Assistant Executive Director, Wellness & Recreation

Where purpose meets possibility, and students are at the center of everything.

At ASI, we don't just run programs; we build the student experience.

This role sits at the center of it all: recreation, wellness, and basic needs. You'll shape how students access spaces, services, and support systems that directly impact their success.

This is not a behind-the-scenes role. You'll work across campus, with students, and through teams to bring big ideas to life.

Explore our Full-Time Staff Benefits

The role

The Assistant Executive Director (AED) provides executive-level leadership for ASI's wellness and recreation portfolio, including the Student Recreation Center (SRC), wellness programs, and basic needs services.

You'll lead strategy, oversee large-scale operations, and help design the future of ASI's wellness infrastructure.

What you'll actually do

• Oversee operations of the Student Recreation Center, wellness programming, and the Food Pantry/Basic Needs initiatives
• Lead integration of wellness initiatives aligned with the 8 Dimensions of Wellness
• Direct long-range planning for facilities, including SRC enhancements and future wellness spaces
• Manage budgets, financial performance, and resource allocation across the portfolio
• Supervise and develop multiple director-level leaders and their teams
• Build partnerships with campus entities (Student Health, Counseling and Psychological Services, Academic Affairs, Dining, etc.)
• Use data and assessment to improve programs, services, and student outcomes
• Ensure compliance with safety, risk, and industry standards (NIRSA, ACHA, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent)
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience
• Experience overseeing complex programs, facilities, and budgets
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and large-scale initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or CSU auxiliary systems
• Facility planning or capital project experience
• Background in wellness, recreation, or basic needs programs

Who this role is for

• You're comfortable leading at a high level and staying connected to student impact
• You see wellness as systems, spaces, and services—not just programs
• You can navigate complexity, budgets, and stakeholders without losing sight of students

Anticipated Hiring Range: $128,707 - $176,972.50

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About California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton is a major regional university in a vital, flourishing area that includes Orange County, metropolitan Los Angeles and the expanding Inland Empire. The beautiful, 236-acre campus is set in Fullerton in north Orange County, about 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles and about 21 miles from nearby beaches. Cal State Fullerton has more than 37,000 students and approximately 1,800 full and part-time faculty members. The University offers 107 degree programs in eight colleges. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, CSUF is fourth in the nation for the number of bachelor's degrees awarded to minority students and first in California for the number of bachelor's degrees awarded to Hispanics.The University is one of the 23 campuses in the California State University System. Since the campus opened, CSUF has awarded degrees to more than 215,000 graduates. Many are leaders in business, government, education, and the arts.

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