Posting Summary
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*Please submit your application before Thursday July 23rd, 2026.
Purpose:
Reporting to the Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation, the Associate Director, Operations & Business Services leads the coordination and effectiveness of Athletics & Recreation's operational, service delivery, and engagement functions.The role leads managers responsible for four primary areas: event operations and client services. business development. engagement and sports information (including marketing, digital communications, and media relations), and facilities operations. The Associate Director ensures these functions operate in an integrated and consistent manner to support safe, reliable, and effective program and service delivery.As a member of the Athletics and Recreation Senior Leadership Team, the Associate Director contributes to departmental planning, resource allocation, and decision-making, with a focus on operational alignment, risk management, and service effectiveness. The role plays a key part in coordinating with institutional partners (e.g., ancillary services, risk, legal) on complex agreements and operational models, including those related to external and professional sport partnerships and associated liability considerations.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., business administration, sport management, recreation, or related field)
Training or certification in project management, risk management, or facility operations
Experience:
Seven years progressively responsible experience in operations, service delivery, or business services within a complex organization
Minimum five years of management experience, including oversight of multiple functional areas
Experience working in a unionized environment within a large, complex institution (e.g., post-secondary)
Experience coordinating cross-functional operations, including facilities, events, and service delivery
Experience working with institutional partners (e.g., risk, legal, finance) on agreements, contracts, or operational models
Experience supporting or overseeing revenue-generating programs, services, or partnerships
Skills:
Operational planning and service delivery in multi-use sport, recreation, or similar environments
Risk management principles, including liability considerations related to facilities, events, and external agreements
Financial management principles (budgeting, forecasting, cost control)
University governance structures, policies, and collective agreements
Marketing, communications, and engagement practices within a service-based environment
Trends in recreation, sport, and event operations within post-secondary settingsSkills
Demonstrated operational leadership and coordination skills across multiple interdependent functions
Effective decision-making and judgment in complex, time-sensitive situations
Ability to translate strategic direction into operational plans and measurable outcomes
Strong relationship management skills with internal and external partners
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills in situations involving competing priorities
Advanced written and verbal communication skills
Ability to use data and operational insights to inform decisions and improvements
Advanced planning, prioritization, and organizational skills
Additional Notes:
Combination of office and active sport/recreation environments
Regular presence in facilities and event settings
Work includes evenings and weekends based on operational and event requirements
Availability required for urgent operational or risk-related issues
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*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
