Meet Us

Our dedicated team is here to safely guide and inspire your journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

On This Page

Our Team

headshot of sharon sanford.

Sharon Sanford

Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Sport Management

Recreation

154 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-2307

Email: ssanford@buffalo.edu

headshot of dior jackson.

Dior Jackson

Associate Director for Facilities & Operations

Recreation

175 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-6874

Email: dmj25@buffalo.edu

Headshot of Jenifer Kern.

Jenifer Kern

Associate Director for Strategic Planning & Engagement

Recreation

153 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-2976

Email: jckern@buffalo.edu

headshot of jessica nyrop.

Jessica Nyrop

Associate Director for Fitness and Instruction

Recreation

175 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-2534

Email: jenyrop@buffalo.edu

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Nathan Bourke

Aquatics Director

Recreation

93 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-5599

Email: aquatics@buffalo.edu

headshot of Frank Chen.

Frank Chen

Assistant Director for Operations & Planning

Recreation

175 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-6749

Email: jianwenc@buffalo.edu

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Roz Dominico

Assistant Director for Intramural Sports and Programs

Recreation

156 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-6149

Email: dominico@buffalo.edu

headshot of jennifer dynas.

Jennifer Dynas

Assistant Director for Business and Technology

Recreation

175 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-5097

Email: jdynas@buffalo.edu

headshot of Kenny Holmes.

Kenyatta Holmes

Facility Operations Manager

Recreation

29 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-6129

Email: kholmes2@buffalo.edu

headshot of karen mayfield.

Karen Mayfield

Assistant Director for CPR, Risk Management & Student Employee Development

Recreation

153 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-3996

Email: kr72@buffalo.edu

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Joshua McCord

Aquatics Coordinator

Recreation

93 Broadview Arena

Phone: 716-645-5983

Email: jmccord2@buffalo.edu

headshot of Elizabeth Ostermeier-Denecke.

Elizabeth Ostermeier-Denecke

Residential Fitness Coordinator

Campus Living / Recreation

242 Richmond Quadrangle

Phone: 716-645-5394

Email: eo9@buffalo.edu

headshot of phil ryan.

Phil Ryan

Clark Hall Building Manager

Recreation

113 Clark Hall

Phone: 716-829-2926

Email: pgryan@buffalo.edu

Our Student Leadership

We're extremely grateful for our group of dedicated and experienced student staff who help bring our Recreation community to life. They support their peers, lead programs, and play a key role in creating a positive and impactful experience for everyone.

Student Employment Opportunities

Explore roles that match your interests, gain practical experience, and play a real part in how UB Recreation runs day to day. From your first shift, your work matters—and there’s room to grow as you go.

We are proud to be one of the most developmental student employment ecosystems on campus.

Find Your Fit

UB Recreation offers student employment opportunities across multiple focus areas, allowing you to build experience aligned with your interests and career goals.

Student Employment Pillars:

  • Aquatics
  • CPR & Risk Management
  • Engagement
  • Fitness & Instruction
  • Informal Recreation
  • Intramural Sports
  • Operations

Grow With Us

Student employees have opportunities to grow beyond entry-level roles through:

  • Leadership positions
  • Project ownership
  • Program and event management
  • Mentorship and supervision experience

What You'll Gain

  • Leading and managing real programs and events
  • Working on cross-functional teams
  • Developing communication and leadership skills
  • Building transferable skills for future careers

Make an Impact on Campus

As a member of the Recreation team, you will:

  • Create experiences for fellow students
  • Support campus-wide programs and events
  • Help shape the UB student experience

Student Staff Experience

Through our REConnected program, student employees have access to:

  • Professional development opportunities
  • Team-building events
  • Networking experiences
three intramural sports officials posing for a photo in their uniforms.

Intramural Sports Flag Football Officials

three student employees posing for a picture during our weekly Unplug & Play programming.

REC: Program Staff hosting our weekly Unplug & Play event.

Associate Director for Facilities & Operations, Dior Jackson, working alongside a student employee.

Associate Director for Facilities & Operations, Dior Jackson, working alongside a Clark Hall Fitness Leader.

Student Positions

Entry-Level Opportunities

These positions are designed for students of all experience levels, offering training and support to help you build skills and get started.

Looking for a job that helps you build communication skills, connect with students, and bring campus programs to life?

Job Duties & Requirements

As a REC Engagement Staff member, you’ll represent UB Recreation through campus outreach and events. You’ll join either the REC Table Crew or REC Program Staff, helping with setup, hosting, participant engagement, answering questions, and cleanup. You should be reliable, willing to learn, and comfortable working independently and with a team.

Preferred Skills

This entry-level role is ideal for students interested in engagement, event planning, marketing, or communications. Previous experience is helpful but not required. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

Apply Now:

Looking for a job that keeps you active, helps you build leadership skills, and puts you at the heart of campus life?

Job Duties & Requirements

As a Fitness Leader, you’ll help create a welcoming and safe environment by greeting members, sharing basic information, and monitoring activity in the facility. You’ll support daily operations by keeping the fitness areas clean and organized, assisting with simple setup tasks, and helping uphold UB Recreation policies.

Preferred Skills

This role is ideal for students with strong communication skills who can stay attentive in an active environment and work both independently and on a team. An interest in health and wellness is a plus.

Apply Now:

Are you someone who enjoys staying organized, solving problems, and making spaces better for everyone?

Job Duties & Requirements

As part of the Operations team, you’ll help keep UB Recreation facilities clean, organized, and running smoothly. You’ll support daily upkeep by cleaning equipment and shared spaces, while also assisting with tracking equipment, supplies, and departmental assets. This role includes monitoring equipment condition and lifecycle, helping with basic maintenance planning, and identifying and reporting facility issues. You’ll work closely with the team to maintain safe, functional, and welcoming spaces across all recreation areas.

Preferred Skills

This role is a great fit for students who are detail-oriented, reliable, and able to work both independently and with a team. An interest in maintenance, asset tracking, or facility operations is a plus.

Apply Now:

Are you creative, social media savvy, and ready to bring your ideas to life?

Job Duties & Requirements

As part of the Media Team, you’ll help bring UB Recreation to life through creative content. You’ll plan and create social media posts, capture photos and short-form videos, and assist with basic graphic design for both digital and print materials. This role also includes updating signage and working with the marketing team to keep messaging and branding consistent.

Preferred Skills

This role is ideal for students with strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines. Experience with graphic design, photography, videography, or platforms like Instagram and Canva is a plus.

Apply Now:

Specialty Opportunities

These positions require specific expertise, certifications, or prior experience to perform effectively.

Are you ready to make a real difference and become a CPR Instructor?

Job Duties & Requirements

As a CPR Instructor, you’ll teach Basic Life Support (BLS) skills in a clear, engaging, and supportive way. You’ll lead trainings by following established curriculum, demonstrating proper techniques, and helping participants build confidence in life-saving skills. This role requires strong communication and a willingness to guide others through hands-on learning.

Preferred Skills

This role is a great fit for students who are comfortable speaking in front of others and enjoy teaching or mentoring. Prior experience in instruction or training is helpful, but not required—training and support are provided.

Apply Now:

Are you ready to take your love for fitness to the next level?

Job Duties & Requirements

As a Group Fitness Instructor, you’ll lead fun, safe, and engaging fitness classes for UB Recreation participants. You’ll guide members through workouts by demonstrating exercises, cueing movements, and providing clear instruction on proper technique. Each class includes preparing music and equipment, leading warm-ups and cool-downs, and creating a positive, high-energy environment. You’ll also support participants during class, promote safe exercise habits, and communicate any equipment or facility needs.

Preferred Skills

This role is ideal for students who are energetic, confident leading a group, and passionate about fitness. Strong communication and customer service skills are key. Current certifications are preferred, but support is available to help you get certified.

Apply Now:

Are you ready to step onto the field as an Intramural Sports Official, officiate exciting team sports, ensure fair play, and grow through training and performance-based opportunities while creating lasting memories?

Job Duties & Requirements

As an Intramural Sports Official, you’ll help create a fun and competitive environment by officiating a variety of team sports throughout the year. You’ll enforce rules, manage gameplay, and ensure a safe and respectful experience for all participants while working closely with student leadership and professional staff.

This role includes attending required trainings and evaluations, with scheduling based on weekly performance. All officials are expected to review and commit to the standards outlined in the Intramural Employee Handbook.

Preferred Skills

This role is a great fit for students who have a strong understanding of sports, can make quick and confident decisions, and communicate effectively in fast-paced environments.

Apply Now:

Ready to make a splash as a lifeguard and swim instructor by ensuring safety, responding to emergencies, and enforcing rules to create a secure and enjoyable environment?

Job Duties & Requirements

As a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor, you’ll help create a safe and supportive aquatic environment by monitoring the pool, preventing and responding to emergencies, and enforcing facility policies. You’ll also have the opportunity to teach swim lessons to participants of all ages and skill levels, using guided instruction and teaching aids to build confidence and technique in the water.

Preferred Skills

This role is ideal for students who are attentive, responsible, and comfortable interacting with others in an active environment. Strong communication skills are important, and previous aquatic experience is helpful. Required certifications are needed, with support available for those pursuing Swim Instructor credentials.

Apply Now:

Promotional Opportunities*

Once you're on the team, there are many promotional pathways for professional and personal growth.

  • Asset Management Lead
  • Facility Management Lead
  • Media Team Lead
  • REC: Program Manager
  • Campus Outreach Manager
  • REC: Program Lead
  • Member Services Manager
  • Student Staff Development Supervisor
  • Head Official
  • Head Lifeguard
  • and more!

*all promotional positions are filled internally.