Assistant Director of Campus Activities & Recreation

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Campus Activities & Recreation is responsible for advancing student engagement, belonging, and campus community through the development and implementation of campus-wide programming, recreational opportunities, wellness-based initiatives, and school spirit efforts. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for the Student Experience & Dean of Students, this position provides leadership for campus recreation and intramural programs, student programming initiatives, spirit and mascot management, and collaborative campus traditions designed to enhance the student experience and support retention efforts.

The Assistant Director supervises student employees and graduate assistants within the recreation and programming areas and advises student leaders connected to campus activities, recreation, and spirit initiatives. This position also plays a key role in major divisional and institutional programs including Weeks of Welcome, Family Day, and campus-wide engagement initiatives.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesCampus Activities & Programming

• Develop, implement, and assess campus-wide programming initiatives designed to foster student engagement, inclusion, wellness, and school spirit.
• Provide oversight and advisement to the student Programming Board, including event planning, leadership development, budgeting, and program execution.
• Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate large-scale traditions, novelty events, late-night programming, and community-building initiatives.
• Take the lead with the planning and implementation of Weeks of Welcome and Family Day initiatives in collaboration with department colleagues.

Campus Recreation, Intramurals, & Spirit Initiatives

• Coordinate and oversee campus recreation and intramural programming opportunities designed to support student wellness, involvement, and retention.
• Supervise the operation and daily management of campus recreation spaces, including oversight of recreation desk staff and student employees.
• Advise and support the Recreation, Intramural, and Spirit Programming Student Council.
• Develop recreational tournaments, wellness initiatives, spirit-based competitions, and collaborative engagement opportunities.
• Oversee school spirit initiatives and mascot management, including scheduling, training, appearances, and promotional efforts.
• Support institutional anti-hazing education and prevention initiatives in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Student Engagement.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate recreation student staff and graduate assistants.

Collaboration & Campus Partnerships

• Collaborate with campus partners including Athletics, Student Health Services, Residence Life, Dining Services, Campus Safety, and Academic Affairs to support student engagement and wellness initiatives.
• Coordinate facility reservations and shared space usage with Athletics and other campus departments for recreational programs, tournaments, and campus-wide events.
• Partner with Student Health Services and campus stakeholders to develop wellness-focused engagement initiatives and educational programming.
• Work collaboratively with divisional and institutional partners to support large-scale campus traditions, retention initiatives, and student success efforts.
• Foster positive relationships with external vendors, community partners, and university departments to enhance the student experience.

Assessment & Administration

• Assist in the development and implementation of assessment efforts related to campus engagement, recreation participation, and student satisfaction.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, risk management documentation, and program assessments.
• Support divisional marketing and promotional efforts related to campus activities and recreation initiatives.
• Participate in divisional committees, university events, and evening/weekend programming responsibilities as needed.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, Recreation Management, Communication Studies, Event Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• One to three years of experience in student engagement, campus recreation, student activities, programming, leadership development, or related areas. Graduate assistant experience, student leadership experience, and involvement with campus programming boards or student organizations may be considered applicable experience.
• Experience planning and implementing campus programs, recreational activities, leadership initiatives, or large-scale events.
• Demonstrated commitment to student engagement, inclusion, wellness, and student development.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by programming needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Recreation Management, or related field.
• Experience with event assessment, risk management, and large-scale campus programming.
• Familiarity with student engagement platforms, scheduling systems, and social media promotion.
• Experience advising student organizations, supervising student employees, and/or mentoring student leaders.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to move throughout campus facilities and event spaces.
• Ability to lift and transport event materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Evening and weekend hours are regularly required in support of campus programs and events.

DISCLAIMER: While not comprehensive, this job description lists activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.