Assistant Director bei The University of South Florida Board of Trustees

Program Leadership & Vision
Provide strategic vision, direction, and oversight for all Outdoor Recreation program areas and facilities, including Adventure Trips, Challenge Course operations, the Outdoor Resource Center, Bike Shop, and USF Riverfront Park. Develop and implement innovative programs that promote leadership, wellness, environmental stewardship, and a sense of belonging among students.

Staff Supervision & Development
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate two professional Coordinators and their respective student staff teams (50+). Create meaningful professional development and leadership training opportunities that promote student growth, inclusion, and transferable career skills.

Fiscal & Administrative Management
Oversee annual budgets, purchasing, payroll, and equipment inventory across all Outdoor Recreation program areas. Ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with university and departmental policies while identifying opportunities for revenue generation and cost efficiency.

Facilities, Equipment & Vehicle Oversight
Assist managing daily operations, maintenance, and scheduling of Riverfront Park, the Challenge Course, and the Outdoor Resource Center. Oversee equipment purchasing, inspection, repair, and inventory processes. Ensure proper maintenance of departmental vehicles, trailers, and related outdoor recreation assets.

Risk Management & Safety
Lead risk management initiatives, ensuring adherence to university policies and national standards (ACCT, AORE, etc.). Oversee staff certifications, emergency action planning, trip logistics, and equipment safety protocols to provide a safe and inclusive recreation environment.

Collaborative Partnerships & Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners (Housing, Student Government, Wellness Education, etc.) and community organizations to expand program reach and develop joint outdoor initiatives. Represent Outdoor Recreation on departmental and university committees.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement
Develop and implement assessment tools to measure learning outcomes, participation trends, and program impact. Use data to guide strategic decisions, support budget requests, and communicate program value to stakeholders.

Leadership & Departmental Involvement
Serve as part of the Recreation & Wellness leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, staff training, and student development initiatives across the department. Support special events, retreats, and other cross-unit efforts that align with departmental goals and the Division of Student Success mission.

Collaboration & Strategic Leadership
Participate in strategic planning, staffing, and cross-campus initiatives; assist Associate Director as liaison with university partners to align operations; and compile and present reports and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders. Represent Campus Recreation department at appropriate Student Affairs & Student Success and University meetings including committees and work groups.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum
of four years related exempt experience, including two years of supervisory experience.

Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is
conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an
alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration
required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the
advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Recreation, Higher Education, or related field and two (2) years of professional experience in a collegiate setting
• Experience in outdoor recreation, adventure programming, or challenge course management
• Proven success in staff supervision, risk management, and program administration
• Certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR), ACCT, or other industry safety credentials.
• Familiarity with university business systems (travel, purchasing, HR, property control).

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.