Director, Club Sports

Work Arrangement:  Onsite
Budgeted Salary Range:  $94,534 - $132,783

Director of Club Sports

Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is a national leader in the intercollegiate athletics and recreation landscape. The recreation group consists of physical education, adventure activities, fitness and movement programs, intramurals, Club Sport Teams and access to excellent recreational facilities. It amplifies the universities unwavering support for the well-rounded development of all students and the joy that physical activity can bring.  At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we constantly strive toward it.

Are you ready to serve and support this unique community toward recreational well-being?  If yes, we encourage you to apply!

Position Overview

The Director of Club Sports provides strategic and operational leadership for Stanford Recreation & Wellness's Club Sports program, serving more than 1,800 participants across 40+ student-led clubs. The Director is accountable for the effective administration and continuous improvement of a complex sport portfolio, including program planning, competition and event operations, student leadership development, staff and coach oversight, facilities coordination, financial administration, risk management, compliance, and the overall participant experience.

In addition to leading the Club Sports program, the Director oversees the Club Sports part time coaches, athletic training function and the rugby program, including supervision of the head athletic trainer and head coach of the club rugby teams. The Director establishes priorities and expectations for these areas; supports staff performance and program delivery; and helps ensure that operations, resources, and safety practices align with Recreation & Wellness and university requirements.

Reporting to the Executive Director for Recreation & Wellness, the Director works closely with student leaders, coaches, staff, campus partners, and sport governing bodies to deliver safe, equitable, well-managed, and engaging competitive sport experiences. The position combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight and develops students' capacity to lead responsible, sustainable club organizations.

Key Focus Areas

Program Management and Operations 

• Provide leadership and direction for the Club Sports program, translating Recreation & Wellness priorities into operating practices, service standards, and measurable program outcomes.
• Oversee participant and team registration and required documentation, including eligibility, travel, fundraising, waivers, accident reporting, insurance, postseason competition, coach employment, and other program or governing-body requirements.
• Direct the planning and delivery of club competitions, tournaments, and special events, ensuring that responsibilities, timelines, staffing, and operational needs are clearly defined and executed.
• Develop and maintain the annual Club Sports calendar, coordinating practices, competitions, tournaments, and special events across indoor and outdoor facilities.
• Ensure that facilities, equipment, and other operational resources are appropriately scheduled, coordinated, and maintained to support program delivery.
• Establish, interpret, and administer Club Sports policies and procedures in alignment with university and department requirements.
• Use participation data, program outcomes, and stakeholder feedback to assess effectiveness, resolve operational gaps, and guide program improvements.
• Partner with Recreation & Wellness colleagues and campus units on shared initiatives and support communications that highlight participant experiences and achievements.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing administration of risk-management, safety, and compliance practices for Club Sports activities, travel, competitions, and special events.
• Partner with the Executive Director, athletic training staff, coaches, and relevant campus offices to develop, review, and communicate policies, procedures, emergency protocols, and training requirements.
• Monitor program compliance with university and department requirements and address identified gaps in a timely manner.
• Ensure appropriate processes for waivers, accident and incident reporting, athlete eligibility, travel documentation, and required safety records.
• Promote consistent understanding and application of safety expectations among staff, coaches, student leaders, and participants.
• Serve as a resource to Recreation & Wellness and campus partners on Club Sports matters and represent the department at campus events and meetings, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Recreation & Wellness priorities.

Staff Management and Student Leadership Development 

• Provide leadership and administrative oversight for the Club Sports athletic training function and rugby program, including supervision, performance management, priority setting, and professional development for the head athletic trainer and head coach of the club rugby teams.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate part-time coaches and student staff; establish clear expectations and reinforce accountability for performance and service.
• Provide direction and support to coaches and lead staff meetings, coach training sessions, and other program meetings as needed.
• Advise the student-led Club Sports Council, club officers, and team captains; clarify roles and responsibilities; and provide training, coaching, and tools that enable students to lead their organizations effectively.
• Create meaningful opportunities for students to strengthen leadership, organizational management, decision-making, and responsible stewardship skills through their participation in Club Sports.
• Address sensitive or complex program and team concerns in partnership with appropriate colleagues, applying sound judgment, consistent practices, and a student-centered approach.

Budget and Administrative Management 

• Administer program budgets and resources in alignment with departmental priorities and university policies; monitor expenditures and support sound financial stewardship.
• Advise the Club Sports Executive Council and ASSU on budget processes related to fundraising and the allocation of funds.
• Oversee payroll processes for student and part-time staff and ensure accurate, timely administrative records.
• Ensure that participant registration systems and Club Sports web content are accurate, current, and useful to students and other stakeholders.
• Collect, analyze, and report quarterly and annual program, participation, and operational data.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Participate in general Recreation Department leadership meetings 

Preferred Education & Experience 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Sports Management or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading or administering club sports, collegiate recreation, competitive sport programs, or sport-related events.
• Experience supervising staff and supporting the development of student leaders, coaches, or program personnel.

Competencies

• Knowledge of student development principles and demonstrated ability to translate them into effective advising, training, and leadership-development practices.
• Knowledge of risk-management and safety practices applicable to collegiate recreation, competitive sports, travel, and events.
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, coordinate multiple workstreams, and deliver results amid competing deadlines.
• Strong people-leadership skills, including the ability to set expectations, develop staff, provide feedback, and hold others accountable.
• Sound judgment and demonstrated ability to analyze information, solve problems, make decisions, and respond effectively to complex or sensitive issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-management skills, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with students, staff, coaches, campus partners, and external organizations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate expectations, explain policies, facilitate meetings and training, and prepare clear correspondence and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, follow-through, initiative, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of relevant NIRSA professional competencies or comparable standards for collegiate recreation programming preferred.
• Ability to lift/carry event set up materials of up to 45 lbs

Certifications and Licenses

• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or ability to obtain certification within four weeks of hire.

Core Duties:

• Lead the planning, administration, and evaluation of an athletic operation, facilities, or complex department.

• Design deliver, implement, and measure programming/content and effectiveness.

• Recommend actions and/or resolve complex issues requiring significant subject matter expertise to sports and/or recreation participants and coaches.

• Synthesize data and reports to provide data-driven recommendations and build the business case for process, product, program, or operational improvements.

• Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow; study and standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

• Serve as the technical product, equipment, facility, or program expert.

• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to maximize efficiency, client satisfaction, and/or revenue.

• May prepare and deliver budgets.

• May manage other staff, including students.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in sports management, athletic administration, or other related fields with six years of job-related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of intercollegiate/sports operations and programming

• Outstanding leadership, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to function autonomously and independently and be accountable for decision-making in all areas of responsibility interpersonal, written, and communication skills.

• Experience working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in diverse communities.

• Ability to analyze data, problems and develop realistic solutions.

• Experience in problem resolution and meeting deadlines

• Ability to identify and foresee issues.

• Knowledge of NCAA regulations required

Certificates and Licenses Required

Sport/Unit certifications may be needed (i.e.,AEMA, PGA)