Athletic / Recreation Director

Reporting and scope

Reports to the Head of School / Principal, a college president or vice president, or the Executive Director / CEO of a community organization such as a YMCA. Authority covers athletic or recreation programs, coaches or program staff, and the related facilities.

Core responsibilities

• Plans sports, fitness and recreation offerings and schedules
• Hires and supervises coaches, instructors and seasonal staff
• Keeps participants safe and enforces conduct and eligibility rules, including conference or league requirements
• Manages the program budget, fees, scholarships and equipment
• Oversees gyms, pools and fields, including maintenance and rentals
• Works with volunteers, parents, sponsors and booster groups

How it differs

The Director of Facilities maintains buildings and grounds without running programs. The Director of Programs oversees the full mission program portfolio, of which recreation may be one part.

By organization size

At a small school or community center the role often coaches or runs programs directly. At a college with intercollegiate teams it becomes a senior post managing large budgets, compliance staff and media rights.