Operations Coordinator, Campus Recreation - UT Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is a distinguished public research university recognized for its commitment to comprehensive education and community engagement. As part of the higher education landscape in Tennessee, UTC offers a dynamic and inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff collaborate to foster personal and professional growth. The university's Aquatics and Recreation Center and Maclellan Gym represent over 100,000 square feet of multipurpose, athletic, and recreational space designed to support the wellness and recreational needs of the campus and broader community. These facilities serve as central hubs for fitness, sport, wellness programs, and social engagement, aligning with the university's mission to promote health and active lifestyles among students and staff.

The role of Operations Coordinator at UTC is pivotal in overseeing the day-to-day management and operational excellence of these expansive facilities. This full-time, on-site position offers an anticipated starting salary of $47,250, operating within the UT Market Range MR07. The coordinator’s responsibilities are broad and multifaceted, including supervising more than 20 student part-time employees, ensuring safety protocols are rigorously applied, managing event schedules, and facilitating facility rentals that generate significant revenue. This position demands a qualified individual adept in staff leadership, customer service, facility management, and business operations.

Specifically, the Operations Coordinator will handle the comprehensive management of the Aquatics and Recreation Center and Maclellan Gym, ensuring all operations—from building safety, security measures, emergency preparedness, to customer interactions—are handled with professionalism and efficiency. The individual in this role plays a key part in hiring, training, evaluating, and mentoring a diverse student staff team, fostering their skills in areas such as conflict resolution, customer service excellence, and risk management. Staff development is emphasized through continuous professional growth opportunities and regular coaching sessions, reflecting a strong commitment to empowering student employees and enhancing their career readiness.

Facility management duties involve routine inspections, safety protocol enforcement, and interaction with facility users to enhance satisfaction and compliance. The coordinator also oversees reservation and rental activities, managing a complex schedule that supports both university departments and community patrons. This involves coordination of more than 300 reservation requests annually, generating over $40,000 in facility revenue, all while balancing open recreation and drop-in sports opportunities that cater to campus community needs.

Financial stewardship is another critical element of this role. The Operations Coordinator assists in the preparation and ongoing management of the facility’s annual budget, exceeding $90,000, encompassing labor costs, programming expenses, maintenance, and equipment procurement. This requires meticulous tracking, budget adjustments, and compliance with university policies. Moreover, the coordinator supports membership sales and guest pass operations, leveraging multiple software platforms to ensure seamless program registration and facility access.

In addition to operational oversight, the coordinator is engaged in advancing new programs and initiatives in collaboration with on-campus and community partners. Staying informed of current industry trends and best practices is crucial to maintaining a welcoming and innovative recreational environment. This role contributes strategically to the department's vision, mission, and core values, aligned with the broader goals of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at UTC.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of experience in supervising part-time staff and managing recreational or athletic facility operations, including event planning and oversight. Preferred candidates hold a master’s degree with 2-5 years of related experience and certifications such as CPR/First Aid. Candidates with knowledge of facility reservation systems, budget monitoring, and relevant software platforms like Fusion, Connect2, ADP, and When to Work will be highly competitive.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a vibrant campus life, professional development resources, and a collaborative work environment dedicated to student success and community engagement. This role is integral to maintaining the high standards of UTC’s recreational services and providing an exceptional experience for all facility users.