About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Recreation & Wellbeing provides competitive and recreational opportunities for students, faculty, staff and campus affiliated community members. In addition to the 30 sports clubs, the department offers a wide range of recreational activities and state of the art equipment.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Youth Programs spends the majority of time achieving organizational objectives through the coordinated achievements of subordinate staff. Establishes goals and objectives for the youth program portfolio. Manages staff, budget, and physical resources in compliance with department and campus policies.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 04/02/2026.

Responsibilities

Program Administration

Develops and implements departmental youth recreational program offerings, and associated policies and procedures.
Develop a plan to create new initiatives involving the expansion of the department youth recreational programs including but not limited to sports camps, year-round and extended day programming.
Assess current registration, training, and evaluation procedures. Stay informed of trends and industry standards associated with youth programs.
Key knowledge of Youth Development practices and exhibited knowledge through program development, and implementation will be key.
Coordinate recreational activities with other campuses and outside agencies including the American Camp Association.
Liaison with campus departments, department units including comms, customer service, and facilities, and program providers to communicate the various needs of the client/s and the various restrictions of the programming unit.
Work with appropriate vendor to facilitate camp registration and software needs related to participant experience.
Stay up to date on the latest trends of software capabilities.
Automate processes and tasks where possible.

Staff Development and Supervision

Manages and evaluates performance of administrative staff, recreation instructors, and support staff.
Review schedules to ensure that appropriately skilled staffs are assigned work in a fair and consistent manner to meet the needs of the overall program and that staff are rotated/cross-trained where appropriate to ensure program quality.
Ensure all program and related staff maintains current licenses, certifications, and credentials (ie. CPR and Standard First Aid certifications; aquatic staff maintains current Lifesaving and Water Safety Instructor's certifications.)
Perform staff corrective actions, working closely with department HR.
Use scheduling software to ensure staff are scheduled efficiently.
Maintain compliance with campus safety (background checks) and department required training before employees begin working.

Budget Administration

Develops and manages program and operational budgets for youth recreational programs.
Monitor income and expenses to meet approved budget goals.
Analyze allocated budgets and strategize throughout the budgetary year to meet department and unit budget objectives including revenue generation goals.
Anticipate the need for and provide additional support materials for new and increased expenses.
Prepare program projections, program expansion proposals, and format changes as needed ensuring information is accurate and complete.
Oversee collection of fees and other program revenue to ensure revenues are properly captured, deposited, and accounted.
Researches and requests grants, scholarships, and alternate funding partnerships and sources.

Risk Management

Develop and Implement departmental Youth Protection policies and procedures that are aligned with and in compliance with industry best practices, program safety training requirements, local health code regulations and guidelines.
Ensure youth programs are in compliance with all necessary industry standards and best practices, health codes, county regulations regarding recreational youth programming and childcare.
Ensures safety guidelines are adhered to.
Represents RecWell on Youth on Campus/Youth Protection committee.
Participates in UC wide youth protection committees and educational offerings.

Marketing and Promotion

Develops and implements public relations and promotional programs.
Work with the Marketing unit within RecWell and Student Affairs for the promotion of programs and special events.
Develop and review promotional plans with marketing staff that identifies target audiences, addresses how to reach those audiences on as needed basis.
Analyze and evaluate enrollment and sales numbers and participant feedback/questions in a routine and on-going manner.
Review marketing expenses to keep within budgetary parameters.
Coordinate recreational activities with other campuses and outside agencies.
Liaison with campus departments, department units and program providers to communicate the various needs of the client/s and the various restrictions of the programming unit.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge of program activity and industry best practices.
Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across the organization, internally and externally.
Skills to deliver highly effective service orientation, program management, and make sound judgments decisions; able to use critical thinking skills to develop original and creative problem-solving ideas in a varied and challenging environment.
Demonstrated fiscal management abilities.
Client service minded entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking skills.
Highly effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
Knowledge of and/or can quickly learn campus policies and procedures.
Has knowledge of program activity and industry best practices.
Experience setting standards in rec programming including accreditation requirements for youth programming.
Experience supervising career employees, 3 years minimum.
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED.
Standard First Aid Training Certification.
Maintains TB clearance.
Must complete blood borne pathogen training annually.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Associate Director of Youth Programs (0329U), Recreation & Wellbeing - 85113

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA