Assistant Director of Recreation Operations
- Employer
- The University of Kansas
- Location
- University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
View more categoriesView less categories
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The University of Kansas Recreation Services department seeks an Assistant Director of Recreation Operations to assist with the recreation services operation of the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center (ASRFC) highlighting the important work of this office, and essential resources and services available to members of the University community. The work of the Recreation Services Assistant Director of Recreation Operations will directly support recreation services programmatic efforts and initiatives to support its core values of Community, Excellence, Experience, Growth, and Integrity which align directly with two of KU’s Institutional Priorities of Healthy and Vibrant Communities and Student Success.
The Assistant Director of Recreation Operations is a full time unclassified, non-exempt position in Recreation Services and will play an essential role in the management and support of Recreation Services core functions including, but not limited to, daily operations of the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center and membership services while assisting with special events, facility scheduling and more. This position will report to the Associate Director of Facilities.
The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university, plus a center for learning, scholarship, and creative endeavors. Founded in 1865, the University enrolls 28,000 students and has 2,800 faculty members. KU is the only Kansas Regents University to hold membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), a select group of 62 public and private research universities that represent excellence in graduate and professional education and the highest achievements in research internationally. The National Science Foundation and Carnegie Foundation both classify KU as a top research university.
The university is committed to excellence. It fosters a multicultural environment in which the dignity and rights of the individual are respected.
Lawrence Campus:
Considered one of the most beautiful in the nation, KU's central campus occupies 1,000 acres on and around historic Mount Oread in Lawrence, a community of about 100,000 in the forested hills of eastern Kansas. Ten of KU's 13 schools are based here and are internationally recognized research centers and laboratories.
Job Description50% - Daily Operations and Student Staffing:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center.
- On call and first contact for the following:
- Facilities staffing in the evenings, on weekends, and during normal hours of operations.
- Police matters including theft and video review from security cameras
- Oversee and supervise a staff of approximately 60 students who are responsible for the daily staffing and participant operations at the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center.
- Responsible for recruitment, hiring, training, evaluating, scheduling, payroll and discipline of student staff.
- Coordinate open recreation participant discipline.
- Construct, review, and revise participant and facility staff manuals, policies and procedures.
- Responsible for department deposit transactions.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of the annual budget of approximately $150,000.
- Assist with the development, recommendation and coordination of improvement projects.
- Purchase, maintain levels and inventory equipment available for informal recreation checkout, including laundry supplies.
30% - Membership Services:
- Develops and coordinates membership services policies and procedures in accordance with established guidelines
- Responsible for accounts receivable activities for memberships including payments and all forms of communication with members.
- Manage automated email module within recreation software for expiring memberships, locker rentals and other defined services.
- Develop and manage programs to attract new members including materials and presentations
- Reconciles credit card reports
- Construct, review, and revise staff manuals, policies and procedures.
- Manages internal invoices to coordinate with university processes (ie damaged sports equipment)
- Provides weekly/monthly overview reports of numbers and revenue for each type of membership
5% - Assist in the development of the Facility Schedule:
- Assist in creating fall, spring and summer facility schedules.
- Manage priority system for schedule
- Identify and resolve conflicts within the schedule
- Assist with Master Building Schedule
5% - Assist in Special Events:
- Responsible for scheduling staff in coordination with Assistant Director for Outdoor Pursuits and Special Events
5%- Manage Internship Program:
- Contact area colleges and universities and provide them with information about internship possibilities.
- Attend academic classes and present internship information
- Coordinate application process
- Responsible for first round of interviews to make sure applicant is a good fit for Recreation Services
- Direct applicant to area of interest for second round of interviews
5% - Other Duties as Assigned:
- Responsible for updating KU Recreation Services phones at Administrative Office and Welcome Center
- Serve on University committees as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Physical Education, Recreation, Exercise Physiology, Health Education, Exercise Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of three years of experience in recreation/fitness or a related field.
- Excellent demonstrated written communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.
- Previous experience supervising staff, as evidenced in application materials.
- Minimum of six months of experience with standard computer skills such as Microsoft Office Suite.
- Master's degree in Recreation, Sports Administration, Health/Physical Education, Exercise Science, Higher Education, Student Affairs or related field.
- Previous experience in the administration and operation of a recreation facility (both indoor and outdoor), as evidenced in application materials.
- Experience in recruiting, hiring, training, evaluating, scheduling and discipline of recreation staff or related field of higher education staffing, as demonstrated in application materials.
- Experience with program budgets and risk management procedures, as evidenced in application materials.
- Professional involvement such as the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA), or similar organization, as demonstrated in application materials.
- Experience working with Recreation Management Software, as evidenced in application materials.
- Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume/CV.
- List of three (3) professional references, with contact information and relationship to candidate
Application review begins Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.
Contact Information to ApplicantsKendra Ikenberry, kendraikenberry@ku.eduAdvertised Salary Range45,000 - 55,000Work ScheduleMonday - Friday 8am to 5pmApplication Review BeginsTuesday March 11, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday April 14, 2025Apply to Job
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.
We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
Get job alerts
Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.
Create alert