Assistant Director - Outdoor Recreation

Position Highlights

The Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation is responsible for the design, direction, management and evaluation of a comprehensive outdoor recreation program, including outdoor trips, instructional programs, rental center, bike rental program, and bouldering wall. Responsibilities include personnel management, financial management, guest relations, facility management, planning and design of inclusive programs and services and safety and risk management. The Assistant Director provides tactical and operational leadership designed to achieve the Campus Recreation vision. The position requires representation of the Department of Campus Recreation in a fair, consistent, cooperative and positive manner in accordance with Department and University policy. The position reports to the Associate Director for Programs and Well-Being Initiatives.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide tactical and operational leadership for the outdoor recreation and education programs designed to achieve the Campus Recreation vision. Program includes outdoor trips, instructional programs, rental center, and bike rental program and repair station, and bouldering wall.
• Responsible for the effective management and oversight of program offerings and facility spaces that achieves exceptional quality, stewardship and accountability.
• Plan semester / annual program mix and slate of offerings designed to achieve the vision for outdoor recreation programs while meeting U of A community needs. Work through subordinate staff to ensure curriculum design is consistent with best practices and industry standards.
• Collaborate with department staff to ensure facility spaces are maintained as needed to meet industry standards for programmatic use.
• Create the annual budget submission for review and approval. Manage the program according to approved budget, carrying out best practices in financial stewardship.
• Staff supervision including hiring, training, scheduling, feedback, evaluations, payroll and disciplinary processes for full-time, ancillary, student and volunteer staff. Indirect supervision of independent contractors. The development and engagement of student staff is an emphasis.
• Develop for review and approval any pertinent program area policies, procedures, processes and training / operations manuals.
• Develop or update necessary emergency procedures, safety practices and risk management processes in conjunction with administration and the department risk management work team. Represent Outdoor Recreation as a member of the departmental risk management work team.
• Develop marketing strategies, publicity strategies and pricing structures. Collaborate with department marketing staff and/or outside agencies as appropriate to implement strategies. Conduct outreach efforts in order to increase awareness and visibility of the program.
• Ensure the highest possible level of customer service in order to provide exceptional experiences through outdoor recreation programming.
• Develop, in collaboration with department staff, appropriate program assessment tools to assess market needs and interests, participant satisfaction and overall program feedback. Report on results, including strategies for process improvement.
• Execute equipment and supply purchasing within budgetary parameters according to U of A policies.
• Inventory and maintain all equipment and supplies to ensure quality, safety and security.
• Provide ongoing, semester and annual updates on pertinent measures of success, including participation, assessment data, and financial status and area happenings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Campus Recreation, the University of Arizona and Tucson community as necessary to achieve program success, collaborations and partnerships.
• Development and maintain positive relationships with current and potential participants and alumni in order to maximize program success.
• Ensure proficiency in Campus Recreation and University of Arizona policies, procedures and processes.
• Engage in Campus Recreation, University of Arizona and pertinent industry training and development opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience with collaborative programming and the ability to form positive relationships.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• A valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry certifications in any of these areas: Swift Water Rescue, Rock Climbing, Caving, Paddling, Whitewater Rafting, Leave No Trace(LNT), Bike Mechanic, includes AMGA, ACCT, PICA.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
• Master's degree in recreation, outdoor recreation, land management, higher education, health promotions or related field.
• Three years of full-time, relevant professional program oversight for outdoor recreation programs, experiential education / challenge programming and outdoor leadership.
• Two to three years of staff supervision.
• Demonstrated experiences at the collegiate level in the development, administration, and evaluation of outdoor recreation and adventure programs.
• Demonstrated experience with program development, marketing, financial management, safety and risk management.
• Current CPR-PR, AED, First Aid and Blood-borne Pathogen certification.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Student Services

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $59,404 - $74,254

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade: 8

Career Stream and Level: M2

Job Family: Campus Recreation

Job Function: Student Services

Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates: HR-CampusRec@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter