Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics and recreation program in the country. We are the proud Home of Champions and support the university’s physical education, recreation and wellness initiatives.
Aligned with the pioneering spirit of Stanford University, Stanford Recreation and Wellness is committed to bold and purposeful engagement. We ignite a culture of belonging and wellbeing through movement, adventure, play, and learning. Our fifty-two full-time staff and over 400 part-time staff manage eight recreation facilities at one of the world’s most beautiful universities.
Hosting over a million visits annually, we work cohesively, lead with courage, and pursue and revere excellence. We are building a community that is inclusive and a diverse team that is committed to excellence. We take risks. We are willing to lead. We innovate. We develop our employees. We promote a culture of gratitude and recognition. We have fun. If that sounds like you, join us.
JOB PURPOSE
The Senior Director of Programs leads four program areas for Recreation and Wellness: Sport and Youth, Fitness, Wellness, and Inclusion, Adventure, and Aquatics. This position supervises three professional staff who manage approximately 18 FTE and over 300 part-time employees while reporting to the Executive Director. The position coordinates risk management for the Recreation and Wellness portfolio, develops a cohesive programming model balancing budget goals, philosophy, and capacity, and is responsible for all program assessments and reporting.
ABOUT STANFORD RECREATION AND WELLNESS
Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics and recreation program in the country. We are the proud Home of Champions and support the university’s physical education, recreation and wellness initiatives.
Aligned with the pioneering spirit of Stanford University, Stanford Recreation and Wellness is committed to bold and purposeful engagement. We ignite a culture of belonging and wellbeing through movement, adventure, play, and learning. Our fifty-two full-time staff and over 400 part-time staff manage eight recreation facilities at one of the world’s most beautiful universities.
Hosting over a million visits annually, we work cohesively, lead with courage, and pursue and revere excellence. We are building a community that is inclusive and a diverse team that is committed to excellence. We take risks. We are willing to lead. We innovate. We develop our employees. We promote a culture of gratitude and recognition. We have fun. If that sounds like you, join us.
JOB PURPOSE
The Senior Director of Programs leads four program areas for Recreation and Wellness: Sport and Youth, Fitness, Wellness, and Inclusion, Adventure, and Aquatics. This position supervises three professional staff who manage approximately 18 FTE and over 300 part-time employees while reporting to the Executive Director. The position coordinates risk management for the Recreation and Wellness portfolio, develops a cohesive programming model balancing budget goals, philosophy, and capacity, and is responsible for all program assessments and reporting.
CORE DUTIES
Program Management (40%)
Provide leadership, visioning, and support to Recreation and Wellness programs: Sport and Youth, Fitness, Wellness, and Inclusion, Adventure, and Aquatics.
Support the development of a cohesive programming model that is innovative and aligned with the needs of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and youth programs.
Work with program staff to produce stand-alone and recurring medium to large scale events.
Implement and maintain appropriate policies and risk management for participation in programs.
Resolve complaints and concerns with participants and staff.
Keep abreast with trends and research in the collegiate recreation field to inform department strategies and practices.
People, Administrative and Financial Management (30%)
Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization and the day-to-day operations. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development and accountable for the performance of employees, including regular evaluations of personnel.
Oversee compliance with departmental and university policies, Recommend and/or formulate internal guidelines and procedures.
Foster a culture that ignites belonging and wellbeing, engages in evidence-based decision-making, maximizes opportunities for life-long learning, personal development, and leadership.
Responsible for overseeing the finances for area of responsibility as well as developing, monitoring, and analyzing a complex consolidated annual budget including operations, revenue, and gifts that total over four million dollars annually.
Develop and implement long-range financial objectives and plans for all programs.
Work closely with the Executive Director, campus and department peers, and other team members to develop organizational structure, policies and procedures, personnel support, and effective allocation of resources and facilities.
Strategic Planning (20%)
Oversee the strategic planning cycle including developing and implementing plans for the programs, supporting DAPER, Recreation and Wellness, and campus strategic planning initiatives.
Evaluate and propose metrics that measure progress against goals for program areas to encourage new and diversified participation.
Contribute to departmental assessment, strategic engagement, student development, alumni outreach, and development initiatives and projects.
Organize the preparation and reporting of all performance measures to internal and external stakeholders.
Internal and External Leadership and Collaboration (10%)
Share in the direction, administration, and supervision of the overall department.
Influence leadership on specific recommendations on current and future operations.
Represent Recreation and Wellness on campus, in the community, and/or outside constituencies, when appropriate and as needed.
Establish solid relationships with cross-functional subject matter experts and glean deep understanding of their roles and contributions to bring a depth of rich expertise to strategic recommendations.
Develop, nurture, and maintain numerous and complex campus partnerships to improve campus life.
Ancillary Responsibilities:
Attend state, regional, and national conferences as approved to keep abreast of current trends and issues.
Pursue and maintain all necessary certifications related to job responsibilities (American Red Cross Adult & Infant/Child CPR/FA/AED).
Serve on department or university committees as requested.
Exercise flexibility to work evening or weekend hours as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned such as additional project management, being the daily point of contact for staff, or leading staff meetings.
Will serve as a proxy for the Executive Director and represent Recreation and Wellness to the university community.
The candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience related to the administration of sports and recreation with a knowledge base of student development, collegiate recreation programming, and risk management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to implement innovative programming
Expert level knowledge of best and emerging practices for risk management
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills including conflict resolution.
Subject matter expertise in at least three of the areas of responsibility.
Expertise in budget planning and analysis and financial forecasting.
Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Advanced knowledge of student and staff training and development strategies.
Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
Ability to ensure and apply compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.
Experience with MS Office products, database applications and relevant sports, clubs and other computer systems/technology experience.
Certifications and Licenses
CPR/First Aid/AED Certification
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*
Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.
* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position frequently spends time in an office setting using computer.
Position often spends time in both indoor and outdoor sports facilities interacting with participants.
This is an in-person position.
Requires 24-hour response availability seven days a week for emergency situations when not on vacation or scheduled off.
WORK STANDARDS
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, clients and external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
DAPER’s Integrity:
This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanfordʼs intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA and Pac-12 rules and regulations.
Pay Range:
The expected pay range for this position is $117,000 - $130,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/b...) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.