Recreational Sports Outdoor Program Director

Job Summary

Title: Recreational Sports Outdoor Program Director

Job code: 9393RA

Employee Group: Acad Prof and Admin

Full/Part Time (FTE): Full Time, 12-Month, 1.0 FTE

Regular/Temporary: Regular

The Director of the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for a comprehensive collegiate recreation department that serves as a cornerstone of the student experience at the University of Minnesota Duluth. This role oversees three distinct but integrated functional areas:

• Campus Recreation:
  Inclusive of Aquatics, Fitness, Intramurals, Sport Clubs, and Youth Programs.
• Outdoor Program:
  Nationally recognized programming in Climbing, Kayaking/Canoeing/SUP, and Outdoor Trips.
• Business & Operations:
  Comprehensive oversight of departmental software/database management, human resources, membership services, and risk management.

Strategic Facility Stewardship:
The Director is the primary steward of UMD’s extensive recreational infrastructure, including gymnasiums, climbing walls, an aquatics facility, ice rink, specialized workout studios, and three premier waterfront facilities (Surf Shack, Boat Shed, Thompson Reservoir Outpost).

Collaborative Leadership:
Works closely with Intercollegiate Athletics, the Department of Applied Human Sciences, and Facilities Management to coordinate shared usage of marquee campus spaces such as Griggs Field at Malosky Stadium, Romano Gymnasium, and the Ward Wells Field House.

Personnel & Impact:
Leads a dedicated team of 13 professional staff and provides executive oversight for a student workforce of over 200.

Located at the University of Minnesota Duluth; in‑person work primarily on campus with oversight extending to multiple off‑site facilities supporting departmental programming.

Typical 40‑hour work week; may include evening or weekend hours depending on departmental programming needs.

• Lead the evolution of RSOP’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring alignment with UMD Student Life and the broader University of Minnesota system goals.
• Cultivate a professional, inclusive, and high‑performing work environment. Provide executive supervision to 13 professional staff, emphasizing mentorship, delegation, and continuous professional growth.
• Champion a department‑wide commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all programs and facilities are accessible and welcoming to the entire UMD community.
• Spearhead comprehensive assessment and evaluation plans using data‑driven insights to measure departmental effectiveness and guide long‑term planning.
• Provide executive oversight for departmental risk management, safety protocols, and compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Represent and advocate for RSOP on the Student Life Directors Team, collaborating with the Vice Chancellor’s leadership team to influence the strategic direction of the Division.

• Manage a comprehensive departmental budget exceeding $2.7M, including operational expenses ($1.9M), capital improvements ($400k), and Sport Club allocations ($400k).
• Lead the development and presentation of annual budget proposals to the UMD Student Services Fee Committee, advocating for the resources necessary to sustain high‑quality student programming.
• Monitor revenue and expenditure trends to ensure fiscal sustainability and make informed adjustments to departmental operations.
• Lead RSOP's fundraising and philanthropy efforts.

• Direct the lifecycle of RSOP facilities, from initial design and construction to renovation and daily maintenance for all recreational, fitness, and outdoor spaces.
• Negotiate and manage shared‑use agreements in collaboration with Intercollegiate Athletics, Applied Human Sciences, and Facilities Management for marquee venues such as the Ward Wells Field House and Malosky Stadium.
• Provide executive oversight for unique off‑campus assets, including the Park Point Boat House, St. Louis River Outpost, and the Lester River Surf Shack, ensuring…