote collaboration within a teamExcellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skillsDemonstrated ability to problem solve and be adaptable in a fast-paced environmentDemonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate change effectivelyDemonstrated high levels of integrity, trust, and difficult decision-making

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility:

Development of annual budgets of all areas of oversight that includes collaboration with direct reports and other staff, that maximizes the financial success of the department, and ensures good stewardship of resources.  Review monthly financial reports of areas of oversight and make operational adjustments as needed.  Oversee approximately $2,000,000 of annual department budget.

Working Conditions:

A combination of office work and visits to all recreation facilities across the campus.  Occasional travel may be required for peer benchmarking, professional development, or other departmental responsibilities.  Department operations or events may require occasional evening and weekend hours.

Physical Requirements:

The ability to travel to recreational facilities, other campus locations, and some off-campus locations is required.

Direct Reports:

This role manages a team of approximately three direct reports and a total team size of approximately 20+ full-time professionals.
 

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2025 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY25-26 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

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Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.