Assistant Director of Athletics & Recreation, Sports Programs
University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Assistant Director of Athletics & Recreation, Sports Programs
Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
How to Apply For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website. How to Apply Troubleshooting Tips for Applicants FAQ's.
Initial Review Date (IRD): 04-13-2026 (Jobs posted until filled). All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration.
About UC Santa Cruz UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It’s known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus’s DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
Department Overview At UC Santa Cruz, we strive to enrich the total educational experience by promoting physical activity, encouraging health and wellness, creating and shaping community, and cultivating direction. Through our diverse offerings in athletics, classes, workshops, outdoor trips, intramural sports leagues, tournaments, clubs, drop‑in activities, and recreational facilities, we strive to provide opportunities for UCSC students, staff and faculty, retirees, alumni, and local community members to participate.
As one of the largest student employers on campus, we also have many work‑study and non‑work student jobs in our facilities and programs. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of professional programs and physical activities that promote and enhance community, learning, motivational skills, lifelong wellness, and academic achievement. More information can be found at https://goslugs.com.
Job Summary The Assistant Director for Athletics & Recreation, Sport Programs assists the Associate Director for Athletics & Recreation in game‑day administration of NCAA DIII varsity events as well as the execution of the Sports Clubs and Intramural Sports programs. This position also provides administrative support to summer camps hosted by the department. This role works alongside varsity coaches, sports medicine, sports information, and administrative support staff to understand, plan, and execute home contest needs for varsity athletics. In addition to varsity athletics duties, this position will work directly with Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs programs to recruit, hire, train, and retain student staff and support all Sport Clubs organizations. The position will work with the Associate Director for Athletics & Recreation to determine and execute programming, staffing, and training needs.
Appointment Information Budgeted Salary: $75,750 annually.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits.
Schedule Information: Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Days of the week: Mon–Fri, weekends as needed. Shift includes: day, evening, & weekend.
Employee Classification: Career appointment.
Job End Date: None.
Job Code Classification: ATH PROFL 4 (004151), Grade 20.
Union Representation: Non‑Represented.
Job Duties 50% – Athletics and Recreation Program Coordination Designs, plans, organizes, and conducts complex recreational programs for students, faculty, and staff participants, individually or in groups.
Conducts ongoing evaluation of recreational programs to ensure compliance with University, department, and program objectives.
Plans and schedules all Intramural Sports leagues and special events, including facility location approvals, equipment purchases, communications, and staffing.
Enforces and assesses program policies and procedures.
Plans and schedules all Sport Clubs events, including facility location approvals, required permits, equipment, and staffing.
Oversees all administrative and operational aspects of the Sport Clubs.
Provides short and long‑term planning for the Sport Clubs.
Executes travel arrangements for all approved Sport Clubs competitions and other special events.
Facilitates and maintains a supportive environment for program participants.
Responsible for role‑modeling positive behaviors and leadership for student‑athletes, employees, and participants.
Responsible for execution of cash reconciliation process with Sport Clubs participants when necessary.
Proposes revised standard operating procedures and guidelines for intramural sports, sport clubs, and camps.
20% – Student Employee Supervision and Mentorship Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates student staff to be high functioning for intramural sports and Sport Clubs.
Designs, plans, organizes and conducts complex training and orientation programs, guidance, instruction, and advising for student leaders, individually or in groups, related to best practices for student organization budgeting, travel, fundraising, purchasing, inventory, roster management, or other Sport Clubs matters.
Processes personnel and payroll documentation, including maintenance of accurate records for student employees.
Applies education and experience to instruction and development of student staff.
20% – Administrative and Other Duties Keeps current on best sport officiating and event‑management practices and methods of instruction, techniques, and skills via continuing education and actual game experience.
Participates in required professional development activities appropriate for an experienced professional in their field of expertise.
Serves on the department’s internal committees and/or as a department representative on campus‑wide committees.
Reports safety and risk issues to appropriate personnel, recommends improvements, and follows through to ensure that risks are appropriately addressed.
As a department technical leader, regularly provides guidance to others regarding the Athletics & Recreation program(s) and/or related department activities.
Maintains files and records; prepares reports as necessary on all matters, including non‑routine matters.
Maintains a positive working relationship with all staff and external constituents directly involved in the operation of the Athletics & Recreation facilities.
10% – Special Events & Driving Leads and/or assists in the planning, coordination, and execution of department special events such as the Run Like a Slug 5k and Cornucopia.
Drives a personal and university vehicle for programming and professional development travel.
Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Advanced knowledge of program activity and best practices.
Problem‑solving skills.
Ability to multi‑task and work with frequent interruptions.
Skill in effective listening.
Excellent verbal communication skills, in the English language.
Excellent written communication skills, in the English language.
Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Proficiency in the use of computer applications relevant to job duties, including Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace, Innosoft Fusion, IMLeagues, DoSportsEasy, Whentowork.com, and/or Adobe Creative Cloud.
CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor.
Special Conditions of Employment Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check.
Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
Must possess a valid license to drive in California and participate in the DMV pull‑notice program.
Must possess a CPR/AED/First Aid Certification, or have the ability to obtain it within 60 calendar days of hire.
Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames and include UC compliance training.
Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus and nationally.
Compliance with the University of California vaccination policy covering all employees.
Mandated reporter for child abuse/neglect per CANRA; required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect and sign a statement acknowledging the requirement to report child abuse.
Exercise utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned as part of employment duties.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations; are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Safety Statement All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
Notice of Availability Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/. The report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security, fire safety and evacuation policies, sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols, and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831‑459‑2231 Ext. 1.
EEO/AA The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
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Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
How to Apply For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website. How to Apply Troubleshooting Tips for Applicants FAQ's.
Initial Review Date (IRD): 04-13-2026 (Jobs posted until filled). All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration.
About UC Santa Cruz UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It’s known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus’s DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
Department Overview At UC Santa Cruz, we strive to enrich the total educational experience by promoting physical activity, encouraging health and wellness, creating and shaping community, and cultivating direction. Through our diverse offerings in athletics, classes, workshops, outdoor trips, intramural sports leagues, tournaments, clubs, drop‑in activities, and recreational facilities, we strive to provide opportunities for UCSC students, staff and faculty, retirees, alumni, and local community members to participate.
As one of the largest student employers on campus, we also have many work‑study and non‑work student jobs in our facilities and programs. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of professional programs and physical activities that promote and enhance community, learning, motivational skills, lifelong wellness, and academic achievement. More information can be found at https://goslugs.com.
Job Summary The Assistant Director for Athletics & Recreation, Sport Programs assists the Associate Director for Athletics & Recreation in game‑day administration of NCAA DIII varsity events as well as the execution of the Sports Clubs and Intramural Sports programs. This position also provides administrative support to summer camps hosted by the department. This role works alongside varsity coaches, sports medicine, sports information, and administrative support staff to understand, plan, and execute home contest needs for varsity athletics. In addition to varsity athletics duties, this position will work directly with Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs programs to recruit, hire, train, and retain student staff and support all Sport Clubs organizations. The position will work with the Associate Director for Athletics & Recreation to determine and execute programming, staffing, and training needs.
Appointment Information Budgeted Salary: $75,750 annually.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits.
Schedule Information: Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Days of the week: Mon–Fri, weekends as needed. Shift includes: day, evening, & weekend.
Employee Classification: Career appointment.
Job End Date: None.
Job Code Classification: ATH PROFL 4 (004151), Grade 20.
Union Representation: Non‑Represented.
Job Duties 50% – Athletics and Recreation Program Coordination Designs, plans, organizes, and conducts complex recreational programs for students, faculty, and staff participants, individually or in groups.
Conducts ongoing evaluation of recreational programs to ensure compliance with University, department, and program objectives.
Plans and schedules all Intramural Sports leagues and special events, including facility location approvals, equipment purchases, communications, and staffing.
Enforces and assesses program policies and procedures.
Plans and schedules all Sport Clubs events, including facility location approvals, required permits, equipment, and staffing.
Oversees all administrative and operational aspects of the Sport Clubs.
Provides short and long‑term planning for the Sport Clubs.
Executes travel arrangements for all approved Sport Clubs competitions and other special events.
Facilitates and maintains a supportive environment for program participants.
Responsible for role‑modeling positive behaviors and leadership for student‑athletes, employees, and participants.
Responsible for execution of cash reconciliation process with Sport Clubs participants when necessary.
Proposes revised standard operating procedures and guidelines for intramural sports, sport clubs, and camps.
20% – Student Employee Supervision and Mentorship Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates student staff to be high functioning for intramural sports and Sport Clubs.
Designs, plans, organizes and conducts complex training and orientation programs, guidance, instruction, and advising for student leaders, individually or in groups, related to best practices for student organization budgeting, travel, fundraising, purchasing, inventory, roster management, or other Sport Clubs matters.
Processes personnel and payroll documentation, including maintenance of accurate records for student employees.
Applies education and experience to instruction and development of student staff.
20% – Administrative and Other Duties Keeps current on best sport officiating and event‑management practices and methods of instruction, techniques, and skills via continuing education and actual game experience.
Participates in required professional development activities appropriate for an experienced professional in their field of expertise.
Serves on the department’s internal committees and/or as a department representative on campus‑wide committees.
Reports safety and risk issues to appropriate personnel, recommends improvements, and follows through to ensure that risks are appropriately addressed.
As a department technical leader, regularly provides guidance to others regarding the Athletics & Recreation program(s) and/or related department activities.
Maintains files and records; prepares reports as necessary on all matters, including non‑routine matters.
Maintains a positive working relationship with all staff and external constituents directly involved in the operation of the Athletics & Recreation facilities.
10% – Special Events & Driving Leads and/or assists in the planning, coordination, and execution of department special events such as the Run Like a Slug 5k and Cornucopia.
Drives a personal and university vehicle for programming and professional development travel.
Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Advanced knowledge of program activity and best practices.
Problem‑solving skills.
Ability to multi‑task and work with frequent interruptions.
Skill in effective listening.
Excellent verbal communication skills, in the English language.
Excellent written communication skills, in the English language.
Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Proficiency in the use of computer applications relevant to job duties, including Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace, Innosoft Fusion, IMLeagues, DoSportsEasy, Whentowork.com, and/or Adobe Creative Cloud.
CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor.
Special Conditions of Employment Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check.
Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
Must possess a valid license to drive in California and participate in the DMV pull‑notice program.
Must possess a CPR/AED/First Aid Certification, or have the ability to obtain it within 60 calendar days of hire.
Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames and include UC compliance training.
Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus and nationally.
Compliance with the University of California vaccination policy covering all employees.
Mandated reporter for child abuse/neglect per CANRA; required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect and sign a statement acknowledging the requirement to report child abuse.
Exercise utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned as part of employment duties.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations; are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Safety Statement All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
Notice of Availability Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) available at: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/annual-security-reports/. The report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security, fire safety and evacuation policies, sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols, and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831‑459‑2231 Ext. 1.
EEO/AA The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
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