Academic Director Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

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Job Posting Title:
Assistant Director of Aquatics and Safety Education
Position Type:
Professional / Unclassified
Department:
LSUAM AA - SA - H&WB - URec - Operations (Brad Wilson (00006568))
Work Location:
0102 Student Recreation Complex
Pay Grade:
Professional
Job Description:
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AQUATICS AND SAFETY EDUCATION
Reporting to the Associate Director of Project Management and Facility Operations, the Assistant Director of Aquatics and Safety Education oversees the organization and administration of aquatic spaces, including supervision of aquatic staff, and management of pool equipment. This position plays a critical role in creating a positive experience for users in our aquatic areas. Playing an important role in the safety of users, they have the responsibility of coordinating all external American Red Cross classes taught to those that are offered to the University community.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION INCLUDE:

• Direct oversight of the UREC indoor and outdoor pools, and outdoor leisure river.
• Manage the Aquatic student supervisors and swim instructors.
• Supervises one coordinator.
• Guide and direct all reservations pertaining to our aquatic spaces per LSU policy.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEADERSHIP:
Building creative aquatic programming
Given the increased popularity of the outdoor pools, including the leisure river, this area has potential to be promoted as a destination area within UREC. The Assistant Director has an opportunity to develop intentional aquatic programming that highlights all UREC pools. This will require skills in aquatics programming and special consideration for promoting aquatics as an exciting wellness option to non-users.
Develop and promote Swim School
Building off the previous success of the summer swim school program, the Assistant Director will enhance the curriculum to attract new campers while meeting the needs of returning participants. There is an opportunity to measure swim school success while considering the needs of various levels in planning offerings.
ATTRIBUTES OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

• Creative individual who appreciates traditional best practices in aquatics while advocating for change when necessary.
• Understands the importance of maintaining a safe and high-quality aquatics experience for our user.
• Can articulate and motivate student and professional staff of what it means to strive for excellence in their work.
• Able to communicate effectively across a variety of mediums and audiences.

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS PRIORITIES:
Three priorities guide our work in the Division of Student Affairs. Foremost, we maintain a commitment to quality which is rooted in the belief that LSU students deserve our best effort. Every interaction we have with students should communicate care, relevance, polish, and attention to detail. We work to ensure every space, place, and staff-to-student interaction communicates a sense of home to students. Finally, we design programs, services, events, and experiences with everyone in mind.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Quality Control (30%)
Ensures every aspect of the UREC aquatics program outputs including administrative tasks, implementation, and overall design exudes a high degree of quality. Sets quality as an expectation. Embraces and executes the marginal gains approach and seeks to improve all services, events, programs, and experiences in the department for continuous improvement every academic year.
Program Oversight (30%)Responsible for executing operational strategy and oversight for the UREC aquatics program. Plans, organizes, administers, and follows through on all elements related to aquatic programming to include courses taught through the American Red Cross to those outside of UREC. Has oversight of expenditures for aquatic programs and services. Provides feedback regarding programs and experiences by utilizing UREC. Contributes to the work environment by developing and maintaining positive relationships that support a culture of teamwork and cooperation.
Leadership and Management (25%)Responsible for the direct supervision, training, and continued development of the Aquatic Coordinator and 15-20 aquatic supervisor student staff and instructors. Recommends personnel actions to the Associate Director of Project Management and Facility Services and communicates personnel actions to direct reports. Demonstrates divisional attitudes and priorities in all aspects of work.
Direct Student Support (10%)Translates department efforts, initiatives, and goals to students through interactions at programs, services, events, and experiences. Operates from a "yes" first mindset and is creative in how to approach student concerns.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Associate Director of Project Management and Facility Services. This includes but is not limited to efforts that support broad division/institution efforts, including at least 40 hours per year spent helping divisional initiatives such as Move-In Day, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, Career Expo, Disability Services Finals Testing, other special projects, etc.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree in a related field and 3 years of experience in an aquatic facility or 1 year of experience in an aquatic facility with a master's degree. LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply- a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.
MINIMUM CERTIFICATIONS:
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's Degree in Sport Management, Parks and Recreation, Kinesiology, Higher Education, Business, Public Administration, or related field and 4 years of experience leading aquatics.Professional work experience in collegiate recreation, parks, and recreation, or applicable field. Experience in collegiate recreation managing a large, 40-60, part-time student staff. Working in a sport or recreation environment.
DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS:
American Red Cross Instructor Trainer for Lifeguards
Pool Operators Certification
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/EXPECTATIONS: Ability and willingness to work evening and weekend hours. We support, when appropriate, the ability to have a flexible work schedule. Due to the position's physical requirements, a pre-employment physical examination will be required per FASOP: HR-04. This position and/or position's responsibilities require work directly with minors. Finger printing and National Sex Offender Registry check required per FASOP HR-04. As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students, or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.
Additional Job Description:
Special Instructions:
Applications will be accepted online on the LSU Careers website. Please direct all nominations and inquiries for the position to Brad Wilson, Associate Director of Operations/Project Management, bjwilson@lsu.edu. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Requested application materials include a letter of interest or cover letter; resume or curriculum vitae; and the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references. All applications, nominations, and inquiries will remain confidential. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications. An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Skills Needed:
Preferred Skills:
Posting Date:
August 5, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
December 3, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N):
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.