The University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to serve as the Director of Recreation & Wellness. This senior leadership position plays a pivotal role in shaping the student experience and advancing the vision of well-being for the USF community.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Student Success, the Director oversees a comprehensive department with 36 full-time staff, directly supervising an Associate Director. The Director is responsible for developing strategic goals, managing a budget exceeding $4.3 million, and ensuring the effective delivery of high-impact programs and services that promote student engagement, wellness, and belonging.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, and day-to-day oversight for all areas of Recreation & Wellness, including intramural sports, fitness and wellness, aquatics, outdoor recreation, and facilities operations.

• Oversee the planning, staffing, training, and evaluation of a dynamic professional team and a large student employee workforce.

• Lead the development and management of the department's operating budget, including revenue generation through memberships, facility rentals, outdoor and fitness services, and special programming.

• Guide short- and long-term facility planning, operations, and maintenance for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Ensure departmental alignment with university-wide priorities, including student success, inclusion, and innovation.

• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and assessment strategies that ensure continuous improvement and uphold industry standards.

• Represent the department across university committees and at regional and national professional conferences.

• Cultivate campus partnerships to broaden the reach of programs and increase student participation across the USF student body.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in campus recreation or a related field, including five years of direct managerial or leadership experience.

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage departmental functions, and drive organizational growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Recreation, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Exercise Science, or related field.

• 7–10 years of senior-level leadership experience in a college or university recreation setting.

• Demonstrated success in managing large, complex budgets and revenue operations.

• Experience in supervising full-time professional staff and leading staff development initiatives.

• Knowledge of indoor/outdoor facility management, strategic planning, capital projects, and assessment frameworks.

• Strong record of collaboration, communication, and advocacy across diverse campus environments.

Directions to Apply - Application closes on April 30, 2025

1. Select the link to access our careers site.
2. Click Apply Now
3. Search Job ID - 40187 or Director of Recreation & Wellness
4. Review the job description and select the Apply button to begin your application.
5. If you are a current employee of our organization please sign into Oracle HR using MyUSF, to apply for this opening.
6. Applications through Bluefish will not be considered.

About University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a metropolitan research university located in the thriving Tampa Bay area, with a total enrollment of 47,000 students. USF Recreation and Wellness is a department within Student Success. Its major programs and activities include intramural sports, outdoor recreation, fitness, aquatics, group fitness, and sports clubs. The facilities include a 250,000-square-foot recreation center, a satellite fitness center, and 60 acres of outdoor spaces, including sports fields, outdoor swimming pools, and a riverfront park.

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