JOB SUMMARY

UConn Recreation is the place “Where the Student Body Develops.” Our department's mission, to promote human connection and enrich the well-being of our community through physical activity, is achieved by providing premier facilities, innovative programs, and excellent service, all led by a talented team of professionals and students. UConn Recreation is a leader within the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, promoting the well-being of an active community, and with over 800,000 annual participations, has a significant impact on enhancing overall student wellness and success. 

UConn is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the Northeast and among the best in the nation.  With a beautiful rural campus located in Storrs, CT, UConn has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,800 and, with over 70% living on campus, is a vibrant, diverse, and thriving educational community.  

Under the general supervision of the Director of Recreation, the Assistant Program Director for External Facilities (Student Services Program Administrator) is responsible for overall administration, management, and development of UConn Rec’s outdoor fields, community park spaces, and satellite facilities. This position serves as a specialized resource for the department, supporting a professional culture that is safety first while enhancing recreational opportunities for students throughout campus. Position will be an integral leader in the current development of new community park spaces in partnership with UConn Residential Life and Facility Operations. Will lead project management of site upgrades and improvements, development of a new student staff team, purchase of equipment, and will collaborate with the Director of Recreation on creation of policies and procedures to support daily operations. Position implements a wide variety of practices designed to ensure department performance and provide quality service to participants. Weekend and evening work is required.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for primary day-to-day management of UConn Rec external fields, community park spaces and satellite facilities. Support the department with overall management of all UConn Rec facilities.
• Maintain high performance standards of all unit facilities and equipment. Direct, inspect and verify external facility and equipment maintenance with UConn Facility Operations and contracted vendors.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation related to all unit activities, including maintenance, budget, risk management, participant usage, and rental; regularly report information, assess outcomes and recommend necessary modifications.
• Maintain an accurate and accessible inventory of all programmatic equipment and operational resources.
• Serve as Project Manager for assigned facility improvements.
• Work with the UConn Rec Business Office to procure all necessary equipment and services in support of unit outcomes.
• Promote a professional culture that is safety first. Ensure unit meets industry, department and university operational standards and compliance for risk management and safety. Collaborate regularly with the Assistant Director of Risk Management and serve on the UConn Rec Risk Management and Safety Work Team.
• Supervise unit staff in the performance of their daily responsibilities, including the creation of work schedules and payroll verifications. Actively coach employees, ensuring they achieve department service standards and meet university compliance.
• Implement an ongoing staff training and development program; evaluate student employee performance, including annual performance reviews. Collaborate with the Director on periodic review and revision of unit staff training materials.
• Collaborate with UConn Rec Human Resources in support of unit recruitment, hiring, training, onboarding, discipline, recognition, retention and compliance. Serve on the department's Student Employee Development Committee.
• Develop, plan, budget, schedule, and market an innovative schedule of services for the university community.
• Provide unit leadership for operational and logistical support of department programming and member services.
• Review operating procedures for efficiency and effectiveness; put forward recommendations for changes or improvements.
• Serve as a resource with internal and external constituents on facility usage, reservations, program activities, policies, and procedures.
• Manage unit responsibilities with department systems of record, including Outlook, Fusion, Kuali, Connect2Concepts, Sub-it-Up and Husky Time.
• Drive department vehicles in support of operations, including implementation and supervision of scheduled special events.
• Instruct CPR/First Aid/AED classes for student employees and the UConn Community.
• Assist in the overall development of the UConn Recreation Facilities unit budget.
• Develop and expand professional knowledge of facility and maintenance operations to ensure quality and meet the needs of the UConn community.
• Additional duties as requested by the supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Five (5) years of documented experience. One (1) year of experience must be serving as an advanced team member.
• Current Adult CPR/AED Certification or ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire
• Valid driver’s license and ability to acquire Connecticut Passenger “A” endorsement or equivalent.
• Demonstrated understanding of, stated commitment to and/or experience working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary for effective work relationships.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience managing recreational or sports facilities.
• Previous experience working collaboratively with maintenance and custodial personnel.
• Previous experience with small facility project management.
• Previous experience supervising, training and developing employees.
• Previous experience with operational budget planning and development.
• Demonstrated applicable risk management experience.
• Proficient with software applications related to department operations (e.g., Fusion, Connect2Concepts, SubItUp.)
• Demonstrated organizational skills necessary to independently manage multiple projects.
• American Red Cross First-Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Certification.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent, 12-month position. This position requires weekend and evening work and the ability to lift 30 pounds repeatedly and to push, pull, bend, and twist as a component of daily work assignments.

The University offers outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498879 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 30, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.