The Director of Programs for University Recreation + Wellness is a pivotal senior leadership role that oversees a diverse and dynamic portfolio including UREC Outdoors, Intramural and Club Sports, Athletic Training and Student Development & Assessment. This position oversees 3 direct reports and 5 indirect reports, directly influencing the department’s impact and future. The Director of Programs role offers the unique opportunity to shape the largest student employer on campus, mentoring the next generation in a high energy, wellness focused environment.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Responsibilities:

Program Administration:
The Director provides strategic oversight and operational leadership for all program areas, ensuring that activities align with the department’s mission. This role is responsible for identifying emerging trends and setting the long-term direction for programming while maintaining a safe, community-led environment. From a fiscal perspective, the Director manages 5 different comprehensive budgets, oversees revenue-generating activities, and provides the Executive Director with recommendations on financial policies and resource allocation. Beyond core operations, will assist in spearheading high-level projects, facilitating staff meetings, and providing support to the business services team.

Departmental Leadership & Strategic Alignment:
Serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director coordinates, supervises, and evaluates a diverse portfolio including Assessment, the Sports Injury Clinic, Staff Development, UREC Outdoors, and UREC Sports. The Director ensures compliance with university and departmental regulations while fostering a culture of development and excellence through intentional feedback, evaluations, and development. This position plays a vital role in shaping the organizational structure and long-term strategy of University Recreation + Wellness. By monitoring the effective allocation of resources and facilities, the Director ensures that the department is continually working and aligning to serve the University of Arkansas community.

Why University Recreation + Wellness at the University of Arkansas:

Supportive Leadership

A division where the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Associate VC for Student Well-being both come from campus recreation backgrounds. Our leadership supports our mission and has a deep understanding of the value and impact of our work.

State of the Art Facilities

Work in a premier environment following our recently completed $23 million renovation of the main recreation center, designed to meet the evolving needs of our campus community.

Benefits & Retirement

We invest in your future with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus an industry-leading employer-matching retirement contribution of up to 10%.

Tuition Assistance

For employees and eligible family members

Unmatched Quality of Life

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the nation and SEC. Enjoy a low cost of living, a vibrant community, and world-class outdoor opportunities.

Required Documents

Cover Letter
Resume
Reference List with phone numbers

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Recreational Sports, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, or related fields from an accredited institution of higher education
At least five years of experience in University/Collegiate campus recreation
Demonstrated experience supervising full time professionals
Demonstrated experience in managing, planning, and oversight of programs

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience supervising full time professionals with emphasis in campus recreation
At least seven years of campus recreation experience
Demonstrated success developing and managing large budgets.
Active involvement in campus recreation and/or higher education professional organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of program design and implementation for campus recreation activities.
Has a sense of their own agency and social responsibility that includes others, their community, and the larger global context.
Must possess exceptional computer literacy skills, emphasis in campus recreation software programs.
Ability to balance multiple assignments, deadlines, and tasks.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to teach, delegate, and evaluate staff and peers.
Demonstrated competence in policy and procedure design

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About University of Arkansas

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land-grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top two percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an environment of belonging, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations. The U of A, one of the largest employers in Arkansas, is the seventh fastest-growing university in the nation and is consistently ranked among the top universities and best values in the United States. The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community nestled in the Ozark Mountains ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The booming region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts, world-class biking, and overall quality of life. Fayetteville and NWA are repeatedly at the to...p of best-places-to-live rankings and the area is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary. As a university community, we value our employees and promote a healthy work/life balance. As an equal opportunity institution, the university is committed to providing an educationally robust environment.

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