Assistant Director - Club Sports
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.
Department Summary:
The Michigan Recreation Department at the University of Michigan is dedicated to fostering a healthy lifestyle through engagement, leadership, and active participation. The department manages several programs, four indoor facilities, two 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 Assistant Director will lead the management and expansion of the Club Sport program, including full-time staff (3), student supervisors, coaches, and student-athletes. This role provides strategic leadership and vision for the program and its staff. Key responsibilities include creating budgets, policies, and procedures, supervising the Program Manager for Club Sports and the Men's Rowing Coach, functional supervision of the Club Sports Financial Specialist, and overseeing daily operations. Additionally, the Assistant Director will be instrumental in developing training curricula and partnerships that are vital to the success of the program.
Program Oversight (40%):
- Manage the planning, promotion, organization, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of the Club Sports program
- Serve as the point of contact for University Health & Counseling to execute and evaluate the effectiveness of the Athletic Training Fellows partnership program
- Contribute to the promotion of the Club Sports Program through various media outlets
- Incorporate current and future technology practices into the Club Sports program
- Measure participant impact and outcome-related effectiveness of the Club Sports program
- Oversee the Club Sports sponsorship process, including: education on valuation, developing and managing sponsorships with external partners; creation and approval of sponsorship agreements; confirming compliance and fulfillment of the sponsorship agreement
- Collaborate with various units on and off campus to assist with programmatic needs such as HR, Risk Management, Licensing, Center for Campus Involvement, Office of Student Conflict Resolution, and Intercollegiate Athletics
Student Organization Advising (25%):
- Develop and deliver staff and Club Sports student officer training and education programs based on University expectations, best practices, and industry standards
- Facilitate monthly meetings with teams to ensure students understanding of expectations and support for their specific organizational needs
- Provide oversight of all club travel and facility scheduling
- Educate students and coaches on campus resources available for individual or organizational needs
- Ensure program compliance with the Michigan Recreation and University policies
- Provide on-site supervision for large Club Sports events. Observe and evaluate select club practices and events
Staff Oversight (15%):
- Provide supervision, direction, coaching, and mentoring of direct reports
- Ensure direct reports represent the Department in a positive way
- Evaluate and provide regular feedback to direct reports
- Ensure the recruitment, hiring, and development of student programming staff meets Department needs and goals
Fiscal Oversight (10%):
- Prepare, oversee, forecast, and manage the operating budgets of areas of oversight; approve expenditures from Department, gift, and agency funds for assigned clubs; ensure compliance of operations with Department, Division, and University policies
- Oversee the distribution of funds allocated to clubs through multiple processes
- Work collaboratively with campus partners to ensure compliance with purchasing approvals and processes
- Purchase and maintain inventory of all equipment and gear as needed
- Supervise overall program payroll
Leadership (10%):
- Provide departmental leadership; develop and enforce departmental policies; 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
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, may substitute.
- Minimum 3 years experience and demonstrated working knowledge of club sports or student organization program administration
- Experience with policy creation and evaluation related to risk management associated with student organizations or athletic activity
Desired Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Kinesiology, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports Management and Communication, or related field
- Sustained involvement in NIRSA or other professional associations
- Proven effective leadership, management, and mentoring for a student development-focused program
- Experience in travel coordination of Student Organizations, and understanding of policies, procedures, and safety measures accompanying travel (regional and national)
Financial/Budgetary Responsibility:
This position has oversight of the development and administration of the annual budgets in the Club Sports Program. The total annual budget responsibility of this position is estimated to be $750,000
Working Conditions:
On occasion could be expected to work evening hours or weekends to support Michigan Recreation events. Be on-call to provide leadership during times programs and facilities are operating; attend professional development opportunities, as assigned; other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
Routinely moves/transports items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds, etc.
Direct Reports:
Directly supervises two regular staff (Program Manager, Club Sports; Head Coach, Men's Rowing); Provides functional supervision of Club Sports Financial Specialist
Other Information:
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.
Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2026 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
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