Assistant Director, Aquatics & Adventure
Location: Main Campus · Type: Full time · Posted: 2026-09-10 ·
Reference: R0007842
Job Summary
The Assistant Director, Aquatics & Adventure provides strategic and
operational direction of the Lee County/FGCU Aquatics Center, South Village
pool, Waterfront area, and all aquatics, safety, and outdoor adventure
programs. Oversees the day-to-day operations of assigned program area and
supervises full-time and part-time OPS employees.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We
value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change
through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment
of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home
here.
Job Description
Typical duties include but are not limited to:
Manages day-to-day operations of the assigned program area and facilities,
including Aquatics, RecVentures, and the Waterfront.
Oversees the recruitment, hiring, and training of full-time staff and part
time OPS staff that assist in carrying out the goals and objectives of the
functional area.
Oversees the operational management and usage of the Lee County/FGCU
Aquatics Center, South Village Pool, and Waterfront facilities.
Serves as the Facility Use Custodian for Lee County/FGCU Aquatics Center,
South Village Pool, and Waterfront. Develops Facility Use Agreements and
Memorandum of Understandings for the use of the spaces by groups, verifies
insurance requirements, tax exempt status, alcohol use, and solicitation
request for spaces to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
Oversees management of the RecVentures programming and initiatives.
Includes motorized and non-motorized boat programs, educational clinics,
trip programs, and equipment rentals.
Oversees aquatic programming to include swim lessons, swim/dive club
training and meets, and safety certification programming.
Develops and implements risk management and safety plans. Ensures all
safety practices are followed.
Assists with instructor training for department full time staff for first
aid and risk management certification programs.
Collects and analyzes data to assess and evaluate programs and
initiatives.
Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures
to ensure effective operation for multiple program areas and facilities.
Develops and manages the operating budgets to ensure program alignment
with fiscal allocation.
Assists in goal setting and planning. Develops goals, student learning
outcomes, and objectives. Assists with the development and implementation
of the overall departmental strategic plan.
Stays current on trends and best practices in aquatics, risk management,
and outdoor adventure programming to develop new and improved programming
and stay within operational standards of aquatic facilities. Participates
in state, regional, and national professional organizations, conferences,
and workshops.
Other Duties:
Serves on assigned University Recreation and Wellness and university work
teams and committees as needed
Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Assists with special projects as assigned.
Additional Job Description
Required Qualifications:
This position requires either eight years of directly related full-time
experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited
institution in Recreation Management, Sports Administration, or closely
related field and four years of full-time experience directly related to
the job functions.
Current American Red Cross or equivalent lifeguard, Water Safety
Instructor, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications or the ability to obtain
within 30 days of employment.
Current Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatics Facility Operator
(AFO) certification or obtain within one year of hire.
Experience operating a personal computer and proficient in Microsoft
office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Valid Driver's License.
Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or
certifications may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Recreation Management,
Sports Administration, or closely related field.
Two years full-time professional experience in higher education campus
recreation related to the position.
Experience scheduling and supervising the work of students, support, and
professional employees.
Experience in swim meet coordination.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with
creativity
Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding
oneself accountable
Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across
teams
Knowledge of campus recreation and fitness programming.
Knowledge of risk management standards and practices.
Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods.
Knowledge of marketing principles including promotion, fundraising, and
public relations.
Knowledge of budget control principles, practices, and procedures.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete
simultaneous projects.
Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty,
students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently
with minimal supervision.
Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work
in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, goals and
objectives.
Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information,
guidance, and motivation.
Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:
Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and
new ideas.
Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to
overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across
departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve
common goals.
Pay Grade 16
Review of applicant materials will begin on September 25, 2026.
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity
and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national
origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
