Director, Usask Rec

The Director is responsible for ensuring the successful strategic management of all aspects of USask Rec programming and operations, and leads a team of USask Rec Coordinators to accomplish these goals. The position is responsible for planning and operations related to use of recreation and athletic facilities under the direction of the College of Kinesiology including but not limited to fitness centre and recreation facility operations, student recreation programming, aquatics programming, children’s activity camps and high performance training programs.  This important work supports the mission of USask Rec, the College of Kinesiology, and the University of Saskatchewan.

Nature of Work:

Reporting to the Dean of Kinesiology, the position is a key member of the College of Kinesiology Dean’s Leadership Team. The Director requires thorough knowledge of campus and community recreation programming, as well as a strong understanding of sport and recreational facility management. To be successful, the individual must demonstrate strong leadership and relationship building skills and excel in exercising sound judgment and discretionary decision-making.

The work is high volume with decisions being made ranging from routine to critical, where the position requires the ability to critically assess opportunities and risks to provide a strategic level of decision-making and advice while maintaining relationships both across and external to the university.  A high level of adaptability is required for continuous planning, executing multiple projects and initiatives, and competing deadlines.

The Director works in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, where it is critical to balance competing priorities and projects. The incumbent will be required to deal with sensitive information and situations that require tact and confidentiality.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Operational Oversight

• Responsible for the operational oversight of all services provided by and programs within USask Rec, and operation of the associated sport and recreational facilities. Ensures programs and services dedicated to our internal and external campus stakeholders meet the needs of our continuously changing clientele.
• Works closely with and reports directly to the Dean of Kinesiology, providing guidance relating to operation of sport and recreation related facilities and programs.  Supports the Dean and College leadership to ensure facilities are maintained and operated in an appropriate manner and that facilities are available to support the mission of the College, Huskie Athletics, and other units on campus.
• Develops and maintains ongoing partnerships and collaborations within the College, as well as other programs and services at the University of Saskatchewan. This includes developing and maintaining relationships with student organizations that represent undergraduate and graduate students on campus.

Leadership

• Models a high standard of performance and professionalism. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively in formal and informal teams with people across the different functions of both the College and University as a whole.  This includes administrative departments, and other on and off-campus partners.
• Collaborates with College of Kinesiology leadership and Strategic Business Advisors, and other leaders and units on campus including facilities, Huskie Athletics, space planning, student services, etc.

Strategy

• Collaborates as a member of the Dean’s Leadership Team, planning for budget direction, optimizing resources available, and meeting College and community needs.
• Works with USask Rec Coordinators to plan and budget for short, medium, and long-term program and capital goals, optimizing and developing operational plans through strategic planning.
• Works with the College of Kinesiology Communications Officer on strategic planning for USask Rec communications and marketing and works with the Dean of Kinesiology to provide oversight on these plans.
• Ensures USask Rec continues to pursue the mission of providing high quality sport and recreation experiences and programming for students, staff, and the community.

People Leadership

• Manages the work of all direct reports including determining staffing requirements, formulating hiring decisions, coaching, training and mentoring, and managing performance.
• Advises USask Rec Coordinators on policy, new initiatives and emerging challenges.
• Provides leadership and guidance for all direct and indirect staff at USask Rec to build and maintain a productive and effective team.
• In partnership with other College leaders, lead strategic planning and people planning while promoting and nurturing a culture of diversity, equity, collegiality, and acceptance.

Administration

• Manages the USask Rec budget, which includes financial and staffing components. Works with USask Rec Coordinators to ensure staffing and operations budget is developed in a timely manner and is monitored to ensure budget remains on target.
• Develops, implements, evaluates and amends procedures and policies related to the efficient and effective operation of all programs and facilities.
• Minimizes exposure to risk by ensuring policies and procedures are followed.

Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Kinesiology or related field. A Master’s degree would be considered an asset. 

Experience: This role requires eight (8) to ten (10) years’ of directly related experience in sports and recreational programming. This would include experience with financial management and supervisory experience. Previous experience working in post-secondary education would be considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, as well as non-traditional career paths, community experience, and recognition of prior learning may be considered.

Skills:

• Excellent collaboration skills, with an ability to seamlessly work with others across the organization to develop and execute an integrated approach to achieve shared goals and measures that matter for the betterment of the organization.
• Ability to cultivate strategic effective working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, often with differing and competing priorities, through tactful communication.
• Possess a high standard of professional integrity and diplomacy, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters diplomatically and discreetly.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple tasks with tight timelines and competing demands.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, including delegation, within a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to understand a wide range of stakeholder needs and issues and to support the development of policies, procedures and solutions to address them.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to [email protected].

Department: College of Kinesiology
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Shift: Normal university operating hours
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $88,740.00 - 148,665.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 4
Posted Date: 4/3/2024
Closing Date: 4/17/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable