Appalachian State University invites interested applicants for the position of Assistant Director of Aquatics and Risk Management to become a part of the University Recreation (UREC) team as we facilitate an environment where recreation and wellness opportunities transform, engage, and care for the App State community. 

The Assistant Director of Aquatics and Risk Management provides leadership, vision, and supervision of implementing a comprehensive Aquatics and Risk Management program for University Recreation (UREC).  The primary role of this position is to oversee and manage all aquatic programming, staff supervision, maintenance, and safety protocols for the aquatics facility. This role includes ensuring compliance with university policies, local and state regulations, and national aquatic safety standards. This position is also responsible for managing American Red Cross courses and departmental risk management plans.  The Assistant Director will serve on the departmental Leadership Team and reports to the Associate Director of Facilities and Operations.  This position supervises one Graduate Assistant and a team of approximately 60 student staff. This position works closely with all areas of University Recreation, along with departments & offices across the division and university.

For full job description and how to apply:

ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY HUMAN RESOURCES WEBSITE.   Application Direct Link

For full consideration, applicants must submit all the required documents which should clearly demonstrate how the applicant meets the requirements of the position.

1. Cover letter which summarizes qualifications and expresses interest in the position.
2. Current resume which includes dates of employment.
3. Licenses/Certifications.
4. Provide a minimum of 3 professional references with contact information.

Deadline to submit applications is April 13, 2025

For questions, please contact Angela Shook, Director of University Recreation, Search Chair at: as64724@appstate.edu 

About the University: As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online.  App State aspires to be the destination institution for dedicated students who seek challenging academic programs and co-curricular experiences, engaged faculty and a vibrant campus culture that will shape them into engaged, responsible global citizens. Inspired by the ideal of sustainable community, we seek to deliver the Southeast’s best comprehensive, progressive education. Learn more here.    

About Boone, NC: Boone is a college town in the best sense — a place where people say hello on the street and a vibrant downtown is just a block from campus. Its eclectic hub, known as King Street, features specialty shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing and other activities. Learn more here.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Three (3) years of experience working in aquatic facility management. 
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Certification or must attain within 6 months of hire.
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor Certification or must attain within 6 months of hire.
• Current American Red Cross WSI Certification or must attain within 6 months of hire.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) required or must attain within 6 months of hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree.
• Two (2) years of full-time/professional level experience working in a leadership capacity in aquatic facility management with an emphasis on staff development, staff supervision, and risk management. Two (2) years as a graduate assistant equals one (1) year of work experience.
• Experience working in an aquatics facility in a collegiate recreation setting.
• Current American Red Cross Instructor Trainer Certification in Lifeguarding, WSI, and CPR/AED and First Aid or must obtain within 1 year of employment.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Instructor Certification or must obtain within 1 year of employment.
• Experience with Innosoft Fusion, Connect2Concepts, and When 2 Work software.
• Active involvement in national organizations related to aquatics (AOAP, NIRSA, NRPA, etc.).

About Appalachian State University

University Recreation at Appalachian State University facilitates an environment where recreation and wellness opportunities transform, engage, and care for the App State community to enhance student learning and development.

Connections working at Appalachian State University