The Gannon University Recreation and Wellness Center is a two hundred and fifty thousand square foot building that serves approximately twenty thousand students, faculty, staff, and community members each month. The Director of Recreation and Wellness at Gannon University supports oversight of the organization, management, administration, and supervision of all aspects of the Gannon University Recreation and Wellness Center related to fitness programming, intramurals, pool operations, sports clubs, memberships, and facility management. The Director relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish ambitious departmental goals that support the University’s Mission and service standards. The Director is expected to perform a variety of tasks as well as lead and direct the work of others. A strong work ethic, exceptional communication skills, and previous experience in collegiate recreation and wellness are essential.
Essential Functions:
Identifies priorities, develops goals, and implements best practices to support strategic initiatives for all components of building operations and programs related to fitness, intramurals, pool operations, sports clubs, memberships, and facility management.
Examines and stays up to date on best practices in the field (theory, programming, policies, operations, technology, etc.) to enhance student engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Ensures that benchmarks are set and achieved in accordance with these practices.
Directs the selection and development of a diverse staff. Assigns and delegates duties and provides resources (ongoing professional development, recognition, coaching, and accountability) to assure the success of student staff, graduate assistants, and professional staff.
Formulates and consistently updates/revises policies and operating procedures to encourage student-led philosophies and meet the needs of the community.
Determines fiscal requirements of the operation; tracks and prepares budgetary recommendations; monitors, verifies and reconciles expenditure of budgeted funds.
Develops and promotes a consistent, University approved brand for the department through up-to-date marketing resources, social media, and technology platforms to students and community constituents.
Works collaboratively and in partnership with the Health Center, Counseling Center, University Wellness, Athletics, student and other university organizations, academic departments, and community partners to deliver and support comprehensive programming.
Provides oversight for successful day-to-day facility operations, GU+-centered customer service model, seamless scheduling of events in the facility, and achievement of membership and revenue goals.
Serves as the adviser to sports clubs and oversees intramurals.
Works collaboratively with University stakeholders to ensure that opportunities for recreation and wellness education in and out of the classroom are seamless.
Responds to emergency situations and perform other duties as required within the scope, responsibility, and requirements of the job.
Required qualifications include a Master's degree in recreation, sports management and marketing, physical education, higher education administration, or a closely related field, with at least 3 years of experience in recreation facility management in a University setting. Must be familiar with student development theory to support the student-led administrative model. Must be Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor Certified, or willing to obtain certification within 6 months of start date.
About Gannon University Founded in 1925, Gannon University is a four-year Catholic university committed to student-centered learning, with an emphasis on professional education integrated with faith-based, liberal-learning student outcomes. Gannon has strategic university-wide initiatives that focus on and bring its purpose to life: Transform lives by creating environments for extraordinary moments and everyday connections that inspire others to become their best selves. These initiatives have fostered an inclusive, welcoming community that many refer to as the Gannon family. Gannon University earned its first-ever Honor Roll status as a 2021 Great College to Work For, according to a new survey by The Great Colleges to Work For® program. It is one of 42 institutions across the country to earn Honor Roll distinction and was recognized in categories including Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging; Faculty Experience; Mission & Pride; and Professional Development.Gannon University was also ranked a top school in the nation by Wall Street Journal’s 2022 College Rankings and ranked among the nation’s top universities by U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges 2022.” Gannon Univ...ersity’s home campus is located in Erie, Pennsylvania, the state’s fourth largest city and one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes. Gannon University’s unique location in downtown Erie and exceptional learning environments on campus create a special atmosphere conducive to education, scholarship, research, service, and personal growth. Located right next door to Gannon's downtown campus are government agencies, hospitals, and local organizations and businesses that are active partners in helping Gannon students receive a hands-on education. The University's partnerships with downtown Erie neighborhoods, Erie County, and the Diocese of Erie strive to support the local community through numerous initiatives driven by students and employees. Just steps away from Gannon’s campus in the heart of the city, you will also find restaurants, tax-free shopping, minor league sports, as well as a vibrant entertainment and cultural scene, and seven miles of Lake Erie beaches close by. Only a two-hour drive from Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Niagara Falls, Canada, Erie has small-town friendliness and big-city attractions. For more information, please visit gannon.edu to learn more about Gannon’s campuses and the many attractions and accommodations within the surrounding regions.
