Job Details

Seattle University
  • Position Number: 6467929
  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Position Type: Health - Sports Mgmt, Recreation & Leisure Studies


Director, University Recreation

Seattle University



Director, University Recreation

FLSA Status: Exempt

Market Reference Range (MRR): 13

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: On-site

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

University Recreation (UREC) inspires, educates, and empowers the Seattle University community to live happier and healthier lives. In support of the Seattle University mission to educate the whole person, UREC is committed to ensuring the student recreation experience is positive, inclusive, safe, and transformative.

The Director of University Recreation provides leadership and supervision of a comprehensive university recreation program that includes multiple facilities and a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of the Seattle University community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The Director of University Recreation must have a passion for engaging students in meaningful learning outside of the classroom while providing a suite of high quality programs, activities, and services that support the health and wellness of the Seattle University community.

The Director of University Recreation oversees the staff, budget, operations, risk management, policies, and programs of the 180,000 square foot Redhawk Center and Eisiminger Fitness Center, an Aquatics program that includes two pools, a full-service Fitness program, a Competitive Sports program that includes Intramural Sports and 15+ Sport Clubs, and the Outdoor program. The Director supervises a team of 5 professional staff, 3 Graduate Assistants, and over 100+ student employees. The Director collaborates with a variety of campus partners, including Athletics, the Center for Student Involvement, Housing & Residence Life, the MOSAIC Center, Orientation Programs, Wellness & Health Promotion, and others to ensure the delivery of programs and services that meet the holistic needs of a diverse community.

Essential Functions

Supervision & Administration: 50%
  • Hire, train, manage, supervise, develop, and evaluate 5 professional staff, 3 Graduate Assistants, and more than 100+ student employees, either directly or indirectly.
  • Plan, administer, manage, and reconcile departmental budgets.
  • Supervise the University's Esports Center, including it staff, programs, and maintenance.
  • Develop and execute short and long-term financial strategies including revenue forecasting, and planning for operating and capital budgets.
  • Ensure compliance with all university budget and purchasing policies.
  • Develop a staffing plan that meets the needs of the department while adhering to the annual budget allocation.
  • Develop strategic plans, goals, and measurable objectives for University Recreation.
  • Respond to and resolve member complaints and maintain accurate complaint records.
  • Administer, develop, implement department policies, procedures, and risk management practices.

University Leadership: 25%

  • Promote University Recreation programs and services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
  • Develop and facilitate limited UREC programming on the Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University campus.
  • Collaborate with a variety of campus partners, including Athletics, the Center for Student Involvement, Housing & Residence Life, the MOSAIC Center, Orientation Programs, Wellness & Health Promotion, and others to ensure the delivery of programs and services that meet the holistic needs of a diverse community.
  • Participate in divisional and campus committees as directed by supervisor.
  • Represent the division and the university to external constituents, including regional and national-level professional associations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Facilities Management: 15%

  • Supervise the operations, equipment, and maintenance needs of the 180,000 square foot Redhawk Center & Eisiminger Fitness Center, including 2 pools, a full-service fitness center, courts, functional training spaces, multi-purpose gym, locker rooms, and other spaces.
  • Develop and facilitate long-range planning for facility enhancements and preventative maintenance plans via asset inventory practices.
  • Work closely with Facilities and vendors to respond to annual and incidental equipment and facility maintenance needs.

Assessment & Planning: 10%
  • Oversee the department's efforts to assess the quality and effectiveness of programs and services.
  • Develop and oversee implementation of new programs and services as indicated by student/member feedback.
  • Stay attuned to best practices and emerging research and continually evaluate the department to ensure it meets or exceeds professional standards.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in recreation administrator or other comparable program and a minimum of three years previous experience administering an educational program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
  • Evidence of ability to provide leadership and problem-solving skills in analyzing recreation needs of emerging adults, especially college students.
  • Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff and graduate students.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentations and group facilitation.
  • Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
  • All candidates must show a demonstrated commitment to diversity and the university's mission, vision and values.
  • All positions at Seattle University require a criminal history background check.
  • First Aid/CPR/AED Certification required within 90 days of hire and maintained throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in recreation administration, higher education/student affairs, or a closely related discipline.
  • Five years of full-time professional experience, preferably in a higher education setting, with previous experience in administering a campus recreation program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.


Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: 84,000-86,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/