Director of Recreation

Director of Recreation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in recreation management or related roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
• Proven experience managing multi-property operations and large teams, ideally within the hospitality or resort industry.
• Strong knowledge of recreation programming, guest services, and hotel operations.
• Budget management experience and proficiency in financial oversight.
• Ability to develop strategic plans and drive operational excellence across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive and high-performing work culture.
• High level of problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing guest needs and business objectives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and recreation management software.
• Flexibility to travel and visit various hotel locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Assistant Director(s), who in turn manage the department head managers at each hotel location.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment across all hotels.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for direct reports to ensure team growth and retention.
• Develop and execute the overarching recreational strategy for all hotel properties, ensuring consistency and alignment with brand values and guest expectations.
• Collaborate with hotel management to integrate recreation programs into the broader guest experience strategy.
• Ensure efficient and effective operations for recreation programs at all campus hotel properties, overseeing staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource management.
• Monitor and report on the performance of recreation programs and make data-driven decisions to optimize offerings and operations.
• Manage the recreation budget across all properties, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation to maximize guest experiences and operational effectiveness.
• Work with Assistant Director(s) to ensure that resources (staffing, equipment, supplies) are allocated effectively across the hotels.
• Ensure that recreation programs and activities are diverse, inclusive, and cater to the varied interests of guests.
• Address and resolve guest concerns or feedback related to recreation services in a timely and professional manner.
• Continuously assess guest satisfaction through feedback, surveys, and reviews to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure regular safety training and drills for recreation staff are conducted to maintain certifications and ensure readiness for any emergency situations.
• Oversee compliance with all safety regulations, including the proper use of equipment, facilities, and materials in recreational areas.
• Collaborate with 3rd party safety specialists to continuously assess and update safety procedures, ensuring the highest level of safety for both guests and staff.
• Act as a liaison between the recreation department and other hotel departments, including sales, marketing, food & beverage, and guest services, to ensure cohesive guest experiences.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on the performance, challenges, and achievements of the recreation department.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and training of staff for recreation roles across all properties.
• Ensure training programs are in place to uphold high standards of guest service, safety, and operational excellence.
• This position involves a combination of office work, travel to hotel properties, and on-site presence at the hotels to oversee operations and support team development.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required, especially during peak seasons or for special events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Veterans and military spouses encouraged to apply