Recreation Programs Specialist

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Recreation Programs Specialist develops, coordinates, administers, and evaluates comprehensive recreation programs and services that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and community building; provides leadership and oversight for assigned recreation program areas such as intramural sports, sport clubs, fitness and wellness, outdoor recreation, aquatics, informal recreation, special events, facilities, or related recreational services; assesses program needs, develops and implements initiatives, leads program operations and resources, ensures compliance with University policies and safety standards, and collaborates with campus partners to enhance the recreational experience for students, faculty, staff, and community participants.

• Develop, implement, administer, and evaluate recreation programs, services, activities, and special events that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and recreational participation

• Assess participant needs, industry trends, and program effectiveness; identify opportunities for program enhancements, growth, and new initiatives

• Coordinate program operations including scheduling, participant registration, facility reservations, equipment allocation, staffing, and event logistics

• Establish program goals, performance measures, and assessment strategies; collect and analyze participation and operational data and prepare reports and recommendations

• Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of policies, procedures, and standard operating practices to ensure effective program delivery and compliance with University, regulatory, and industry standards

• Monitor program activities and facilities to ensure participant safety, risk mitigation, accessibility, and a positive user experience; coordinate incident response, documentation, and corrective actions as needed

• Collaborate in the oversight of inventory, maintenance, and utilization of recreation equipment, supplies, and program resources

• Schedule student employees, instructors, officials, volunteers, and other assigned personnel

• Facilitate training and development programs related to leadership, customer service, risk management, program delivery, and operational effectiveness

• Administer, and monitor program budgets; track expenditures and revenues, analyze financial performance, and recommend adjustments to support operational and strategic objectives

• Coordinate purchasing activities, vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements in accordance with University policies and procedures

• Collaborate with other recreation staff and campus partners to support recreational programming, student success initiatives, facility operations, and special projects

• Serve as a liaison with University departments, student organizations, community partners, vendors, and professional organizations to advance program goals and foster engagement.

• Coordinate marketing, promotional, and outreach efforts to increase awareness, participation, and engagement in recreation programs and services

• Provide specialized instruction, coaching, facilitation, or fitness programming within assigned areas of expertise and ensure activities are delivered in accordance with established standards and best practices

• May supervise professional staff, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, coaching, and professional development

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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