Coordinator, Recreation Operations

Job Description

The Recreation Operations Coordinator reports to the Associate Director of University Recreation. This role supports Austin Peay State University's commitment toward building and sustaining a vibrant campus community by ensuring safe, and well-managed recreational facilities that foster student engagement, leadership development and wellbeing. The coordinator serves as part of a team that drives the strategy, vision, multidisciplinary and data-informed approach, and operational leadership to develop, inspire, and lead the care, standards, and wellbeing to create a campus community where students thrive.

This position collaborates in a cross-Divisional and cross-institutional approach to administer the services, functions, and activities related to student support and campus life operations. The coordinator provides leadership in day-to-day facility management, risk mitigation, student employment development and reservation oversight. Through a student-centered approach, this role contributes to a caring and safe campus environment, that supports holistic student success through recreation, leadership opportunities, and professional skill development.

Characteristics of a successful candidate:

• Integrity, creativity, and decisiveness.
• Motivation to create an inclusive and safe student experience.
• Ability to serve with agility and manage multiple priorities.
• A commitment to practicing open communication and inspiring trust.
• Desire to collaborate with colleagues.
• Demonstrated sincere enjoyment from working with students and developing student leaders.

Responsibilities include:

Operations

• Collaborate with the Associate Director in oversight of facility operations, maintenance coordination and custodial services.
• Ensure Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and emergency response procedures are current, practiced, and consistently implemented across all operational areas.
• Support implementation, enforcement, and regular review of facility safety policies, access procedures, student conduct policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate facility safety initiatives, preventative maintenance, and risk-management improvements in collaboration with contractors, and campus partners.
• Maintain accurate risk management documentation, including accident/incident reports, compliance records, and inspection logs.
• Audit and maintain CPR/AED/First Aid certifications for all University Recreation employees.
• Provide supervisory coverage during weekday evenings, and weekends as part of the operational rotation, serving as the on-site professional responsible for safe facility operations, appropriate staffing levels, incident response, patron support, and reservation coordination.
• Oversee facility-related budgets, including payroll, program and maintenance expenses, and revenue tracking.
• Forecast and monitor wages, staffing levels, expenses and revenue to assist with future budget preparation and fiscal stewardship.
• Maintain a working knowledge of operations and procedures for all areas of University Recreation.

Reservations and Facility Use

• Coordinate internal and external reservation requests and space usage.
• Communicate with reservation groups and manage invoice submission, payment tracking and contract compliance.
• Ensure membership and program information is accurate in recreation management software and across digital and print platforms.
• Communicate effectively with University Recreation leadership regarding reservations, special events and facility requirements.
• Provide night and weekend oversight for reservation setups, event supervision, and special facility bookings.

Student Employment and Leadership Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, develop and evaluate 12-25 student employees, including Customer Service Attendants (CSA) and Facility Attendants.
• Develop and implement ongoing training aligned campus recreation best practices, emphasizing transferable skill development, professionalism, customer service excellence and leadership growth.
• Enforce and communicate university and department policies with employees and patrons.
• Create, identify, and assess program goals and student learning outcomes in alignment with University and Division missions and strategic plans.
• Provide high-quality customer service in all interactions, modeling professionalism and accountability.

Department and Division

• Maintain open communication with the Associate Director to engage in issue-spotting, strategic problem-solving, and continuous operational improvement.
• Collaborate with University Recreation staff to advance the departmental and divisional vision, mission, core values, and strategic plan.
• Support the mission of University Recreation, Student Affairs, and APSU through participation in departmental initiatives, campus-wide events, and committees.
• Collaborate with APSU departments and community partners to enhance service delivery and student engagement.
• Remain current through professional development and participation in relevant professional organizations.
• Prepare timely and accurate operational and assessment reports.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Red Cross Instructor or Instructor Trainer certification for CPR/AED/First Aid.
• Experience with facility management systems and recreation management software.
• Experience leading special initiatives, operational improvements, or strategic planning efforts.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience in facility management and supervision.
• Knowledge of best practices within campus recreation.
• Maintain Red Cross Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid certification (or obtain within the first ninety (90) days of hire).
• Ability to work outside normal business hours; including evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to lead, develop and work with a diverse staff.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to administer multiple deadlines and tasks effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and assess data.
• Valid driver's license.

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