Coordinator, Recreation Sport Programs

Department: Athletics and Recreation 

Job Type: Limited Term

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

Campus: Waterloo 

Reports to: Manager of Recreation & Wellness 

Employee Group: WLUSA 

Application Deadline: September 13, 2026

Requisition ID: 11827 

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

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 19,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well as locations in Kitchener and Milton The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Our locations are situated on the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishnawbe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. We recognize the unique heritages of Indigenous peoples and support their intentions to preserve and express their distinctive Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledge through academic programming and co-curricular activities. Laurier's Centre for Indigegogy is one example of how Laurier honours Indigenous knowledge."

As a member of the Athletics & Recreation team, the Coordinator of Recreation Sport Programs is responsible for the effective operation of intramural, sport club, drop-in and esport programs. Reporting to the Manager of Recreation & Wellness, the coordinator is responsible for the planning, execution and evaluation of programs ensuring they are of high quality, sustainable and meet all standards for safety and risk mitigation. They are required to monitor revenue generation and maintain operating expenses within an approved budget.

Embracing a student-centred approach, the coordinator will provide exceptional leadership to a large team of student staff and volunteers through strategic implementation of training, development, and mentorship. Recreation sport programs will foster a sense of belonging, enhance the student experience, and support an inclusive community.

Accountabilities

Program Operation Responsibilities (50%):

• Plan and assess day-to-day operations of intramural, sport club, drop-in and esport programs
• Develop new activity-based programming to support sense of belonging for students to build community with a focus on identifying and serving underrepresented groups of students.
• Oversee club operations for 20+ Athletics & Recreation Clubs.
• In conjunction with Manager, assess safety and risk mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with regulation and required standards of care.
• Maintain intramural sport rules, policies and procedures ensuring they are clear and accessible to all participants.
• Enforce university and department intramural, esport and club sport policies including discipline and risk management.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of rules, regulations, policies and procedures of club sports and activities as well as the leagues and associations they are affiliated with to ensure compliance of all Athletics & Recreation clubs.
• Advance program efficiency and effectiveness through the use of existing and new technology.
• Review and respond to club event, activity, fundraising and travel proposals ensuring volunteer club leaders are prepared to operate within university and department guidelines including, but not limited to, fiscal accountability, health and safety, communications and social media
• Collaborate with campus partners to enhance esport recreational and competitive sport offerings.
• Collaborate with department partners to coordinate facility booking and event support.
• Collaborate with communications team to develop marketing and promotion plan that will generate awareness of programs and engage students and community.

Personnel Responsibilities (35%):

• Recruit and hire student staff ensuring a commitment to equity and diversity.
• Develop and implement staff training ensuring compliance with university onboard training requirements and industry standards
• Provide direct supervision, leadership, development and mentoring to a large team of student staff.
• Develop and implement sport club leadership curriculum to support effective student administration in a high-risk environment.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to volunteer sport club executive members.

• Ensure all staff obtain and maintain appropriate certifications; Gather and maintain accurate record of required hiring and training documentation.
• Review and approve bi-weekly payroll submissions for a large volume of student staff.

Financial & Budgetary Accountabilities (10%):

• Assist with preparation of annual budget.
• Ensure operating expenses including staffing, equipment and other expenses align with approved budget plan.
• Monitor and report on revenue targets associated with program registrations.
• Purchase and maintain inventory of equipment, apparel, and uniforms in compliance with university procurement and finance guidelines
• Support development and oversee maintenance of 20+ Athletic & Recreation Club budgets.
• Review club purchases and expenses providing budget guidance to the club executive leaders.

Additional Responsibilities (5%):

• Collaborate with internal and external partners on campus-wide and community-based campaigns and special events.
• Maintain high level of knowledge on emerging industry trends and best practices through regular professional development and network connections.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Reporting Relationships

• This position is responsible for:
  • Intramural Student Staff (120+):
  • Sport Club Student Supervisor, Sport Club Trainers & Volunteer Coaches and Club Executive Members (65+)
  • ESport Student Staff and Volunteers(10-15)

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology/Physical Education or other relevant discipline
• experience in sport or recreation program administration.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written and non-verbal) as well as relationship-building skills
• Proficiency with computer and office skills using a standard suite of software applications.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, maintain a positive frame of mind, and set an example of professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, support, manage and motivate diverse teams
• Evidence of leadership experience and a commitment to student learning and development.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain trust and credibility
• Demonstrated ability to be a creative problem solver and to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to participate effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of budget processes and risk management.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

Hours of Work: This is a full-time, limited term role with an anticipate end date of May 1, 2027. 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 event operations requirements. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week.

This role requires daily in person attendance and is not eligible for a flexible work arrangement as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy).

Compensation:

Level: E

Rate of Pay: $42.83 to $45.28 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date up to $48.95 per hour.

Considerations for new hire step placements 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 People and Culture. 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.