Manager, Recreation Programs and Student Engagement

Reporting to the Associate Director, Recreation and Active Living, the Manager, Recreation and Sport Participation provides strategic, operational, and managerial leadership for recreation and sport participation programs at York University.

The position focuses on fostering student engagement, belonging, leadership development, and well-being through innovative, inclusive, and accessible recreation opportunities across York University's Keele and Markham campuses.

The successful candidate will oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a diverse portfolio of recreation and sport programs, ensuring high-quality experiences that strengthen campus community connections and encourage student participation.

Key Responsibilities

Recreation and Sport Programming

• Lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of intramural sport leagues, tournaments, and competitions.

• Oversee drop-in sport and recreation programs, special events, and student engagement initiatives.

• Provide leadership for the PLAE Program.

• Develop and deliver recreation, sport, and fitness opportunities at the Markham campus.

• Ensure programming is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to student needs.

• Advance student well-being, leadership development, and community-building objectives.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Provide managerial and operational oversight for recreation and sport participation programs.

• Develop and implement strategies to increase student engagement and participation.

• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Support program planning, assessment, and resource allocation.

• Ensure programs align with university objectives, policies, and operational standards.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development for recreation staff.

• Support employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.

• Build productive relationships with university departments, campus partners, and stakeholders.

Financial and Risk Management

• Support budgeting, financial planning, revenue generation, and responsible resource management.

• Apply risk management practices and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.

• Support emergency preparedness and incident response within recreation and sport environments.

• Use program data and assessment results to inform decisions and improve services.

Work Environment

The position is primarily office-based, with frequent responsibilities in recreation facilities and event environments.

Periodic evening and weekend work is required to support programs, events, operational activities, and incident response. Occasional travel between York University's Keele and Markham campuses is also required.

Compensation

York University's CPM Compensation Framework includes a salary grid consisting of six or eight steps, depending on the job grade.

The framework is reviewed annually and may include salary grid adjustments, performance-based progression for eligible permanent employees, and lump-sum Performance Based Recognition Awards.

Further information is available through York University's CPM Compensation Program.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as Kinesiology, Education, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum four years of related experience in recreation programming.

• Minimum two years of management or supervisory experience.

Required Knowledge

• Knowledge of recreation administration, sport and recreation programming, student engagement, program design, and assessment methodologies.

• Understanding of leadership principles, employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.

• Knowledge of risk management, emergency procedures, occupational health and safety requirements, and relevant legislation governing recreation and sport environments.

• Understanding of budgeting, financial planning, revenue generation, and resource stewardship.

• Knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles in recreation programming and service delivery.

• Familiarity with post-secondary student development, well-being, engagement, and belonging frameworks.

• Knowledge of university policies, procedures, collective agreements, and governance structures.

Required Skills and Competencies

Leadership and Management

• Effective leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.

• Ability to lead teams, manage operational priorities, and support staff performance.

• Strong change management and continuous improvement capabilities.

Planning and Organization

• Excellent planning, organizational, and project management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic operational environment.

• Strong resource management and operational coordination abilities.

Communication and Relationship Building

• Effective verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

• Strong relationship-building and partnership-development abilities.

• Effective conflict resolution, negotiation, and issue-management skills.

Analysis and Decision Making

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to interpret data and program assessment results to inform strategic planning and program improvements.

• Effective budget planning, financial analysis, and resource management skills.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

York University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, persons with disabilities, racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, and persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

The University is committed to creating a positive, supportive, inclusive, and accessible environment for all members of its community.

York University is also committed to environmental and social responsibility, encouraging sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to reduce its ecological impact.