Executive Director, Recreation and Wellness

Executive Director, Recreation and Wellness

Thank you for your interest in Stanford University.While we have instituted a hiring pause for non-critical staff positions, we are actively recruiting for most of the positions currently listed on our careers page.We will update the page when the broader hiring pause is lifted.

Job Summary

• DATE POSTED 1 day ago
• Schedule Full-time
• Job Code 4143
• Employee Status Regular
• Grade M
• Requisition ID 106984
• Work Arrangement On Site

ABOUT STANFORD RECREATION & WELLNESS

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 Role : 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. The Executive Director 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, this individual will champion operational excellence, financial sustainability, inclusive programming, and a culture of continuous improvement that reflects Stanford’s commitment to health, wellness, and community.

Core Responsibilities :

Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for recreation and wellness, aligned with DAPER’s mission and Stanford’s broader health objectives.

Oversee all recreational offerings—intramurals, club sports, aquatics, group fitness, outdoor adventure, mind-body studios, and wellness workshops.

Manage a [~$M] budget for facilities, staffing, and equipment; optimize resource allocation to maximize ROI and user experience across functional areas.

Recruit, mentor, and lead a diverse team of directors, program managers, and frontline staff.

Leverage participation analytics, satisfaction surveys, and health outcome data to iterate programs and demonstrate impact.

Uphold NCAA, Title IX, ADA, and Stanford policy compliance across all recreation and wellness operations.

Required Qualifications

Preferred Attributes

Core Competencies

WORK STANDARDS

The expected pay range for this position is $206,749 to $225,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https : / / cardinalatwork.stanford.edu / benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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

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

We're always looking for people who can bring new perspectives and life experiences to our team. Found the perfect role and ready to apply? Learn more on what to expect next.

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