JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Director of UConn Recreation is responsible for the development, administration, strategic management, and leadership of the University’s comprehensive collegiate recreation and wellness program.  The role includes oversight for multifaceted programmatic units, including Outdoor Adventure, Fitness and Wellness, Club Sports, Intramural Sports and Tournaments, and special programs, as well as management of comprehensive facilities, including exterior fields and venues. The Senior Director is responsible for efficient and effective operational management, resource management, budget and fiscal administration, and compliance to ensure standards are met. The Senior Director directs a large professional staff (30+) and student employee staff (350+).  Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Life, the Senior Director collaborates with colleagues throughout the Division of Student Life and Enrollment and other community stakeholders to ensure delivery of high-quality recreational wellness programs and services in alignment with institutional goals and priorities. The successful candidate will have excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and critical thinking skills and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead, provide vision, and direction for a large and diverse professional and student team to ensure high-quality delivery of recreational wellness programs and services. Areas of oversight include Outdoor Adventure, Fitness and Wellness, Club Sports, Intramural Sports and Tournaments, and special programs
2. Supervise and manage direct reports, including the Director, Director for Student Employment and Development, Director for Competitive Sports, Assistant Director for Safety, Risk Management and Compliance, Coordinator for Strategic Development and Assessment, and Coordinator for Marketing and Digital Media.
3. Develop and manage an operating budget of $14,500,000 per year and a staff of 30+ professionals and 350+ students.
4. Organize and lead strategic planning for UConn Recreation, including assessment and benchmarking to support the implementation of UConn Recreation goals, values and alignment of Divisional and University priorities.
5. Direct all human resource functions, including recruitment, review, hiring, training, and review of professional staff.  Serves as the hiring manager or assigns a designee for all professional searches. Ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements and with University and State regulations.
6. Recommend use and membership fees for review to the Associate Vice President for Student Life.  Advise the use of fees and income generating projects. Foster the generation of revenue producing opportunities. Prepare quarterly and annual reports on program status for submittal to appropriate University personnel in relation to use of the General University Fee (GUF), Recreation Fee, Foundation, and general revenue.
7. Provide oversight for administrative operations, including policy creation, review, and revision to maximize efficiency and safety of operation.
8. Ensure appropriate risk mitigation strategies are implemented and adhered to minimize the risk associated with the operation of programs and delivery of services.
9. Ensure ongoing improvement in the effective and efficient delivery of programs and services.  
10. Serve as the liaison to the Division of Athletics to ensure a strong partnership in the management and oversight of shared university resources.
11. Serve on the Student Life and Enrollment Leadership Team, establishing relationships to enhance teamwork to advance divisional priorities.
12. Work collaboratively to develop liaisons with University stakeholders, including regional campus and department leaders, to advance wellness and student success initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree is required.
• Ten years of progressive management experience with demonstrated involvement in fiscal management and program/service design and delivery.
• Expertise in developing and maintaining successful relationships through all levels of an organization.
• Knowledge of facility operations, risk mitigation, and strategic planning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Management of a collegiate recreation program, including facility operation, risk mitigation, and deferred maintenance.
• Work history serving on a project team for a new or renovated recreation facility.
• Professional experience managing employees represented by collective bargaining units.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits, please visit https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/ and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499347 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 31, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.