About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Come work with us!

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Recreation and Active Living (Director), the position provides the leadership, development, and day-to-day management of the programming and services encapsulated in the active living, fitness, aquatics, child and youth programs, and other recreation programs, promotions, and experiences across a broad range of audiences within the Department of Athletics and Recreation (A&R) and the Recreation and Active Living Unit. The design, development, and delivery of departmental strategic priorities to advance the Queen’s University Campus Wellbeing Framework and related initiatives towards improved wellbeing on campus and the support of movement, personal wellness, and sense of belonging are paramount priorities within this role, and achieved through the oversight of fitness and instructional initiatives, student-led initiatives, aquatic programming, and physical literacy programs, including children and youth programs, revenue-generating programs, and community engagement projects. Working in collaboration with the Director and members of the Recreation and Active Living unit, the incumbent will focus on facilitating learning, development, and engagement of students and student leaders, and the broader campus and Kingston community through the provision, support, research, and promotion of a broad range of active living, health promoting recreation opportunities, and contribute positively to the campus culture and sense of belonging, and broader community connectedness.

The incumbent works closely with key staff within A&R and in close collaboration with staff across the Division of Student Affairs, Faculties and Departments across the University to inspire, develop, support, and implement programs and services that promote and provide experiences that support participation and enhancements to wellbeing, leadership and personal development, foster engagement, create awareness of relevant social issues, build community resources and physical literacy, and further a department culture that is safe, welcoming, inclusive and considers the whole student and their diverse identities, perspectives and experiences.

The successful candidate must value diversity of experiences and perspectives and will play a significant role in supporting and enhancing A&R’s Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Anti-Racism (I-EDI-AA), and community building efforts, actions, and initiatives.

In conjunction with other members of the Recreation and Active Living Unit, the incumbent supports the campus and department vision of advancing, encouraging, and supporting a culture of wellbeing for all who live, learn, and work at Queen’s University. Queen’s has adopted the Okanagan Charter and is implementing the Queen’s Campus Wellbeing Framework that act as inspirational and informative foundations for our programs, services, and supports to enhance active living pursuits, inspire leadership, foster a sense of belonging and impact student and participant success, health, and wellbeing.

Note: Ability to work a flexible work schedule and hours is required. Evening and weekend hours, according to program and area needs, will be required as a pat of the regular work week.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIILITIES:
Campus Wellbeing Framework

• Support the Director in the development and implementation of strategic priorities around campus wellbeing, campus and community-wide active living programming and health promotion projects and initiatives related to Athletics and Recreation activity. This will include research, collaboration and partnerships that produce accessible programs and policies to support physical activity and create opportunities for physical activity, sense of belonging, satisfaction, and connection to the campus and greater community. The position will often be a key representative on various committees and task forces, lead in the preparation of reports, project plans, development and delivery of educational and experiential programming and events, etc.

• Play a support role with the Director in ongoing reporting, assessment, and reviews of the current active living, fitness, and wellbeing promotional, educational, and program offerings and support implementing recommendations; help serve as expertise and program resource to staff and students.

Program Management & Development

• In collaboration with the Director, plans, develops, and implements a framework of programs and services which promote, inspire, serve, and support participation in recreation and active living pursuits across the spectrum of recreation programs, services, and experiences. Primary portfolio supports fitness and active living initiatives, aquatic programs, child and youth programs, and community engagement projects and activities to enhance and support student and community wellbeing, sense of belonging, satisfaction, and success. This includes developing resources, training, performance tracking, program evaluation and assessment, and day-to-day monitoring and management to assist in achieving required standards, revenue targets, and enhancing campus life by creating relevant, diverse, innovative, and dynamic opportunities for physical activity and participation.

• In collaboration with the Director, plans, develops and implements annual and long-term strategic planning, budgeting, workforce planning, employee selection and day-to-day operations of the Recreation and Active Living unit with respect to the broad spectrum of active living, fitness, aquatic, children and youth and community engagement programs. Develops, monitors, and evaluates all relevant program metrics and outcome measures, including budget preparation, monthly and quarterly financial reviews; providing deviation reports, working closely with finance and administration on all aspects of budget, analysis, purchasing, financial management and reporting for all assigned program accounts.

• Measures effectiveness and efficiency of programs, initiatives, reinforcing department’s vision into all areas of program development, administration, risk management, financial success and customer support and service to achieve objectives, monitoring tends and adjusting programs to be relevant and supportive to the diverse needs and opportunities of the campus community.

• Creates awareness and personal development opportunities on relevant society and active living and health issues that builds community and furthers the development of a culture that is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and responsive to our campus and recreational climate.

• Collaborates with the marketing, communications, and external engagement team on content creation and messaging of targeted materials to promote Canada’s movement guidelines, Campus Wellbeing, active living, physical literacy, and wellbeing education. Responsibilities include creating and updating program content and information on the A&R website, social media, etc. while working collaboratively with student and community groups/organizations to promote wellbeing and department-wide initiatives.

• Represents A&R by providing leadership and collaboration with others, on the promotions and integration of I-EDI-AA and diversity and inclusivity strategies and initiatives into A&R programming and workplace.

• Collaborates with team and other A&R staff, and subject matter experts on the delivery of education/awareness materials that supports Queen’s and A&R culture in active living, health promotion, and participation.

• Leads and directs committees, task forces, working groups that support the enhancements of A&R programs and services

• Plans and oversees responsibility for the spectrum of active living programs, operations and logistics to support elements of the program plans on an annual basis, including scheduling, equipment/technology acquisition, marketing and promotions, etc. Prepares updates, reports and performance summaries based on established targets and key performance indicators.

• Leads and directs all active living programs and initiatives, serving as the primary liaison and resource for student leaders. Maintains and develops student-based resources (i.e. websites, handbooks, guidelines for participation and behaviour, orientation presentations, education resources, etc.)

• Networks and collaborates with a variety of staff, faculty, and departments within Student Affairs and across the University. Develops and maintains strong working relationships to advance the supports, services, and resources accessible to students, and to enhance the student experience, satisfaction, and campus wellbeing.

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends, policy development, health promoting and evidence-based support, research best practices in delivering programs that impact students and participants. Communicates and liaises with professional organizations and peer institutional colleagues to expand and enrich student development and experience (at Queen’s and across the sector). Participates in relevant professional development seminars and conferences.

• Participates in planning, coordinating, and staging of various activities and events hosted by the unit or department (major promotional initiatives, events and Championships, student-leader recognition, etc., especially where broader movement and physical health and wellbeing messaging can be promoted and delivered)

• Participates in the investigative, procedural, and decision-making processes required for the implementation of the Department’s Non-Academic Misconduct policy and the processes required for compliance/appeals with University as/if necessary.

• Other duties as assigned by the Director.

Resource Management

• Participates in and contributes to meetings with regards to strategic planning, budget/financial, and human resource issues.

• In collaboration with the Director and members of the Recreation and Active Living team staff, identify departmental financial and support service requirements, help determine annual performance and program targets, develop mechanisms for planning, implementation, and evaluating programs and services. Monitor and report on unit and program participant and financial performance using financial tracking and program satisfaction tools and metrics and escalate issues/recommendations to the Director.

• Manages the recreation/program management registration systems, including all requisite liability waivers; participant management components; program operations and any program/participant information requirements.

• Prepares and presents annual reports for multiple internal and external audiences, analyzes data, recommendation changes/enhancements to programs and/or new resources for continued improvement.

• Manages the monitoring, implementation (including financial transactions and unit/sport-specific templates) and reporting of the approved Unit budget.

Human Resources

• Manages and supervises assigned Program Coordinators and other full-time and casual staff, student leader and volunteer positions with the Recreation and Active Living unit. Establishes workflow, goals and priorities.

• Plans, prioritizes, and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection.

• Leadership and responsibility for student and casual staff and volunteer workforce, working closely with Human Resources on all forms, contracts, budget validation on salary/honorarium payments, orientation materials, CPIC and VSC, training records. Plans and delivers student leader and staff meetings, conducts orientation sessions for all casual staff units, schedules meetings to discuss performance on a regular basis, provide feedback and identify areas of further training and improvement.

• Trains, mentors, and supports casual staff and other staff involved in program areas.

• Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing, and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.

• Assesses staff and student leader training and development needs and ensures that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.

• Investigates, addresses, and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters. Makes decisions or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge, and probationary termination.

• Creates a positive, welcoming, and inclusive environment that supports and promotes a culture where a diverse range of ideas and perspectives are incorporated.

• Mentors student employees, appointed coaching staff, and club leaders in job competencies and other transferable learning.

• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QULAIFICATIONS:

• University degree, preferably in Kinesiology, Recreation, Physical Education and/or Sport Management, Health Studies/Health Promotion, or Business Administration/Commerce.

• A Masters degree in Kinesiology, Physical Education and Recreation, Health Studies and Promotion, or equivalent is considered an asset.

• Previous work experience (5+years) in fitness, health promotion, recreation and/or sport management, preferably within a Canadian university sport context; educational program development, coordination and/or administration.

• Previous work experience in Health Promotion, Wellness/Wellbeing policy, frameworks and strategy in a post-secondary setting a strong asset.

• Demonstrated supervisory experience with the ability to motivate and lead employees and volunteers.

• Understanding of Canadian university environments and experience with principles of student development theory, knowledge of university health issues, and outcome driven health promotion strategies.

• Familiarity with academic support services required to encourage student success.

• Awareness and appreciation of cross-cultural issues and practical/theoretical experiences of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Extensive experience working with and coordination of a volunteer and/or casual work force; experience in leadership development, volunteer programs, or similar activities, preferably in a post-secondary setting.

• Additional recognized credentials/qualifications/certifications in areas of fitness (group fitness, personal training, exercise physiology), aquatics, and children and youth programming sectors considered a strong asset.

• Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening required.

• Valid Province of Ontario Class G Driver’s License.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Well-developed written and verbal communication to effectively work with and build collaborative relationships with a diverse group of people, internal and external to the University.

• Ability to collaborate and build partnerships with students, faculty, staff, and the community.

• Excellent administrative, organizational, and planning ability, including presentation skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, creative-thinking, and the ability to work in a team environment.

• Must be service-oriented and be capable of dealing with a wide variety of constituents.

• A high degree of independence, resourcefulness, and initiative with respect to program design and delivery, allowing initiatives to develop flexibly, quickly, and appropriately.

• Ability to manage change effectively; must be highly adaptable and open to change with superior change management skills and approach.

• A proven ability to elicit and foster trust, develop positive working relationships and work effectively with leaders, coaches, athletes, and members of the University.

• Ability to analyze complex situations and determine appropriate course of action to reach a resolution, using ability to exercise discretion, good judgment, and solid decision-making.

• Sensitivity to Queen’s unique student environment, ability to foster high standards of integrity, excellence, and academic success.

• Ability to facilitate groups of people to work towards and succeed with shared goals.

• Leadership ability to encourage an organizational culture predicated on sportsmanship, responsible coaching, and commitment to academic success, and the ethical development and welfare of student athletes.

• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity; intercultural knowledge and skill to effectively interact and provide leadership in a diverse environment.

• High degree of risk management assessment and implementation.

• Ability to work well under pressure.

• Drive, strategic vision, and leadership.

• Respectful of the need for confidentiality and professionalism.

• Proficient knowledge in a variety of computer software packages, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Previous work experience in Recreation Software Management platforms (e.g. Innosoft Fusion, ActiveNet, or others) considered an asset.

DECISION MAKING:

• Assess success of active living and student initiatives, policies, and programs and determine appropriate follow up action.
• Recommends strategies that support the A&R strategic framework and goals.
• Prioritize time and duties to ensure work coming from multiple sources is completed within the required deadlines.
• Makes daily operational decisions and determines appropriate solutions.
• Develops and recommends budget allocations related to programs and services; thorough analysis and monitoring of program finances and budget, adjusting as required.
• Decides on most effective method of achieving goals and objectives within available resources.
• Determines direction and priorities for programs within unit, including optimum delivery methods.
• Determines allocation of work and resources to ensure smooth delivery of services and programs.
• Makes decisions regarding short-term and long-term program goals, priorities, objectives and learning outcomes, including optimal delivery methods.
• Determines content, structure and delivery methods for student training and programming.
• Determines strategy and methods for maintaining strong and positive working relationships, including identification and engagement of appropriate stakeholders and partners.
• Determines policy and partner relationship guidelines; proposes amendments to further the goals and strategies for departmental growth.
• Determines the appropriate content and tone of proposals, briefs, and reports written for academic and administrative stakeholders.
• Determines when situations warrant consultation with the Director or Executive Director.
• Makes decisions on the scheduling priorities of recreation sport leagues, recreation clubs, open recreation times, and events/tournaments consistent with written Department policies.
• Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Assesses investigation outcomes of grievances and makes effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Decisions on prioritizing one’s own duties and responsibilities.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.