Posting Summary Purpose :

Reporting to the Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation, the Associate Director, Operations & Business Services leads the coordination and effectiveness of Athletics & Recreation's operational, service delivery, and engagement functions.

The role leads managers responsible for four primary areas: event operations and client services. business development. engagement and sports information (including marketing, digital communications, and media relations), and facilities operations. The Associate Director ensures these functions operate in an integrated and consistent manner to support safe, reliable, and effective program and service delivery.

As a member of the Athletics and Recreation Senior Leadership Team, the Associate Director contributes to departmental planning, resource allocation, and decision-making, with a focus on operational alignment, risk management, and service effectiveness. The role plays a key part in coordinating with institutional partners (e.g., ancillary services, risk, legal) on complex agreements and operational models, including those related to external and professional sport partnerships and associated liability considerations.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., business administration, sport management, recreation, or related field) Training or certification in project management, risk management, or facility operations

Experience:

Seven years progressively responsible experience in operations, service delivery, or business services within a complex organization Minimum five years of management experience, including oversight of multiple functional areas Experience working in a unionized environment within a large, complex institution (e.g., post-secondary) Experience coordinating cross-functional operations, including facilities, events, and service delivery Experience working with institutional partners (e.g., risk, legal, finance) on agreements, contracts, or operational models Experience supporting or overseeing revenue-generating programs, services, or partnerships

Skills:

Operational planning and service delivery in multi-use sport, recreation, or similar environments Risk management principles, including liability considerations related to facilities, events, and external agreements Financial management principles (budgeting, forecasting, cost control) University governance structures, policies, and collective agreements Marketing, communications, and engagement practices within a service-based environment Trends in recreation, sport, and event operations within post-secondary settings Demonstrated operational leadership and coordination skills across multiple interdependent functions Effective decision-making and judgment in complex, time-sensitive situations Ability to translate strategic direction into operational plans and measurable outcomes Strong relationship management skills with internal and external partners Conflict resolution and negotiation skills in situations involving competing priorities Advanced written and verbal communication skills Ability to use data and operational insights to inform decisions and improvements Advanced planning, prioritization, and organizational skills

Additional Notes:

Combination of office and active sport/recreation environments Regular presence in facilities and event settings Work includes evenings and weekends based on operational and event requirements Availability required for urgent operational or risk-related issues