This role provides strategic and operational leadership for Stanford Recreation & Wellness's Club Sports program, serving over 1,800 participants across more than 40 student-led clubs. The Director is accountable for the effective administration and continuous improvement of a complex sport portfolio, including program planning, competition and event operations, student leadership development, staff and coach oversight, facilities coordination, financial administration, risk management, and compliance. The position combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight and develops students' capacity to lead responsible, sustainable club organizations.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and direction for the Club Sports program, translating Recreation & Wellness priorities into operating practices, service standards, and measurable program outcomes
Oversee participant and team registration and required documentation, including eligibility, travel, fundraising, waivers, accident reporting, insurance, postseason competition, coach employment, and other program or governing-body requirements
Direct the planning and delivery of club competitions, tournaments, and special events, ensuring that responsibilities, timelines, staffing, and operational needs are clearly defined and executed
Develop and maintain the annual Club Sports calendar, coordinating practices, competitions, tournaments, and special events across indoor and outdoor facilities
Ensure that facilities, equipment, and other operational resources are appropriately scheduled, coordinated, and maintained to support program delivery
Establish, interpret, and administer Club Sports policies and procedures in alignment with university and department requirements
Use participation data, program outcomes, and stakeholder feedback to assess effectiveness, resolve operational gaps, and guide program improvements
Partner with Recreation & Wellness colleagues and campus units on shared initiatives and support communications that highlight participant experiences and achievements
Lead the implementation and ongoing administration of risk-management, safety, and compliance practices for Club Sports activities, travel, competitions, and special events
Partner with the Executive Director, athletic training staff, coaches, and relevant campus offices to develop, review, and communicate policies, procedures, emergency protocols, and training requirements
Monitor program compliance with university and department requirements and address identified gaps in a timely manner
Ensure appropriate processes for waivers, accident and incident reporting, athlete eligibility, travel documentation, and required safety records
Promote consistent understanding and application of safety expectations among staff, coaches, student leaders, and participants
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Serve as a resource to Recreation & Wellness and campus partners on Club Sports matters and represent the department at campus events and meetings, as appropriate
Perform other duties as assigned in support of Recreation & Wellness priorities
Provide leadership and administrative oversight for the Club Sports athletic training function and rugby program, including supervision, performance management, priority setting, and professional development for the head athletic trainer and head coach of the club rugby teams
Select, train, supervise, and evaluate part-time coaches and student staff; establish clear expectations and reinforce accountability for performance and service
Provide direction and support to coaches and lead staff meetings, coach training sessions, and other program meetings as needed
Advise the student-led Club Sports Council, club officers, and team captains; clarify roles and responsibilities; and provide training, coaching, and tools that enable students to lead their organizations effectively
Create meaningful opportunities for students to strengthen leadership, organizational management, decision-making, and responsible stewardship skills through their participation in Club Sports
Address sensitive or complex program and team concerns in partnership with appropriate colleagues, applying sound judgment, consistent practices, and a student-centered approach
Administer program budgets and resources in alignment with departmental priorities and university policies; monitor expenditures and support sound financial stewardship
Advise the Club Sports Executive Council and ASSU on budget processes related to fundraising and the allocation of funds
Oversee payroll processes for student and part-time staff and ensure accurate, timely administrative records
Ensure that participant registration systems and Club Sports web content are accurate, current, and useful to students and other stakeholders
Collect, analyze, and report quarterly and annual program, participation, and operational data
Participate in general Recreation Department leadership meetings
Lead the planning, administration, and evaluation of an athletic operation, facilities, or complex department
Design, deliver, implement, and measure programming/content and effectiveness
Recommend actions and/or resolve complex issues requiring significant subject matter expertise to sports and/or recreation participants and coaches
Synthesize data and reports to provide data-driven recommendations and build the business case for process, product, program, or operational improvements
Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow; study and standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations
Serve as the technical product, equipment, facility, or program expert
Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to maximize efficiency, client satisfaction, and/or revenue
May prepare and deliver budgets
May manage other staff, including students
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in sports management, athletic administration, or other related fields with six years of job-related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience leading or administering club sports, collegiate recreation, competitive sport programs, or sport-related events
Experience supervising staff and supporting the development of student leaders, coaches, or program personnel
Knowledge of student development principles and demonstrated ability to translate them into effective advising, training, and leadership-development practices
Knowledge of risk-management and safety practices applicable to collegiate recreation, competitive sports, travel, and events
Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, coordinate multiple workstreams, and deliver results amid competing deadlines
Strong people-leadership skills, including the ability to set expectations, develop staff, provide feedback, and hold others accountable
Sound judgment and demonstrated ability to analyze information, solve problems, make decisions, and respond effectively to complex or sensitive issues
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-management skills, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with students, staff, coaches, campus partners, and external organizations
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate expectations, explain policies, facilitate meetings and training, and prepare clear correspondence and documentation
Strong attention to detail, follow-through, initiative, and commitment to continuous improvement
Knowledge of relevant NIRSA professional competencies or comparable standards for collegiate recreation programming preferred
Ability to lift/carry event set up materials of up to 45 lbs
CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or ability to obtain certification within four weeks of hire
Knowledge of intercollegiate/sports operations and programming
Outstanding leadership, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills
Ability to function autonomously and independently and be accountable for decision-making in all areas of responsibility
Experience working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in diverse communities
Ability to analyze data, problems and develop realistic solutions
Experience in problem resolution and meeting deadlines
Ability to identify and foresee issues
Knowledge of NCAA regulations required
Nice to have:
Advanced degree
Important Details
Work Arrangement: Onsite
About the Company
Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is a national leader in the intercollegiate athletics and recreation landscape. The recreation group consists of physical education, adventure activities, fitness and movement programs, intramurals, Club Sport Teams and access to excellent recreational facilities. It amplifies the universities unwavering support for the well-rounded development of all students and the joy that physical activity can bring. At Stanford, the company constantly strives toward excellence.
