How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
Department Summary:
The University of Michigan's Recreational Sports Department is dedicated to fostering a healthy lifestyle through engagement, leadership, and active participation. The department manages several programs, four indoor facilities, three outdoor field complexes, and an adventure-based education center. The department plays a vital role in campus life with a team of 36 full-time staff members and over 650 student employees. Established in 1913, it is recognized as one of the pioneering collegiate recreation programs. It was the first to open a facility specifically for student recreation- the Intramural Sports Building, which debuted in 1928. Recreational Sports operates under the Division of Student Life, reporting to the Associate Vice President of Student Life for Health and Wellness.
Position Summary:
The Program Manager - Aquatics is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the aquatic programs and aquatic facilities at the North Campus Recreation Building and the Hadley Family Recreation and Well-Being Center. The Program Manager reports to the Assistant Director - Aquatics & Risk Management. Duties include employee onboarding, facilitating training on policies and procedures, scheduling, equipment, risk management, and maintenance. This role provides outstanding customer service, leadership, vision, and mentorship, and manages staff in all areas of oversight. The Program Manager - Aquatics is responsible for coordinating all scheduling requests for assigned aquatic Recreational Sports facilities including internal programs, external customers, and other university departments and user groups. It works with Rental and Special Events staff to help coordinate external events, collaborates with University Facilities & Operations to create and monitor work orders to ensure quality levels of maintenance for aquatic facilities, and provides direct supervision to approximately 100-120 student staff, including lifeguards.
Responsibilities*
Program Oversight (70%):
- Direct day-to-day facility operations for aquatic programs and facilities to support the mission and the financial success of the department. Duties include but are not limited to:
- Coordinate and supervise facility schedules for rental events, programming, and open recreation; adjust and fill schedule changes and staffing needs.
- Oversees the implementation, and administration of facility policies and procedures including facility access, equipment use, emergency action plans, risk management, and standard operating procedures.
- Continually ensure the management of daily risks associated with facilities to include compliance with federal, state, University, and department policies related to security, fire, life, occupational, and safety regulations.
- Collaborate with University Facilities & Operations to create and monitor work orders to ensure quality levels of maintenance for aquatic facilities.
- Purchase equipment, maintain inventory, and manage an equipment replacement inventory.
- Work with internal Recreational Sports programs and other University departments, including but not limited to, Athletics and ROTC for shared use space in Recreational Sports facilities.
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all student and temporary staff and ensure direct reports positively represent the Department.
- Evaluate and provide regular feedback to direct reports; ensure the hiring and development of student programming staff meets Department needs and goals through new employee orientation and regular training.
Fiscal Oversight (10%):
- Prepare, forecast, and manage the operating budgets of areas of oversight; ensure compliance of operations with Department, Division, and University policies.
- Collaborate with Departmental financial staff and the Student Life Business Office to establish and meet membership revenue goals.
- Design and produce reports and other metrics to assist with an overall analysis of the Recreational Sports operations.
Leadership (10%):
- Provide departmental leadership: develop and enforce departmental policies; ensure the development of students in all areas of supervision; serve on committees or work teams to support the Department, Division, and University; collaborate with University colleagues to represent the Department.
Other Duties (10%):
- Evening and weekend work responsibilities, as needed; be available by phone to provide leadership during times programs and facilities are operating; attend professional development opportunities, as assigned; other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in recreation, higher education, hospitality, sports management, business, or a related field.
- Experience in aquatic programming, facility operations management, or similar settings.
- Experience with customer service and/or administrative work such as employee scheduling, and client communications.
- Experience with collaborative team environments and the ability to form positive relationships.
- Knowledge of aquatic programs, facilities, and operations.
- Current certifications in Lifeguarding, Lifeguard Instructor, and Water Safety Instructor or the ability to obtain within six months of hire.
- Related graduate assistant experience may be considered towards meeting the required qualifications.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Position Responsibilities Criteria:
- Work cooperatively in a team environment with all levels of employees and participants.
- Promote programs for persons from all backgrounds and have a passion for enhancing the student experience.
Financial/Budgetary Responsibility:
- Assist with preparing, forecasting, and managing the operating budgets of areas of oversight that total approximately $150,000 -$250,000 annually.
Working Conditions:
- Evening and weekend work responsibilities, as needed; be available by phone to provide leadership during times facilities and programs are operating.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to move or transport equipment/supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
Direct Reports:
- 100 - 120 student temporary employees
This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.
Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.
#studentlife
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
