Penn State Job Catalog

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.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Recreation Programs

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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 7
• Minimum – $49,188.00
• MidPoint – $60,216.00
• Maximum – $71,340.00

• Data Analysis
• Event planning
• Forecasting
• Marketing
• Program design
• Program evaluation
• Program management
• Regulatory compliance
• Scheduling
• Sports management