Special Information

• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.

About the Department/College

The Campus Recreation Department at Northern Arizona University provides inclusive, student-focused programs and services that promote health, wellness, and community. With a wide range of offerings including fitness, intramural sports, outdoor adventures, and sport clubs, the department supports student success through active engagement and personal development.

About the Position

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Recreation, the Manager of Recreation provides leadership and oversight for the daily operations of the University Recreation Center. This position is responsible for the supervision and development of professional and student staff, including direct supervision of the Coordinator of Fitness and Wellness and leadership of approximately 50 student employees. The Manager supports high-quality recreation services through the implementation of industry’s best practices, delivery of inclusive and engaging informal recreation opportunities, and effective management of member services, staffing, and facility operations.

Responsibilities Include

30% - Facility Operations

• Coordinate the daily operations of the University Recreation Center under the direction of the Assistant Director of Recreation, including facility services, informal recreation spaces, fitness areas, and equipment.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment through oversight of facility appearance, custodial coordination, equipment readiness, inspections, maintenance documentation, and risk management practices across all program areas, including locker rooms and fitness spaces.
• Collaborate with the Coordinator of Fitness and Wellness to support the delivery of group fitness classes and wellness programs within the Recreation Center, ensuring appropriate space use, operational support, and member access.
• Assist with ordering, inventory management, inspection, and maintenance records for fitness and facility equipment to support safety, lifecycle planning, and asset accountability.
• Serve as a member of the department’s risk management team, supporting emergency response planning, incident review, and proactive risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist with the creation, monitoring, and management of the Recreation Center operating budget, including tracking expenditures and identifying operational efficiencies.

30% - Member Services

• Oversee member services and access control operations, including administration of facility management software supporting point-of-sale transactions, memberships, guest access, equipment rentals, locker rentals, and online services.
• Manage locker systems, including assignments, utilization tracking, and cleanout processes, to ensure efficient use and positive member experiences.
• Cultivate an inclusive, respectful, and engaging recreation environment for members and guests; address patron concerns, behavior, incidents, and conduct issues in accordance with departmental and university policies.
• Support the development and implementation of marketing and promotional strategies to increase awareness, participation, and utilization of Campus Recreation programs, services, and fitness class offerings.
• Prepare and contribute to participation, utilization, and assessment reports to support data-informed decision-making and continuous service improvement.

30% - Staff Management

• Supervise the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator by offering ongoing guidance, performance feedback, and support for professional development.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate approximately 50 student employees, including facility leads, supervisors, front desk attendants, weight room attendants, and rovers.
• Provide leadership and development opportunities for student employees, emphasizing customer service excellence, operational competency, teamwork, and career readiness.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of training methods and resources, including employee manuals, onboarding materials, and in-service training programs.
• Support staffing plans and operational coverage to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery during all Recreation Center hours of operation.

10% - Other

• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 1 years of management or supervisory experience.
• 2 years of relevant experience.
• CPR, AED and First Aid or obtain within first 60 days of employment.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field.
• Experience in hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating student staff.
• Experience with software solutions; InnoSoft Fusion, EMS, OnGuard/Lenel.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge in supervisory principles and practices.
• Proficiency in the use of technology to improve front-line operations.
• Demonstrate best practices for management of resources, budgeting and revenue generation.
• Demonstrate skills in leadership, organization, and management.
• Ability to analyze problems and sound judgment, leading to well thought-out decisions.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service and the ability to handle conflict and diffuse situations.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop, organize, facilitate, and evaluate membership programs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Awareness and commitment to NAU’s EEO/Affirmative Action Plan and Safe Working and Learning Environment and Customer Service goals.

Compensation

Salary range begins at $67,714. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Submit your Application

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by midnight of the application deadline.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.