Director, Recreation and Athletics

Recreation at Concordia is about more than fitness, it’s about community, wellness, inclusion, and fun, creating spaces where everyone can participate and thrive on both campuses.

Our legendary Athletics department includes a wide range of intramural and recreational clubs, and of course, the renowned Stingers – a source of pride and spirit for the entire University.

From fields to Dome to arena and gymnasiums, its commitment to excellence shines not only in competitive records, but also in academic achievement, coaching excellence, and its passion for the overall student experience!

As one of our key ambassadors, you will work closely with its coaches, staff, students, and internal and external community partners to enhance its visibility and reputation. You will help to drive and strengthen Recreation and Athletic programs, sports offerings and facilities while supporting the recruitment of talented student-athletes.

NOTE: This posting represents a five-year renewable contract.

SCOPE
Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Campus Services and Sustainability, the Director ensures the sustainability and visibility of Concordia’s varsity sports teams and its recreational programs. The Director leads the strategic development of the department, directs the day-to-day operations, as well as the planning, growth and development of the facilities, oversees the review and assessment of programs and services in order to optimize their performance and responsiveness to the needs of the University community. As well, the Director collaborates closely with the Student Services directorate to promote the success and development of students in a safe and inclusive environment

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement and assess strategic and operational plans for the department.
• Establish operating guidelines and procedures to promote effective administration and use of financial and other resources for all services and programs of the departments.
• Prepare and oversee the annual Recreation and Athletics budget, monitor variances, and manage expenses.
• Develop various revenue-generating programs along with coaches and internal and external partners to finance various initiatives related to students and sport.
• Represent and advocate for the University and its relationship with U Sports, Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) and other conference policies relative to coaches, athletes and staff.
• Collaborate with student services to promote student experience and ensure a safe and inclusive environment.
• Review the equipment, facility and infrastructure development needs of the department and liaise with appropriate internal departments to advance the realization of the recreation and athletic requirements.
• Evaluate all aspects of the departmental staff, programs, revenue generation, alumni relations and facility development and renovation.
• In collaboration with the Concordia Advancement & Alumni Relations office, significantly contribute to the relationship building and fund-raising efforts of the department which includes student support and facilities development.
• Participate in internal and external governance bodies related to the mandate of the department.
• Develop and enhance campus recreational options for students and staff.
• Participate in the infrastructure upgrade projects of the Loyola Sports Complex (Arena renovation, field turfs upgrade, stands and additional buildings and projects).
• In consultation with the Associate Vice President, pursue and implement business development opportunities core to the mandate of the unit.
• In collaboration with University Communication Services, develop marketing and public relation strategies to optimize the exposure of the department internally and externally to opening of new markets and partnerships.
• Increase collaboration with the academic sector to promote and support student success.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or Physical Education or Recreation management or Leisure Studies or Kinesiology or in a field pertinent to the primary responsibilities and at least ten years of related work experience managing an elite or competitive sport program, preferably in an educational environment, including working with high performance coaches, administering budgets, managing schedules and sport events, logistics, program planning and review, and committee work, with at least seven years in a leadership/management role.
• Experience working with students in a post-secondary environment.
• A demonstrated history of highly effective human resource management skills, including but not limited to; proactive performance management; building a strong collaborative team; mediating conflict; change management skills; navigating complex and sensitive issues ensuring adherence to policy and finding resolution.
• Very good knowledge (Level 5) of spoken and written English to communicate effectively and to draft correspondence, documentation and reports and good knowledge (Level 4) of spoken and written French to communicate with internal and external contacts and to read documents and reports.
• Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proven leadership skills, management and team-building skills with strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to establish and respond to priorities.
• Proficient knowledge and understanding of the governance, policies and procedures of the provincial (RSEQ) and national bodies (USports and others) as well as a complete understanding of compliance procedures.
• Superior planning, negotiation, decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Dedication to providing exceptional customer service.
• Effective administrator with good budget management skills and experience.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure in a team environment.
• Ability to work outside normal operating hours.
• Master’s Degree in a related discipline is an asset.

Perks and benefits
As a member of our community, you will have access to comprehensive benefits, a defined pension plan and numerous on-site well-being facilities, such as gyms (for which you have oversight) and health clinic as well as a variety of educational and cultural opportunities.

About Concordia
Recognized as one of Montreal’s top Employers, Concordia University is the place to be if you are looking to grow, contribute and innovate in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Be part of a community that addresses society’s big challenges, supports your personal and professional growth, and makes a real impact in building a more sustainable world.

Located on two campuses in the heart of Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, Concordia ranks first in Canada and North America among universities under 50 years old according to QS, and is recognized as one of the most international universities by Times Higher Education. In the 2022 Impact Rankings, Concordia stands out among the world’s top 25 universities most committed to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, reducing inequalities, and building sustainable cities and communities.

With almost 50,000 students — 20% of whom are graduate students — coming from some 161 countries, Concordia is among the most diverse universities in Canada. It has 6,700 faculty and staff, generates more than $790 million in annual revenues and holds assets valued at $2 billion.

Concordia is currently navigating a period of considerable change. Like many post-secondary institutions, we are responding to budget pressures, an evolving workforce, changing demographics, and increasing demands for agility, inclusion, and impact. The Director of Recreation and Athletics needs to ensure that everyone can practice sport in a safe environment and while finding innovative and feasible solutions to facilities and revenue generation during this challenging period.