The Associate Director - Programs and Engagement is a member of the department’s senior leadership team and actively engages in department management, leadership, and visioning. The position is responsible for delivering programmatic outcomes to the client related to student life activation, student learning, and revenue generation through an effective recreation programming plan. This role also plays a key part in staff development, providing mentorship and direction to professional and student staff. At Jacksonville State University, the Associate Director leads marketing and assessment efforts across all program areas, ensuring data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

This position will work on-site at our Jacksonville State University Client location. Located in the Appalachian foothills almost midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State has grown from very humble beginnings as a state teachers college in 1883 into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs.

Essential Functions

• Provide strategic oversight of all program areas, including fitness, intramural sports, club sports, aquatics, adventure recreation, youth programs, and special events.
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive program strategy focused on participation growth, engagement, and program quality.
• Ensure program success, manage risk, ensure staff training/certification standards, and lead policy and procedure development.
• Assist in the development, forecast, and management of annual budget. Set financial targets for the areas of responsibility.
• Foster and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders. Immerse themselves and the operation into the client community.
• Contribute to the annual operating business plan to deliver client objectives and CENTERS standards. Develop an annual comprehensive program plan that includes programs, finances, and participation targets.
• Prepares and delivers required and requested reports and data to the client and CENTERS central office.
• Direct assessment initiatives, including data collection, analysis, and reporting on participation, satisfaction, and program outcomes.
• Utilize data and trends to inform decisions, improve programs, and communicate impact to campus stakeholders.
• Adjudicate participant violations of program policies.
• Assist with departmental operations and special projects as needed.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise and support program area professional staff, ensuring alignment, accountability, and consistent execution across all areas.
• Select, train, manage, develop, and evaluate staff.?
• Plan department staffing levels in conjunction with Human Resources.?
• Act as a backup in the management of department-wide bi-weekly payroll.

Site-Specific Responsibilities

• Oversee marketing efforts on behalf of the department, including campaign planning, messaging, and coordination with internal marketing resources.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive professional experience working in recreation programs. 
• Knowledge of standard practices in recreational sports.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and/or evaluation.
• Minimum of 3 years supervision and leadership experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with recreation/membership software. Strong computer skills.
• Ability to navigate, collaborate, and work alongside other university departments.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm.
• Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders.

Commitment to the well-being, security, and future of our employees is a priority. View the comprehensive information about the competitive benefits package on our careers page then scroll down to CENTERS Benefits (click link to view).

CENTERS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About CENTERS @ Jax State

CENTERS, LLC is a professional management firm specializing in facility, operation, and program management for higher education. CENTERS' management approach is customized for each client yet retains our uniform quality. Our firm unites site staff with a centralized administrative team, each contributing to the firm's goals and client needs. The CENTERS team is innovative, entrepreneurial, trail-blazing, and ambitious for both CENTERS and our clients. Today, CENTERS provides management services for 14 clients.

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