Facility Operations Program Coordinator - Smith Center

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University's mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

Ready to make an impact at one of the most vibrant recreation communities in the country? At University of Notre Dame RecSports, our facilities are more than just spaces - they're where community, wellness, and student life come together. From the Smith Center for Recreational Sports to the Rockne Memorial Building, the North Dome at the Joyce Center, and Ricci Family Fields, our team supports a dynamic environment that offers everything from climbing and Olympic lifting to intramurals, club sports, and large-scale campus events. If you're energized by fast-paced environments, passionate about working with students, and excited to lead, this is the role for you.

About the Role

The Facility Operations Program Coordinator - Smith Center plays a key role in bringing the RecSports experience to life. In this position, you'll partner closely with the Assistant Director of Facilities and Climbing Programs to lead daily operations, elevate the student staff experience, and ensure the Smith Center remains a safe, welcoming, and high-energy hub for the Notre Dame community.

This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll coach and develop student staff, manage operations, and help shape the overall experience of one of campus's most active facilities. This position is a full-time, in-person, 12-month role, with various evening and weekend responsibilities throughout the academic year, as well as some limited evening and weekend responsibilities throughout the summer.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Lead and mentor a team of 240+ student and part-time staff
• Work in a high-energy, student-centered environment
• Play a direct role in creating a welcoming and inclusive campus space
• Gain experience in facility operations, event coordination, and program leadership
• Be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team within Student Affairs

What You'll Do

Personnel Management

• Work collaboratively with all facility operations coordinators to ensure that 240+ students and part-time staff are trained, scheduled, supervised, and evaluated in accordance with all University/RecSports policies and procedures.
• Empower student and part-time facility staff to address, problem-solve, and manage daily activities, facility maintenance issues, special events, and other building needs.
• Develop, coordinate, and lead training with student Operations Supervisors, Recreation Attendants, and part-time staff.
• Responsible for the certification administration and maintenance of RecSports facilities staff members.
• Assist in developing, coordinating, and supervising all RecSports customer service programs and initiatives, including annual all-staff training each August.
• Manage schedules in InnoSoft Fusion recreation management software and educate all staff on its use and troubleshooting.
• Manage all employment records, including certifications, risk management training, and personnel evaluations.
• Possess/obtain and maintain the following American Red Cross certifications: CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers with First Aid, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers Instructor, and First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor.
• Act as a liaison between RecSports and all groups that utilize the facility.

Facility Management

• Ensure that all Smith Center spaces, including the climbing wall, fitness spaces, locker rooms, activity rooms, basketball courts, and weight rooms, are operated safely and in compliance with RecSports/University policy and procedure.
• Ability to assist in the facility management and operations of a climbing facility, including possessing the necessary instructor-level skills and certifications.
• Coordinate and supervise daily equipment and towel service check-out programs. University of Notre Dame RecSports Facility Operations Program Coordinator - Smith Center.
• Maintain and purchase new check-out equipment.
• Coordinate and supervise credit card handling policies and procedures.
• Collaborate and assist in the development, coordination, training, and implementation of all University and RecSports Emergency Action Plans.
• Educate and update staff on proper RecSports Emergency Action Plans, including, but not limited to, first-responder responsibilities, evacuation protocols, and procedures for bodily fluid cleanup.
• Collaborate and support the climbing wall, fitness, special events, intramural sports, club sports programs, and other University and student groups with any facility requests.
• Assist and collaborate with the facilities team in coordinating any special facility access requests.
• Provide coordination and oversight of RecSports programs and events in RecSports facilities.
• Plan, organize, and implement RecSports summer climbing wall activities and facility operations.
• Various evening and weekend work is required for this position, specifically during RecSports operating/programming hours.
• Serve as an on-campus point of contact and in an on-call capacity for RecSports special events.

Additional Responsibilities

• Instruct American Red Cross certification classes for RecSports employees as needed.
• Serve as an integral member of the Facilities Team, composed of facility operations coordinators, two assistant directors, and an associate director.
• Various evening and weekend work is required for this position, specifically during RecSports operating/programming hours.
• Assist with RecSports special events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Student Development Team and Division of Student Affairs

• Participates as an integral member of a large, multifaceted Student Development team interacting daily with colleagues in the Office of Community Standards, Student Activities Office, University Bands, Family Resource Center, and student media groups.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, master's degree preferred. Major in recreation administration, sport management, leisure studies, physical education, kinesiology, or comparable degree.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience, with a preference for recreation facility management in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, customer service, team building, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent organization, planning, and communication skills, which are necessary to interact effectively with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the public.
• Ability to lead and work in a team atmosphere.
• The successful candidate will also be committed to the University's Catholic, Holy Cross mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in recreation administration, sports management, leisure studies, physical education, kinesiology, or comparable degree.
• Two-year graduate assistantship in Recreation/Student Affairs Facility Operations & Management, Membership Services, or another related area.
• A CWA Instructor certification, or demonstrate the ability to obtain certification.
• Experience working with WhenToWork and InnoSoft Fusion recreation management software.
• Experience working in a climbing facility, specifically with a bouldering wall.

Additional Information

Salary: Up to $47,000

Applications will be accepted through May 4, 2026

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application.