UW Recreation has an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant Director for Waterfront Experience & Outreach to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Assistant Director for Waterfront Experience & Outreach is responsible for leading marketing, outreach, and guest experiences for some of UW Recreation’s most visible and unique programs and venues, including the ASUW Shell House, Waterfront Activities Center (WAC), WAC Boating & Rentals, and UWild Field programs. This role combines strategic leadership, event and revenue development, student engagement, and outdoor recreation operations to create welcoming and memorable experiences for the UW community and guests.

This position reports to the Associate Director, serves on the department’s Extended Executive Team, and interacts with department staff on all initiatives related to the auxiliary operational needs for Recreation.

Job responsibilities require the ability to perform tasks independently during variable working hours with a schedule to potentially include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. On-site work is required.  

Key Responsibilities: 

ASUW Shell House 50%

• Develop and implement sales strategies, marketing initiatives, and outreach efforts designed to increase bookings, expand community engagement, and drive revenue growth for the ASUW Shell House.

• Prepare and analyze sales, forecasting, utilization, and revenue reports to monitor performance, identify trends, and support strategic decision-making and long-term financial planning.

• Monitor industry trends, market conditions, client feedback, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for program enhancement, improved customer experience, and increased market visibility.

• Develop and implement strategies to meet or exceed annual revenue, utilization, and customer satisfaction goals while balancing operational priorities and facility stewardship.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, campus partners, vendors, and community organizations while actively developing new business opportunities and partnerships.

Personnel 20%

• Directly supervise full-time staff and student staff. Provide functional leadership to all areas of supervision. Assist with and offer counsel and strategic advising to employees regarding creating policies and procedures, developing new programming, performance management, etc.

• Ensure employees have proper up-to-date University required training and department specific training.

• Direct employees and schedules to meet University and Collective Bargaining Agreement employee requirements.

Marketing & Communications 15% 

• Develop and implement the department’s marketing, communications, and business development strategic plans for both internal and external audiences, including initiatives related to the ASUW Shell House. 

• Lead proactive outreach, relationship building, and sales strategies to secure partnerships, sponsorships, and rental opportunities – particularly for the ASUW Shell House and the Waterfront Activities Center as well as other recreation programs and services. 

• Oversee the department’s website, apps, business pages, and social media efforts, both current and emerging.  

• Interact regularly and positively with Rec staff and students to accomplish marketing and communication goals. 

• Serve as the departmental contact to promote Rec offerings and activities at on- and off-campus outreach events (e.g., tabling at fairs, vetting sponsorship opportunities, etc.).  

• Represent Rec across campus by participating in and contributing to relevant committees and learning communities. 

Budgeting 10%

• Provide strategic support to area Managers in their preparation of budgets. Drive revenue growth across all functional units through strategic planning, execution, and optimization of services and offerings. 

• Prepare an annual budget for the Marketing & Communications area. Project expenditures in staffing, software, equipment and contract services, as well as revenues.

• Maintain internal control of all expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance.

Operations 5%

• Provide strategic planning regarding business plan development, operations best practices, and recommendations for process improvement.

• Perform ongoing assessment of the operations and programs to evaluate and analyze based on participation data, the department's mission and values, as well as the current business needs.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor’s degree. 

• A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or more of the following areas: marketing and communications, event venue operations, outreach and business development, hospitality or guest experience management, or recreation administration.

Additional Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of scheduling and recreation management software 

• Possess interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and colleagues.

• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership/management skills.

About University of Washington

University of Washington Recreation provides safe, accessible, and dynamic recreation experiences to engage students in growth and wellbeing. UW is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoy outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

Connections working at University of Washington