Executive Director, Recreation and Wellness

Executive Director, Recreation and Wellness

Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation, Stanford, California, United States

Post Date: 8 hours ago
• Requisition #: 107995

Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation ("DAPER") is the premier intercollegiate athletics and recreation program in the country. We are the proud Home of Champions and the university’s physical education, recreation and wellness initiatives.

Aligned with Stanford University's pioneering spirit, Stanford Recreation and Wellness is committed to bold and purposeful engagement. We ignite a culture of belonging and well‑being through movement, adventure, play, and learning. Our fifty full‑time staff and over 400 part‑time staff manage eight recreation facilities at one of the world’s most beautiful universities.

Hosting over a million visits annually, we work cohesively, lead with courage, and pursue and revere excellence. We are building a community that is inclusive and a diverse team that is committed to excellence. We take risks. We are willing to lead. We do the right thing. We create innovative solutions. We develop our employees. We promote a culture of gratitude and recognition.

We have fun. If that sounds like you, join us.

The Executive Director of Recreation & Wellness will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for a comprehensive recreation and wellness program that supports the holistic development and well‑being of the campus community. This role will oversee the design and delivery of diverse offerings—from intramurals and club sports to aquatics, outdoor adventures, and wellness workshops—ensuring they align with Stanford’s health and student success goals.

This individual will manage multimillion‑dollar budgets, lead a high‑performing team, and build cross‑campus partnerships to foster student belonging, engagement, and resilience. A data‑driven and innovative leader, the Executive Director will champion operational excellence, financial sustainability, inclusive programming, and a culture of continuous improvement that reflects Stanford’s commitment to health, wellness, and community.

• Strategic Vision & Leadership
  • Develop and execute a multi‑year strategic plan for recreation and wellness, aligned with DAPER’s mission and Stanford’s broader health objectives.
  • Serve as a thought‑leader, galvanizing stakeholders around bold, evidence‑based programming that drives participation and satisfaction metrics across campus and in the community.
• Student Development & Well‑being Integration
  • Intentional focus on student development, engagement, and belonging through recreation and wellness programs.
  • Connect rec/wellness efforts to mental health, academic success, and resilience.
• Program Development & Delivery
  • Oversee all recreational offerings—intramurals, club sports, aquatics, group fitness, outdoor adventure, mind‑body studios, and wellness workshops.
  • Oversee strategic marketing and communications to increase awareness, engagement, and participation across all demographics.
• Operational Excellence
  • Manage a ~$11M budget for facilities, staffing, and equipment; optimize resource allocation to maximize ROI and user experience across functional areas.
  • Ensure top‑tier facility maintenance and development—gyms, pools, courts, trails—by collaborating with Capital Projects and Facilities teams.
  • Develop and manage revenue‑generating programs (e.g., memberships, external rentals, partnerships) to support long‑term financial sustainability.
• Team Building & Talent Management
  • Recruit, mentor, and lead a diverse team of directors, program managers, and frontline staff.
  • Instill a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Data & Assessment
  • Leverage participation analytics, satisfaction surveys, and health outcome data to iterate programs and demonstrate impact.
  • Report quarterly to COO on KPIs: participation rates, retention, health metrics, and equity measures.
• Partnerships & Outreach
  • Forge strategic alliances across Stanford units—Student Affairs, Athletics, Counseling, Residential Life, and external community…