Position Title: Dir,Univ Recreation

Employee Classification: Dir,Univ Recreation

College/Division: Student Success & Enroll Management

Department: 350525-UNIVERSITY RECREATION

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $77,235 - $100,000 (Commensurate with qualifications).

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  Shape the Future of Campus Recreation at NMSU!

Are you ready to build a transformative culture of recreation, wellness, and student engagement? As the Director of University Recreation, you will have the unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and redefine campus recreation at NMSU. Overseeing a dynamic portfolio—including fitness, aquatics, outdoor leadership, intramural sports, and student-centered facilities—you will set the vision for an inclusive, high-impact program that aligns with the strategic goals of Student Life and the University. This is more than a leadership role; it’s a chance to create a lasting legacy, shaping a vibrant, student-focused environment that fosters well-being, leadership, and community. If you’re a bold, visionary leader eager to build something extraordinary, we want you on our team! #LeadTheChange #AggieRec #WellnessAtNMSU

Classification Summary:
Directs operational aspects of one or more of the following: campus recreation activities, non-varsity and club (intramural) sports, wellness programs. Responsible for planning and coordination of programs, scheduling (both times and locations), and budget administration and monitoring. May also have responsibility for recreational or wellness facilities. Provides leadership and direction for the daily operations of a comprehensive Fitness and Recreation program to support and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Classification Standard Duties:
Responsible for the utilization, scheduling, and maintenance of facilities for University recreation programs. Collaborates and coordinates with campus organizations to identify facility usage and promote recreation programs. Leads hiring and training of recreational staff. Establishes and maintains the schedule of work activities for staff. Participates in recreation program planning and development. May also have responsibility for recreational or wellness facilities. Directs and oversees of all aspects of the Activity Center daily operations as it relates to Recreation programming and management, for the development and coordination of a campus recreation and fitness program, and for all aspects of outside events and university events held in the athletic complex and fields.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience: Eight (8) years of increasingly progressive management experience in one or more areas that report to this position.; Equivalency: None; Required Certification/License: Current First Aid & CPR certification by hire date.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and activities of college recreation program. Working knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management. Working knowledge of the principles of effective supervision, as well as the ability to plan and direct the work of professional, skilled and semi-skilled staff. Working knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management. SKILLS: Manages budgets and fiscal affairs and to develop and implement assessment and strategic planning methods, preferably in a college or university setting. Provides administrative guidance within area of responsibility, providing direct training and supervision as needed. ABILITIES: Ability to work effectively in a collegiate setting with enrolled and prospective students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni and the greater college community. Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate a complex operation, using human resources, time, funds, and other resources for the accomplishment of long-term and short-term goals of the institution. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions, and other outcomes. Ability to communicate effectively -orally, by phone, in person, and in writing. Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including university related software and email.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision – Provide leadership, vision, and strategic planning for the University Recreation Center, ensuring alignment with NMSU’s mission and goals.

Program & Facility Oversight – Direct the administration, operations, and development of recreation programs, including Fitness & Wellness, Aquatics, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Leadership, Sport Clubs, Membership, and Facility Operations.

Staff Supervision & Development – Recruit, train, and manage full-time staff, part-time employees, and student assistants while fostering professional growth and accountability.

Campus Collaboration & Partnerships – Work with campus departments, student organizations, and external stakeholders to create a comprehensive recreation and wellness program.

Policy & Risk Management – Develop and implement policies that align with national standards, ensure safety, manage liability, and oversee incident reporting and risk assessment.

Promotion of Inclusivity – Integrate and assess industry standards within University Recreation to promote accessibility and inclusivity for all students.

Financial & Budget Oversight – Manage departmental budgets, conduct financial reviews, and oversee fiscal planning for facility maintenance, equipment, and programming needs.

Marketing & Outreach – Collaborate with Student Success Marketing to create promotional campaigns and engage students in recreational activities.

Program Assessment & Impact Analysis – Evaluate and assess program effectiveness through benchmarking, surveys, and research on the impact of recreation on student success.

University & Professional Engagement – Represent NMSU in professional organizations like NIRSA, coordinate agreements with campus and external partners, and serve on university leadership committees.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in higher education administration, recreational sports management, sport management, student affairs administration, or related field of study.

License:
National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) certification.
Climbing Wall Instructor certification.
Registered Collegiate Recreational Sports Professional (RCRSP), Certified Recreational Sports Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Park and Recreational Professional (CPRP) designations

Familiarity with campus recreation management software systems and technological tools specific to recreational programs.

Special Requirements of the Position
The scope of the job occasionally requires travel to and/or attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, seminars, and workshops.

Department Contact:  Ann Goodman, 575-646-1722, anng@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.