Department: Athletics and Recreation 

Job Type: Continuing

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year) 

Campus: Waterloo 

Reports to: Director, Athletics and Recreation 

Employee Group: Management 

Application Deadline: May 10, 2026

Requisition ID: 10823 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Athletics and Recreation, the Associate Director of Interuniversity Sport Programs is a senior leadership role within the department. It is responsible for the overall management of Interuniversity Sport Programs, Student Athlete Services, Athletic Therapy, Strength & Conditioning, off campus Facility programming by Interuniversity Sport, and Department Equipment, Uniforms and Apparel contracts, and the bus transportation contract & for the Wilfrid Laurier Department of Athletics and Recreation.

In conjunction with the Director, Athletics and Recreation, the Associate of Interuniversity Sport Programs, is responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive annual and long-range plans that will enable a successful inter-university and competitive sport program that supports the mission, and enhances the image and reputation of Wilfrid Laurier’s programs and events. The incumbent is responsible to manage aspects of the inter-university including but not limited to annual planning, day-to-day management, financial management, coaching staff, Student Athlete Development Program, sport program delivery and program evaluation. This role will lead the high-performance sport unit, providing strategic vision, operational leadership, and people-focused management across varsity programs and integrated athlete support services. The Associate Director, Interuniversity Sport Programs works closely with coaches, athletes, staff, campus partners, alumni & development, external sport organizations and external partners to create an environment where teams and individuals can perform at their highest level.

The incumbent will be responsible for the hiring, performance evaluations and supervision of the following staff: Full Time Head Coaches/Managers (5), Manager, Sports Medicine & Athlete Performance (1) Sr. Coordinator, Sport & Athlete Services (1), Administrative Coordinator (1), part time head coaches (17), volunteer/part time assistant coaches coaches (40+) within high performance sport program.

The Associate Director Interuniversity Sport Programs, will serve as a department liaison to Recruitment & Admissions, Student Wellness Centre, Residential Services, Dean of Students Office, Accessible Learning, Academic Faculties, Centre for Student Success, Office of the Registrar, Career & Co-Op Services, Student Awards Office, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U Sports. 

This role has a university-wide mandate and travel to other campuses and locations may be required to attend meetings or events.

Accountabilities

Apparel, Equipment, & Uniforms and respective Contracts/Partnerships

• Support the Manager, Marketing & Communications with Logo and Brand Management

• Support the Manager, Marketing & Communications to maintain trademark of Golden Hawk logo and wordmarks with apparel, uniforms and equipment.

• Support the Administrative Coordinator and department units to facilitate needs, ordering and design of apparel, equipment and uniforms.

• Liaison with external provider to ensure contractual requirements are competitive and product and pricing are met.

• Liaison with external providr to ensure apparel, uniforms and equipment are designed to university standards while being produced and delivered in a timely manner.

• Inventory control for all products:

  • adidas student athlete apparel

  • inventory for product

  • team uniforms and equipment ordering, processing and financial accountability

  • giveaways and promotional materials

• Managing department contracts (Apparel & Uniforms, OUA/USports, City of Waterloo & Kitchener)Develop and maintain contracts with business partners

• City of Waterloo & Kitchener (for rink, indoor and ball field facilities)

• One Team & Adidas (for all apparel and hard goods purchases)

Administration

• Overseeing the broad delivery of athlete services, coaching staff, travel arrangements, and support to approximately 650 student-athletes including orientation sessions, leadership opportunities, and information about compliance procedures and athlete administration (i.e. doping/drug education, Safe Sport, EDII, eligibility requirements, etc.).

• Developing, implementing and evaluating short and long-term goals, objectives, performance indicators, policy development and/or review of any department or intercollegiate program.

• Issue contracts and guaranteed payments for preseason play play

• As directed, provide support and assistance to other members of the Department, including assistance in the development of strategies that will generate revenue for the department and teams.

• Leading orientation programs and staff training for interuniversity unit

• Leading, Creation and facilitation of the student athlete development model curriculum

• Supports the Events Management team for key interuniversity games and events, attends games and/or events to ensure staff performs their assigned duties and to solve any problems that may arise pre, during, or post event, based on assigned portfolio.

• Manage & facilitate the departments Athletic Financial Award Process

Community Relations

• Cultivating and stewarding relationships with alumni and other external stakeholders while providing leadership in the planning and implementation of special alumni events and activities (including the Outstanding Women of Laurier, and serving as a member of the Golf Classic, Legends of Laurier Football Gala, Hall Of Fame and Athletic Banquet organizing committee).

• Overseeing of the formal academic review of all student-athletes, including tracking academic progress towards degree completion, matters concerning academic eligibility for OUA & U Sports eligibility and compliance.

• Direct Liaison along with the Associate Director, Facility Operations with the City of Waterloo & Kitchener, specifically to facility usage

Special Projects

• Participating in and/or managing special projects involving needs assessments, viability studies and surveys, provides administrative guidance and advice, conducts research, prepares reports and provides advice to support decision making.

• Working with the Sr. Coordinator, Sport & Athlete Services on leading the application and bid process for hosting championships and directing conference and regional championships hosted by Laurier.

• Working with the Manager, Alumni Engagement (Student Affairs) on engagement opportunities and Annual Giving Day Challenge that supports specific program initiatives and opportunities (i.e. Women in Sport, Safe Sport, Hall of Fame etc)

Interuniversity Sport

• Directing the travel program for all sport & recreationteams representing Laurier.

• Supports the Administrative Coordinator and ensures fiscal control, fairness and safety for all programs travelling & representing Laurier.

• Overseeing the master interuniversity schedule and directing the scheduling of conference and non-conference competitions.

• Lead role in the implementation and ongoing application & evaluation of the Sport Model for the Department of Athletics & Recreation

• Represent Wilfrid Laurier University at all OUA & U Sports League Meetings as requested by the Director and manage interuniversity staff and coaches to determine their representation on specific committees.

• Overseeing the scheduling database and interuniversity athlete webpages are kept up-to-date

• Oversee the management of all required fees as part of the OUA and U Sports

Supervise the performance of Full Time Head Coaches/Managers (5), Manager, Sports Medicine & Athlete Performance (1) Sr. Coordinator, Sport & Athlete Services (1), Administrative Coordinator (1), part time head coaches (17), volunteer/part time assistant coaches coaches (40+) within high performance sport program. in the OUA and U Sports system; providing regular feedback, direction and mentorship.

• Establishing clear roles, responsibilities and proving direction and leadership to the interuniversity sport coaching staff with regards to their day-to-day operations, tasks and duties.

• Establish clear performance targets and KPIs; ensure accountability through regular performance review, evaluation, and support.

• Contributing to the development and maintenance of departmental procedures, standards and work practices consistent with University policies.

Human Resources

• Supervise the performance of Full Time Head Coaches/Managers (5), Manager, Sports Medicine & Athlete Performance (1) Sr. Coordinator, Sport & Athlete Services (1), Administrative Coordinator (1), part time head coaches (17), volunteer/part time assistant coaches coaches (40+) within high performance sport program. in the OUA and U Sports system; providing regular feedback, direction and mentorship

• Responsible for the effective management, direction, resource planning, recruitment, training, development and performance management of full and part time coaches 

• Complies with staff policies and procedures as determined by Federal or Provincial regulations, relevant collective agreements and University Human/Resource/Labour Relations practices, including Health & Safety and Risk Management.

• Responsible for the annual Performance Management of coaches and intercollegiate staff

Student Athlete Development & Compliance

• The Associate Director oversees student athlete eligibility requirements of both the OUA and U Sports. The incumbent is responsible for the development of a comprehensive compliance program including interpreting CIS and OUA eligibility rules on Wilfrid Laurier’s behalf. The incumbent educates and informs all coaches and athletes of any changes in eligibility rules.

• Overseeing of the formal academic review of all student-athletes, including tracking academic progress towards degree completion, matters concerning academic eligibility for OUA & U Sports eligibility and compliance.

• The Associate Director is responsible for the oversight, creation, vision, evolution and evaluation of the Student Athlete development Program including the Athlete Academic Success Program, Performance Enhancing Drug, Alcohol and Recreational Drug Education programs, Safe Sport, partnerships with the Wellness Centre and Dean of Students Office, and the Golden Hawk Council

• This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo Campus, the Brantford Campus, the Milton Campus and external partners. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations.

Recruitment, Admissions & Awards

• Development of department policies in conjunction with the University, OUA & U Sports recruiting policies

• Develop vision & mission for 5 full time coaches, 17 part time head coaches’ recruiting practices (i.e. campus visits, academic requirements, Letter’s of Intent etc.)

• Oversee student athlete financial awards process (Athlete Financial Awards) as per protocols set out by University & U Sports respectively

Financial Management

• Work in collaboration with the Manager, Student Affairs Finance, to oversee the interuniversity team budgets (

• Lead in collaboration with the Manager, Student Affairs Finance the budget preparation, forecasts and variance analysis as well as authorizing interuniversity sport and event related expenditures. This includes the AFA account, U Sports, OUA and coaching portion of the budget

• Tracks and disbursement of the alumni/fundraising accounts, including Athletic Financial Awards, Adopt a Hawk, sport specific camps and other team related fundraising

• Ensure Compliance with OUA & U Sports regulations regarding awards.

• Assisting with identifying, initiating and generating new revenue opportunities to outside groups and organizations with key input on business decisions.

• Lead the Implementation & Application of Sport Model principles to the Interuniversity Budget

Interuniversity learning outcomes:

Other

• Manage all projects/work assigned by the Director; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• At the request of the Director, represent the department on applicable committees, working groups, or task forces.

• Liaise and partner with on/off campus partners related to intercollegiate program business

• Committee of Scholarships

• Manage the communication between appropriate management/facilities and U Sports/OUA

• Responsible for seeking proper interpretation of rules and regulations when in question as well as coordinating any appeals where deemed appropriate

• Responsible for updates to the student athlete resource page and the presentation of these updates to the student athletes at annual team registration/orientation meetings

• Assists other departmental staff in coordinating special events such as hosting playoffs, championships, tournaments, all-star games, National championships and annual general meetings.

• Serve as the athletic department representative/liaison regarding the following : Student Support, Academic Advising Recruitment & Admissions; Adopt a Hawk & Annual Giving.

  Other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics and Recreation. 

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree in Education, Kinesiology, Leadership, Training & Development or Sport Management

• Master’s Degree in Education, Kinesiology, Leadership, Training & Development or Sport Management is preferred

• Minimum 6 years’ experience in post-secondary with knowledge of up-to date coaching/teaching techniques with respect to student-athlete support and counseling.

• Experience with Apparel, Equipment & Uniform Contracts, Sponsorship & Partnerships

• Experience in delivering performance evaluations

• Experience in contract negotiation and development

• Working knowledge of high performance sport culture, technical requirements

• Experience with objective setting and planning Understanding of dynamics of working with student athletes and coaches

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and proven counseling, motivational skills.

• Knowledge of the university environment an asset Ability to work with confidential material

• Proven experience within a high-performance sport environment, with a strong understanding of the demands, pressures, and standards associated with competitive interuniversity or professional athletics.

• Demonstrated familiarity with the university athletic environment and its governance, culture, and operational complexity considered an asset.

• Demonstrated leadership capacity with a proven ability to motivate, mentor, and develop student-athletes and staff within a values-driven, performance-oriented culture.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate meetings, deliver presentations, and navigate complex, sensitive, or conflict-driven conversations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.

• Proven ability to build, sustain, and leverage trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, including athletes, coaches, academic partners, sport medicine professionals, and institutional leadership.

• Experience managing complex schedules, operational logistics, and budgets, reflecting an expanded scope of accountability

• Valid driver’s license and demonstrated willingness to travel, including evenings and weekends, in support of recruitment, competition, and program commitments.

• Strong understanding of the academic, athletic, and personal demands of the student-athlete experience, including time management, academic progression, eligibility, and holistic development.

• Comprehensive knowledge of U SPORTS and OUA policies, procedures, and regulations, including eligibility, recruiting compliance, and governance standards.

• Demonstrated awareness of inclusive coaching practices and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by BIPOC student-athletes; experience supporting academic pathways and culturally responsive student-athlete supports considered a strong asset.

• Formal training and education in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging including Four Seasons of Reconciliation and Safe Sport principles.

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusive cultures, equitable access to resources, and student-athlete education initiatives aligned with institutional EDI priorities.

• Experience responding to crisis situations and contributing to student-athlete case management, exercising discretion, empathy, and sound professional judgment.

• Working knowledge of mental health supports, sport medicine practices, and relevant diagnostic terminology, enabling effective collaboration with interdisciplinary support teams.

• Ability to operate effectively within integrated support models, partnering with academic advisors, sport medicine staff, and healthcare professionals to support student-athlete well-being and retention.

• Safe Sport Certification required.

• Vulnerable Sector Check in good standing required.

• Demonstrated understanding of institutional risk management, duty of care, and ethical leadership responsibilities.

• Personal Attributes & Professional Disposition

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative senior leadership team.

• Commitment to continuous professional development, innovation, and reflective practice within a high-performance sport environment.

• Flexibility and resilience in managing the variable demands of a competitive football program, including extended hours, travel, and peak seasonal workloads.

• Ability to manage and motivate staff to accomplish program goals

Hours of Work

This is a full-time, continuing position. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to sport schedules. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week.

This role offers limited flexibility regarding flexible work arrangements. Please see Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy) for more information. All arrangement must be approved by the direct manager. On occasion, this schedule may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements.

Compensation

Level: MG-2C

Rate of pay: $96,663 to $120,828

Broad salary ranges include a hiring range ($96,663 - $108,745 of range midpoint), a target range ($108,746 - $132,911 of range midpoint), and a premium range ($132,912 - $151,035 of range midpoint).

When new employees are hired the appropriate base salary is determined using these sub-ranges as a guide while adhering to rules on hiring as defined in our compensation policy. Considerations for new hire salaries include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.

Please note, when pre-screening questions are used as part of the application process, AI is utilized to score responses. All other aspects of the hiring process are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team.