Assistant Director - Outdoor Programs
Middle Tennessee State University’s Campus Recreation has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs to join our team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Programs, the Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs serves as a leader who provides visionary leadership for a robust Outdoor Pursuits Program
What We Expect From You:
Have a master’s degree in Recreation Management or a closely related field
Provide exemplary leadership to a Graduate Assistant and over 20 student staff across 3 outdoor program areas (equipment rentals, climbing wall, and trips)
The ability to create and implement staff trainings that not only prepare student staff for the technical proficiencies of their jobs, but also trainings that prepare them for their careers
The ability to plan, facilitate, and oversee outdoor adventure programming that will include local, regional, national, and international trips
Lead and grow a wide-ranging and inclusive outdoor programming that serves a population of over 17,000 students
Strong fiscal management and dynamic oversight of a $130,000+ budget
The ability to lead and grow a large-scale outdoor program which includes directing an outdoor equipment rental center with over $350,000 in inventory, a full-service bike shop, indoor climbing wall, large scale outdoor trips, fiscal oversight and auditing procedures, inventory management, and sound risk management procedures
Utilize data to drive sound decision making practices. Benchmark off national best practices and CAS standards to foster growth of the Outdoor Program
Research, recommend, and utilize outdoor industry best practices in decision making.
Be an effective communicator and utilize different methods of communication to reach MTSU students, staff, and faculty
Oversee department vehicle use and maintenance
Be a leader in and outside the Department of Campus Recreation by thinking creatively and acting collaboratively
What We Require:
Master’s degree in recreation or associated field
A minimum of two years prior experience in university recreation programs whereas 2 years of a graduate assistantship is equivalent to one year of professional experience.
Wilderness First Responder/CPR/AED certification
What We Would Like You to Have
3 years supervising a comprehensive university outdoor recreation program
Experience in supervising large-scale, complex budgets
Proven experience in leading successful student staff training programs
Knowledge and creation of program assessment measures
PCIA or AMGA certification preferred.
ACA swift water rescue certification preferred.
Wilderness First Aid/Responder Instructor Certification
What we can offer:
An annual salary between $60,000-$70,000
Paid days off: 13 university recognized holidays, 2 days of annual leave accrued per month, and 1 day of sick leave accrued per month
Tuition discount
Participation in either the state retirement plan or optional retirement plan
Full State of TN benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, and term life insurance
MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.
MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.
For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.
Application Review Date: June 3, 2026
