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Penn State Job Catalog
Recreation Programs Specialist – Intermediate Professional (PSU0423)
Additional Levels
Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.
Job Summary and Representative Duties
The Recreation Programs Specialist develops, coordinates, administers, and evaluates comprehensive recreation programs and services that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and community building; provides leadership and oversight for assigned recreation program areas such as intramural sports, sport clubs, fitness and wellness, outdoor recreation, aquatics, informal recreation, special events, facilities, or related recreational services; assesses program needs, develops and implements initiatives, leads program operations and resources, ensures compliance with University policies and safety standards, and collaborates with campus partners to enhance the recreational experience for students, faculty, staff, and community participants.
- Develop, implement, administer, and evaluate recreation programs, services, activities, and special events that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and recreational participation
- Assess participant needs, industry trends, and program effectiveness; identify opportunities for program enhancements, growth, and new initiatives
- Coordinate program operations including scheduling, participant registration, facility reservations, equipment allocation, staffing, and event logistics
- Establish program goals, performance measures, and assessment strategies; collect and analyze participation and operational data and prepare reports and recommendations
- Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of policies, procedures, and standard operating practices to ensure effective program delivery and compliance with University, regulatory, and industry standards
- Monitor program activities and facilities to ensure participant safety, risk mitigation, accessibility, and a positive user experience; coordinate incident response, documentation, and corrective actions as needed
- Collaborate in the oversight of inventory, maintenance, and utilization of recreation equipment, supplies, and program resources
- Schedule student employees, instructors, officials, volunteers, and other assigned personnel
- Facilitate training and development programs related to leadership, customer service, risk management, program delivery, and operational effectiveness
- Administer, and monitor program budgets; track expenditures and revenues, analyze financial performance, and recommend adjustments to support operational and strategic objectives
- Coordinate purchasing activities, vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements in accordance with University policies and procedures
- Collaborate with other recreation staff and campus partners to support recreational programming, student success initiatives, facility operations, and special projects
- Serve as a liaison with University departments, student organizations, community partners, vendors, and professional organizations to advance program goals and foster engagement.
- Coordinate marketing, promotional, and outreach efforts to increase awareness, participation, and engagement in recreation programs and services
- Provide specialized instruction, coaching, facilitation, or fitness programming within assigned areas of expertise and ensure activities are delivered in accordance with established standards and best practices
- May supervise professional staff, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, coaching, and professional development
Level Matrix
- Level:
- – Intermediate Professional
- Base Description:
- – Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
- Level Summary:
- – Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.
- Supervisory Responsibilities:
-
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers
- Fiscal Responsibilities:
-
– May validate and pay invoices
- Problem Solving:
-
– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action
- Independence of Action:
-
– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor
- Communication and Collaboration:
-
– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
- Comp Grade – 6
- Minimum – $44,628.00
- MidPoint – $54,696.00
- Maximum – $64,668.00
Critical Skills
- Data Analysis
- Event planning
- Forecasting
- Marketing
- Program design
- Program evaluation
- Program management
- Regulatory compliance
- Scheduling
- Sports management