Associate Director of Recreation and Wellness Programs

Associate Director Of Recreation And Wellness Programs

McNeese State University invites applicants for the position of Associate Director of Recreation and Wellness Programs. This is a full-time, 12-month, unclassified staff position. This appointment is available to begin October 1, 2026. SALARY: $48,000 - $54,000 per year, pending education and experience. Position will remain open until filled. For the application process, applicants MUST complete an electronic application and upload required documents listed below:

• Letter of application (cover letter)
• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts
• Three (3) professional references (Include: name, phone number, and e-mail address)

Only completed application packets including all items listed above will be reviewed. ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE. Required application materials WILL NOT be accepted after the deadline, if applicable. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS POSITION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CHAIR:

Jordan Owens at View email address on click.appcast.io

Office of Human Resources Contact:

Kim Dronett, HR Analyst/Employment Liaison: View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io

Position Duties/Responsibilities

The Associate Director of Recreation and Wellness Programs is an employee within Recreation and Wellness Programs. The position reports to the Director of Recreation Complex and Wellness Programs. The Associate Director is responsible for the following job functions:

• Develop and administer a program of informal recreation activities designed to meet the needs of a diverse campus community
• Assist with developing and implementing marketing and promotional plans for the recreation complex, including recreation and wellness programs and initiatives
• Assist in managing all recreational facilities
• Interview, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and keep time records of all student personnel
• Ensure facility equipment meets the highest standards for safety and operational effectiveness
• Conduct periodic inspections of all recreation complex equipment and make or coordinate needed repairs; contact appropriate vendors for equipment repair and/or replacement
• Conduct or oversee preventative maintenance on equipment at regular intervals
• Assist in inspecting facility for cleanliness and coordinate appropriate services as needed
• Contribute to the long-term planning and execution of minor planned projects including capital renovation and construction projects; serve as project manager as needed
• Assist with communication with the Office of Facilities and Plant Operations and Custodial Services concerning maintenance/custodial needs for the recreation complex
• Assist in developing educational materials for current and potential members
• Assist with risk management policies and procedures
• Assist with daily deposit procedures for the rec complex
• Develop and evaluate informal recreation programs and student personnel
• Work cooperatively with the Director of Recreation and Wellness Programs to execute intramural sports when assigned
• Maintain a current inventory of all equipment and supplies
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of wellness programming and initiatives designed to promote health, fitness, and overall well-being among the campus community
• Coordinate and schedule group fitness classes, wellness classes, instructors, facilities, and related program logistics
• Develop, coordinate, and execute wellness programming events and activities throughout the academic year
• Identify opportunities to expand wellness programming based on student needs, participation trends, and campus interests
• Coordinate wellness initiatives and partnerships with campus departments, student organizations, and external partners
• Assist with monitoring expenses and revenue goals, and identify opportunities for revenue and grants to support operations and facility improvements, such as the Technology Assessment Student Committee (TASC) or Campus Development Committee (CDC)
• Assist with cultivating partnerships with internal and external organizations, contribute to the development and execution of partner agreements, and the scheduling and execution of events
• Participate in professional development programs
• Serve as a member of university committees as assigned
• Provide backup support for urgent and emergency situations involving the recreation complex when the Director is unavailable, particularly during the academic semester
• Perform other job-related duties as required and assigned by the Director or next-level supervision

Required/Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
• 2 years of professional experience in recreational sports, physical wellness, facility management, student development, student life, or a similar role
• Supervision experience of persons 18 years of age or older
• Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products and other computer software
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Evidence of an energetic, student-centered approach to program development and delivery

Preferred:

• Master's degree in health and human performance, physical education, student services, higher education, or closely related field
• 3 or more years of professional experience in recreational sports, physical wellness, facility management, student development, student life or a similar role
• Membership experience in an organization or association relative to higher education, recreational sports, or physical wellness
• Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED
• Experience allocating and managing budgets
• Experience in policy development, enforcement, and compliance monitoring in an educational setting
• Familiarity with relevant legal issues at the local, state, and federal level
• Basic working knowledge of sports rules and structure

General University Information

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Dr. Desmond Wallace, Office of Inclusive Excellence: Voice: View phone number on click.appcast.io; TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired: View phone number on click.appcast.io; or View email address on click.appcast.io.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-"Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees"-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver's license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a university-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services ( or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (