Assistant Director of Recreation Services

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.

The Assistant Director of Recreation Advancement provides leadership, oversight, and strategic development for campus recreation initiatives, with particular focus on the Perry Center, recreation staffing, fitness programming, and intramural sports. Advancing the mission of a Christ-centered liberal arts education within the Church of the Nazarene, this role supports holistic student development by fostering environments that promote physical wellness, community belonging, leadership growth, and joyful participation.

Through intentional programming and operational excellence, the Assistant Director oversees the daily functioning of the Perry Center and its student staff, ensuring safe, welcoming, and well-managed recreation spaces that serve the diverse needs of the campus community. This role leads the development and execution of fitness classes and intramural programs that encourage healthy habits, teamwork, and engagement across skill levels and interests.

In addition to programmatic leadership, the Assistant Director plays a key role in advancing recreation through fundraising and grant development. Working collaboratively with campus partners, this position identifies, pursues, and stewards funding opportunities that enhance recreation offerings, equipment, facilities, and student employment experiences. The ideal candidate is a relational and strategic leader who values student formation, is energized by recreation and wellness initiatives, and is committed to creating spaces where students can belong, grow, and thrive.Recreation Facilities & Staff Oversight

1. Provide leadership and operational oversight for the Perry Center, ensuring facilities are safe, welcoming, and aligned with institutional standards and student needs.
2. Recruit, train, supervise, and develop student staff assigned to recreation and Perry Center operations, fostering professionalism, responsibility, and leadership growth.
3. Establish clear expectations, schedules, and accountability structures for recreation staff to support consistent, high-quality service.

Fitness & Intramural Programming

1. Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of group fitness classes that promote physical wellness, accessibility, and student engagement.
2. Oversee the intramural sports program, including league development, scheduling, staffing, and participant experience.
3. Collaborate with students and campus partners to create programs that encourage broad participation and community connection.

Advancement, Fundraising & Grants

1. Identify and pursue fundraising and grant opportunities to support recreation programs, equipment, facility enhancements, and student development initiatives.
2. Collaborate with Institutional Advancement and other stakeholders to align recreation funding efforts with university priorities and donor interests.
3. Track outcomes and impact related to funded initiatives, ensuring responsible stewardship and effective use of resources.

Collaboration & Campus Engagement

1. Serve as a collaborative partner within Student Life, working closely with colleagues to integrate recreation into the broader student experience.
2. Represent campus recreation in meetings, committees, and external relationships as appropriate.
3. Coordinate with other departments such as Athletics and Conference Services regarding scheduling, building usage, and shared space needs to ensure efficient, accurate, and mission-aligned use of Student Life and recreation facilities.

1. A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
2. Commitment to Christian higher education and the mission of Olivet Nazarene University.
3. Demonstrated leadership experience in recreation, wellness, student development, or a related field.
4. Strong relational skills with the ability to mentor student staff and build collaborative partnerships.
5. Organizational and strategic planning skills, with attention to both daily operations and long-term growth.
6. Interest or experience in fundraising, grant writing, or advancement work related to student programs.

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in sports administration, recreation, business, or a related field preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Located on the main campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, in the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center. Long exposure to computer display. Standard office environment. No major sources of discomfort.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The annual salary for this position is $45,000.00.