(Student Services Professional 2 – MR09)

Campus Recreation

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The Assistant Director for Sports Programs is a member of the Enrollment Management and Student Affairs team. The Assistant Director for Sports Programs works with the Director of Campus Recreation and other Assistant Directors in creating a vision for the department and establishing strategic initiatives, goals, objectives, action plans and assessments. The position directly impacts student retention and success through programming and services provided through Campus Recreation. The Assistant Director assists in the development of programs, supports university life, and contributes to the university goal of creating an environment that fosters student success. The position works with stakeholders, faculty, staff, students, and the community to direct the programming of the campus recreation facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Staff Supervision

Provides leadership and mentoring to full-time staff members and student staff in assigned program areas; maintains appropriate staffing levels of the areas under supervision; recruits, trains, coaches, and provides performance management of staff in designated areas in compliance with all applicable university guidelines; when assigning tasks, provides information, training, materials and support as appropriate; makes corrections positively and promptly and includes specific suggestions for change, considering privacy factors; actively develops a strong professional and student staff team that promotes intra- and inter-program collaboration; currently provides direct oversight to the esports program.

Program Management

Develops and implements new recreational programming, services and activity offerings which are in line with university needs and industry trends, while promoting diversity and inclusion; enhances the participant, spectator, official and staff experience; understands the benefits and policies of applicable national governing bodies; stays attuned to best practices and emerging research and continually evaluates programs to ensure they meet or exceed professional standards; assesses area offerings to include student learning outcomes, CAS standards, risk management and quality; works collaboratively across divisional lines and within the community to promote recreation and civility; leads the development and coordination of the summer camp program.

Departmental Leadership

Serves on the departmental leadership team; establishes strategic initiatives, goals, objectives, action plans and assessments; leads and/or participates in staff meetings, staff trainings, regional and national organizations, University-wide committees and work teams, and other departmental and divisional meetings as appropriate; creates an environment that inspires innovation and effective student development outcomes; advises and educates others on current issues, compliance requirements, trends, and industry best practices; promotes Campus Recreation to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community; collaborates with a variety of partners including academic, athletic, alumni, EMSA, community groups and others to ensure the delivery of programs and services that meet the needs of a diverse community; engages students in committees, work groups, and planning.

Risk Management

Provides oversight for risk management within program areas; ensures all staff have appropriate training and certifications; reviews and maintains participant accident reports, employee injury reports, incident reports, training attendance and safety suggestions; analyzes accidents, trends, or unusual situations, identifies common causes and effects change; ensures written liability and release/waiver information outlining pertinent safety standards is provided to and completed by program participants; works with staff to ensure supervision is appropriate for all activities; reviews and keeps up to date on recommended safety levels and standards arising from recent court decisions; updates all risk management related policies, procedures and manuals as needed.

Fiscal and Budget Controls

Assists with the preparation, plans, and projections of expenditures for all supervised area budgets; monitors budgets to ensure that year-end results meet approved budgets; adjusts expenditures and budgets to compensate for revenue shortfall or for unforeseen expenditures; meets budget preparation, re-budget submittal and capital request time lines; explores new revenue streams to supplement the department's funds; updates the financial model regularly and monitors cost effective strategies to maximize resources while providing high quality; develops a staffing plan that meets the needs of the department while adhering to the annual budget allocation; monitors payroll; ensures compliance with all university budget and purchasing policies.

The ideal candidate will possess the following: 

• Knowledge of risk management principles, industry trends, and student learning outcomes.
• Staff coaching and development skills.
• Program and event management skills, with experience in intramural, esport and club sport programming.
• Customer service skills.
• Ability to analyze data, forecast expenditures and create assessment tools.
• The ability to engage students and staff.

Review of applications will begin on December 19, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Physical Education, or related field; and 4 years of full-time experience in one or more areas supervised (intramural, club sports, camps). Two years of graduate assistant experience equals 1 year of full-time experience.

Preferred Qualifications: First Aid and CPR Certification. Supervision of graduate assistants or full-time professional staff. Participation in club/intramural sports. Experience with extramural and/or club sport tournaments. Supervision of intramural and club sports programs. Supervision or coordination of summer camps.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

About University of Tennessee Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the second largest school in the University of Tennessee System, serving a diverse student body of more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. UTC is a driving force for achieving excellence, embracing diversity, inspiring positive change, and enriching the community. Our goal is to make a difference in our community and in the lives of our students.Chattanooga, the fourth largest city in the state, is located in Southeast Tennessee tucked between the mountains along the Tennessee River. The New York Times named Chattanooga one of the "Top 45 Places to go" in the World. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its beautiful downtown and the redevelopment of its riverfront. People who love the outdoors use Chattanooga as a base for hang-gliding, bass fishing, mountain climbing and caving expeditions.

Connections working at University of Tennessee Chattanooga