Director of Programs for University Recreation + Wellness

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions.Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students.”University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Student Jobs at UAF.”All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.Closing Date:06/09/2026Type of Position:Student Activities and EngagementWorkstudy Position:NoJob Type:RegularWork Shift:Day Shift (United States of America)Sponsorship Available:NoInstitution Name: University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFounded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 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.Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.Department:University RecreationDepartment's Website:www.urec.uark.eduSummary of Job Duties: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.Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications:  Master's degree in Recreational Sports, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, or related fields from an accredited institution of higher educationAt 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