Outdoor Program Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Title: Recreational Sports Outdoor Program Director
Job code: 9393RA
Employee Group: Acad Prof and Admin
Full/Part Time (FTE): Full Time, 12-Month, 1.0 FTE
Regular/Temporary: Regular
About the Job:

The Director of the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for a comprehensive collegiate recreation department that serves as a cornerstone of the student experience at the University of Minnesota Duluth. This role oversees three distinct but integrated functional areas:

• Campus Recreation: Inclusive of Aquatics, Fitness, Intramurals, Sport Clubs, and Youth Programs.
• Outdoor Program: Nationally recognized programming in Climbing, Kayaking/Canoeing/SUP, and Outdoor Trips.
• Business & Operations: Comprehensive oversight of departmental software/database management, human resources, membership services, and risk management.
   

Strategic Facility Stewardship: The Director is the primary steward of UMDs extensive recreational infrastructure. This includes direct oversight of gymnasiums, climbing walls, an aquatics facility, ice rink, and specialized workout studios. A unique aspect of this role is the oversight of three premier waterfront facilities that leverage UMD's proximity to Lake Superior: The Surf Shack, the Boat Shed, and the Thompson Reservoir Outpost.
Collaborative Leadership: Success in this role requires a high degree of collaboration. The Director works closely with Intercollegiate Athletics, the Department of Applied Human Sciences, and Facilities Management to coordinate shared usage of marquee campus spaces, including Griggs Field at Malosky Stadium, Romano Gymnasium, and the Ward Wells Field House.
Personnel & Impact: The Director leads a dedicated team of 13 professional staff and provides executive oversight for a student workforce of over 200. We are looking for a leader who is passionate about student development, operational excellence, and fostering an environment where every student can experience a Different Kind of Classroom at UMD.
Location and Work environment: Located at the University of Minnesota Duluth, this in-person will work primarily on campus, with oversight extending to multiple off-site facilities that support departmental programming. 
Work Schedule: This position follows the university's typical 40-hour work week, however there may be evening or weekend hours depending on departmental programming needs.

Primary Responsibilities:

Administrative Leadership & Strategic Vision (50%)

• Lead the evolution of RSOPs mission, vision, and values, ensuring alignment with UMD Student Life and the broader University of Minnesota system goals.
• Cultivate a professional, inclusive, and high-performing work environment. Provide executive supervision to 13 professional staff, emphasizing mentorship, delegation, and continuous professional growth.
• Champion a department-wide commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that all programs and facilities are accessible and welcoming to the entire UMD community.
• Spearhead comprehensive assessment and evaluation plans, utilizing data-driven insights to measure departmental effectiveness and guide long-term planning.
• Provide executive oversight for departmental risk management, safety protocols, and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Represent and advocate for RSOP on the Student Life Directors Team, collaborating with the Vice Chancellors leadership team to influence the strategic direction of the Division.

Fiscal Stewardship & Resource Management (20%)

• Manage a comprehensive departmental budget exceeding $2.7M, including operational expenses ($1.9M), capital improvements ($400k), and Sport Club allocations ($400k).
• Lead the development and presentation of annual budget proposals to the UMD Student Services Fee Committee, advocating for the resources necessary to sustain high-quality student programming.
• Monitor revenue and expenditure trends to ensure fiscal sustainability and make informed adjustments to departmental operations.
• Lead RSOP's fundraising and philanthropy efforts

Facility Management & Integrated Operations (20%)

• Direct the lifecycle of RSOP facilities, from initial design and construction to renovation and daily maintenance for all recreational, fitness, and outdoor spaces.
• Negotiate and manage shared-use agreements in collaboration with Intercollegiate Athletics, Applied Human Sciences, and Facilities Management for marquee venues like the Ward Wells Field House and Malosky Stadium.
• Provide executive oversight for unique off-campus assets, including the Park Point Boat house, St. Louis River Outpost, and the Lester River Surf Shack, ensuring they meet University standards for safety and excellence.

Programmatic Outreach & Professional Service (10%)

• Lead the department's efforts in developing strategic relationships with campus and community partners
• Oversee efforts to express and communicate RSOP's philosophy and programming to the campus community and public
• Serve on campus and community committees and workgroups.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least 10 years of experience in recreation or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Higher Education, Recreation, Outdoor Recreation or related field.
• Experience directly supervising a multi-functional team, including full-time professional staff.
• Demonstrated success managing varied revenue streams (e.g., memberships, rentals, or summer camps).
• Direct experience presenting to and collaborating with a Student Fee Advisory Board (or equivalent) for annual budget approvals.
• Documented experience managing high-risk programming, specifically including wilderness trips, climbing facilities, recreation facilities or water-based recreation.
• Experience managing recreation or outdoor-related specialty facilities.
• Experience leading formalized partnerships with cross-campus departments to advance wellbeing.

Recreational Sports Outdoor Program fosters active, healthy lifestyles and connections to the natural world. RSOP employs over 200 student staff to serve a student body of close to 10,000 students, as well as faculty, staff, and the region with outstanding recreation programs that support student wellbeing, contribute to a sense of belonging, and promote retention. In addition to intramurals, sports clubs, fitness classes, personal training, summer youth day camps, a campground, and an outdoor equipment rental center, RSOP features climbing, surf, snow kiting, sea kayaking, whitewater paddling, multi-day camping excursions, and naturalist programming in world class local locations. To accomplish this, the department employs multiple outdoor adventure specialists in climbing, paddle surf kite, and sea kayaking.

Pay Range: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates that apply by April 19th.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a v...