Associate Director, CU Active & Outdoor Recreation - Concordia University - Irvine Ca

DEPARTMENT PROFILE:

The Student Life Department, within the CUI Division of Student Affairs, is committed to helping traditional undergraduate students experience an engaging and meaningful student life, achieve academic success, explore their God-given vocation/calling, and complete their baccalaureate degree at Concordia.

ROLE:

The Associate Director of CU Active and Outdoor Recreation oversees student engagement programs related to fitness, outdoor recreation, and student leadership. This position will work closely with Student Activities and Leadership, Resident Education Services, and the School Spirit Initiative (The Hunt) to help our students grow in heart, mind, soul, and body. This position will have the opportunity also live on campus and serve as a part of the Residence Life "on-call" team for interventions and emergency back-up. This position is intended to have a clear recruitment and retention impact.

All activities of this position are to make a contribution to the fulfillment of the mission of the University.

APPOINTMENT:

• Recommended by the Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
• Approved by the President's Cabinet

STAFF RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Director of Student Life & Leadership Development in partnership with the Dean of Students
• Works closely with Student Affairs Team of Directors, as well as Athletics and University Services

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Intramural Sports Program Management

• Program Expansion & Involvement: Expand intramural sports to include various activities suitable for different skill levels and physical abilities, ensuring inclusivity.
• League/Tournament Organization & Scheduling: Manage sports leagues efficiently, utilizing digital tools for scheduling and tracking to accommodate our Flag Football, Indoor Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball and Bowling Leagues as well as one-day tournaments of other sports.
• Recruitment, Training & Development: Recruit and provide training for officials and staff, focusing on officiating, sportsmanship, and conflict resolution.
• Promotion & Outreach: Increase participation through strategic use of campus media and social networking, informing students of key dates and events.
• Equipment & Facility Maintenance: Maintain and update sports equipment regularly to ensure safety.
• Health & Safety Protocols: Implement safety protocols and emergency plans specific to sports activities.

2. Outdoor Adventure Trip Coordination

• Program Design & Diversification: Develop a variety of outdoor trips (including a minimum of 3 extended overnight excursions during academic breaks) catering to different student interests and experience levels.
• Safety & Skill Training: Conduct pre-trip training focusing on necessary skills and safety, preparing participants for physical demands.
• Logistics & Planning: Handle all logistics, including route planning and coordination with local authorities for permits.
• Expertise & Leadership: Ensure trip leaders have necessary expertise and certifications, maintaining high standards.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Assess and minimize environmental impact, promoting Leave No Trace principles.
• Participant Engagement & Feedback: Gather post-trip feedback to refine and improve offerings.
• Risk Management & Safety Compliance: Regularly update risk management policies and adjust plans based on environmental conditions

3. Fitness Center Oversight

• Operational Management: Ensure smooth operations of the fitness centers, maintaining cleanliness and organization.
• Equipment Procurement & Maintenance: Regularly assess and update fitness equipment, keeping pace with industry trends, and maintain a good partnership with 3rd party repair/maintenance companies.
• Staff Training & Development: Recruit, train and supervise student staff, focusing on customer service and safety protocols.
• Program & Class Development: Offer a range of fitness programs and classes at various times to meet diverse needs.
• Safety & Hygiene Protocols: Enforce safety and hygiene standards across all fitness center activities.
• Student Engagement & Retention: Implement initiatives to boost facility usage and retention.

4. Rental Equipment Oversight

• Equipment Management: Maintain and monitor an updated inventory of all outdoor recreation equipment (including bikes, surfboards, camping gear, and other equipment), ensuring it is in good condition and stored properly.
• Safety Protocols: Implement and uphold safety standards for all equipment use, and provide necessary training to staff and users. Annually update the liability forms.
• Rental Operations: Oversee the daily check-out and return processes, ensuring a smooth operation of equipment reservations and tracking.
• Customer Service: Assist users in selecting the right equipment for their activities and resolve any related concerns promptly.
• Policy Development and Enforcement: Develop and regularly update rental policies to ensure fair access and responsible use, and enforce these policies consistently.
• Budget and Purchasing: Manage the budget for equipment purchases and maintenance, making cost-effective decisions based on usage trends and feedback.
• Training and Supervision: Train and manage CU Active Rec staff to maintain high standards of knowledge and customer service in equipment rental operations.
• Promotion and Outreach: Promote the availability and benefits of outdoor recreation equipment through targeted marketing efforts and campus collaborations.
• Assessment and Feedback: Continuously assess the rental program's effectiveness using user feedback and performance data to make necessary adjustments.

5. Club Sport Development

• Event Coordination: Plan and facilitate club sports and extramural events, managing logistics such as scheduling, transportation, and equipment needs.
• Advisory and Support Role: Act as a primary advisor to club leaders, aiding in club management, conflict resolution, and effective communication with university administration.
• Policy and Compliance Enforcement: Enforce adherence to university and regulatory policies, while implementing risk management practices to ensure safety in all club activities.

6. Admissions/Retention Efforts

• Marketing and Promotion: Capture ample media content for use across the university in its various efforts to market to new students and retain our current ones.
• Committee Participation: Serve on one or more committees based on university need and area(s) of expertise.

7. On-Call Response - if offered a live-in on-call position

• Crisis Response and Management: Quickly respond to and manage emergencies, coordinating with necessary campus services to ensure resident safety.
• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate records and incident reports, and communicate effectively with staff and university departments regarding resident issues.
• Maintenance and Facility Oversight: Monitor residence hall conditions, report maintenance needs, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Policy Enforcement: Enforce residence hall policies and university conduct codes, educating residents about responsibilities and documenting violations.
• Emergency Preparedness: Maintain readiness for various emergencies, educate residents on safety protocols, and participate in preparedness activities.
• Live in Position: Live and participate in the vibrant on-campus community and become a visible presence to the students.

This position requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to evolving needs. As such, additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to support the department's objectives and organizational priorities. The incumbent is expected to embrace new challenges with a proactive, positive attitude, contributing to the team's success and the enhancement of our community environment.

This position also regularly requires night and weekend availability. Many of the programs within this role happen outside of the normal 9-5 hour range. Qualified applicants must be open and available to adjust their schedule accordingly. This position is a full-time, 11-month.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Directly supervises student employees, and personnel within the CU Active department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; and appraising performance.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Master's degree is highly preferred. Bachelor's degree (B.A.) required from a four-year college or university; and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Creative aptitude
• Ability to be flexible to changing conditions and needs
• Ability to work effectively with and through other people
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work under stressful conditions
• Expertise in areas of fitness and outdoor recreation
• Commitment to student development
• Assess student abilities and skills
• Respect of the University Leadership
• Effective communication skills and credibility among students
• Travel, attend, and present at conferences
• Adjust quickly mentally and physically
• Speak knowledgeably and effectively with parents of current and prospective students
• Be comfortable in one-to-one, small group, and large group settings

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret university procedures, general information, financial or educational publications, synodical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff, faculty, administration, students, families and the general public.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Attitude and Demeanor:

• Exemplify Christian philosophy of the Concordia University mission statement in all aspects of day-to-day duties and responsibilities assigned to this position.
• Communicate warmth, understanding and helpfulness when interacting with students, staff, faculty and the general public.
• Awareness that behavior and dress should be appropriate for the environment of a Christian university
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with all who come into contact with this department.
• Exhibit a cheerful, positive, loyal, team-member attitude toward the purposes, programs, policies and goals of the university.
• Maintain confidentiality on matters pertaining to this office and the campus as a whole.
• Respect lines of communication.
• Constantly strive to improve performance