Assistant Director, Aquatics & Adventure
Florida Gulf Coast University
Job Summary
The Assistant Director, Aquatics & Adventure provides strategic
and operational direction of the Lee County/FGCU Aquatics Center,
South Village pool, Waterfront area, and all aquatics, safety, and
outdoor adventure programs. Oversees the day-to-day operations of
assigned program area and supervises full-time and part-time OPS
employees.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and
collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others
and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive
action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation,
accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home
here.
Job Description
Typical duties include but are not limited to:
- Manages day-to-day operations of the assigned program area and
facilities, including Aquatics, RecVentures, and the
Waterfront.
Oversees the recruitment, hiring, and training of full-time
staff and part time OPS staff that assist in carrying out the goals
and objectives of the functional area.
Oversees the operational management and usage of the Lee
County/FGCU Aquatics Center, South Village Pool, and Waterfront
facilities.
Serves as the Facility Use Custodian for Lee County/FGCU
Aquatics Center, South Village Pool, and Waterfront. Develops
Facility Use Agreements and Memorandum of Understandings for the
use of the spaces by groups, verifies insurance requirements, tax
exempt status, alcohol use, and solicitation request for spaces to
ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
Oversees management of the RecVentures programming and
initiatives. Includes motorized and non-motorized boat programs,
educational clinics, trip programs, and equipment rentals.
Oversees aquatic programming to include swim lessons, swim/dive
club training and meets, and safety certification programming.
Develops and implements risk management and safety plans.
Ensures all safety practices are followed.
Assists with instructor training for department full time staff
for first aid and risk management certification programs.
Collects and analyzes data to assess and evaluate programs and
initiatives.
Assists in the development and implementation of policies and
procedures to ensure effective operation for multiple program areas
and facilities.
Develops and manages the operating budgets to ensure program
alignment with fiscal allocation.
Assists in goal setting and planning. Develops goals, student
learning outcomes, and objectives. Assists with the development and
implementation of the overall departmental strategic plan.
Stays current on trends and best practices in aquatics, risk
management, and outdoor adventure programming to develop new and
improved programming and stay within operational standards of
aquatic facilities. Participates in state, regional, and national
professional organizations, conferences, and workshops.
Other Duties:
- Serves on assigned University Recreation and Wellness and
university work teams and committees as needed
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned
- Assists with special projects as assigned.
Additional Job Description
Required Qualifications:
- This position requires either eight years of directly related
full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree
from an accredited institution in Recreation Management, Sports
Administration, or closely related field and four years of
full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
- Current American Red Cross or equivalent lifeguard, Water
Safety Instructor, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications or the
ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
- Current Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatics Facility
Operator (AFO) certification or obtain within one year of
hire.
- Experience operating a personal computer and proficient in
Microsoft office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
- Valid Driver's License.
- Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience,
and/or certifications may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Recreation
Management, Sports Administration, or closely related field.
- Two years full-time professional experience in higher education
campus recreation related to the position.
- Experience scheduling and supervising the work of students,
support, and professional employees.
- Experience in swim meet coordination.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges
with creativity
- Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and
holding oneself accountable
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively
across teams
- Knowledge of campus recreation and fitness programming.
- Knowledge of risk management standards and practices.
- Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods.
- Knowledge of marketing principles including promotion,
fundraising, and public relations.
- Knowledge of budget control principles, practices, and
procedures.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication
skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize
and complete simultaneous projects.
- Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff,
faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented
environment.
- Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and
independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate, and
perform work in various situations when numerous and competing
demands are involved.
- Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, goals
and objectives.
- Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing
information, guidance, and motivation.
- Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as
necessary.
Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:
- Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for
feedback and new ideas.
- Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work;
persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve
deliverables.
- Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships
across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to
achieve common goals.
Pay Grade 16
Review of applicant materials will begin on September 25,
2026.
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal
Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or
protected veteran status.
To apply, please visit: https://jobs.fgcu.edu/jobs/assistant-director-aquatics-adventure-fort-myers-florida-united-states
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