| Primary Position Function: The Assistant Director for Fitness and Wellness Programs is responsible for the overall direction, development, and management of Campus Recreation’s fitness programs, including the Group Fitness and Personal Training programs for students, faculty/staff, and other eligible participants as well all departmental wellness initiatives. The Assistant Director supervises all part-time staff related to fitness programming.
Major Duties & Responsibilities: Fitness & Wellness Programs Responsibilities (50%) - Organize, plan, conduct, and evaluate Fitness and Wellness programs, including group fitness, personal training, and special events; make program updates based on current research; conduct quality improvement projects and needs assessments of areas; increase participation of campus community and seek additional uses to drive revenue.
a. Schedule and coordinate group fitness classes
b. Coordinate client and training scheduling
c. Coordinate fitness screenings and assessments
d. Establish financial targets; set fees and charges for services
e. Organize Wellness programs and offerings - Maintain records of certifications of all group fitness instructors and personal trainers. Communicate regularly regarding status of certification and if employee will need to seek recertification prior to expiration. Serve as department contact responsible for researching, securing, and scheduling various certification classes available to our current instructors and the University community - Example. Les Mills certification trainings, etc.
- Research and analyze trends in collegiate recreation fitness program in addition to Campus Recreation. Provide input on the fiscal needs of the program including budget recommendations, revenue projects and fee rates. Provide programmatic recommendations and proposals utilizing such information.
- Develop marketing and promotion efforts focused on fitness and wellness programs, packages, and events; In conjunction with the marketing department implement these efforts which may include print information, website design and social media outreach.
- Manage the program responsibilities within the budget constraints established by Campus Recreation (Business Office & Executive Director of Campus Recreation).
- Develop and instruct an in-house personal training and group fitness instruction course(s).
- Develop and locate health and fitness education resources to contribute to the continuing education of the fitness staff.
- Evaluate events and ensure compliance with university standards related to facility usage, risk management, and vendor agreements.
- Identify potential risks associated with events and maintain standards to ensure a safe environment for patrons.
Track and compile information and data in conjunction with monthly, mid-year and yearly reports. - Utilize information to develop policies, procedures, and strategic goals for fitness programs for Campus Recreation.
- Collects and analyzes data on program participation, outcomes, and student learning.
- Serve on Student Affairs Wellness Committee, other campus and external committees and boards to build relationships with department.
Supervision (20%) - Hire, train, evaluate all staff including Program Assistants, Personal Trainers, Group Fitness Instructors, Interns, and other hourly personnel.
- Determine staffing needs and hire qualified candidates.
- Set working schedule for all fitness staff.
- Monitor compliance with staff certifications.
- Prioritize tasks and assign/delegate duties to direct reports as it relates to fitness operations, personal training, and wellness.
- Conduct annual performance reviews and provide vision-based objectives that align with professional expectations and program goals.
- Encourage and support professional development.
- Manage payroll for al full-time and part-time staff within group fitness, personal training, and wellness.
Facility and Equipment Design Responsibilities (20%) - Research and make purchase recommendations for all fitness equipment including strength, cardio-respiratory and flexibility equipment.
- Organize, maintain, and update the equipment replacement plan document for Campus Recreation facilities.
- Ensures facility safety, manages inventory, and aid in the coordination of fitness equipment maintenance In conjunction with the Director and Associate Directors of Financial Operations, Operations and Programs, recommend and prioritize equipment purchases for departmental programs - including but not limited to cardiovascular equipment, strength training equipment and various smaller pieces of equipment needed throughout departmental programs.
- Conduct annual review of existing fitness floor, operations, and other related areas· policies. Make determinations for adjustment based on current risk management policies and procedures, incorporating industry trends and University and departmental expectations.
- Conduct quality improvement projects including equipment inspections and needs assessments for fitness operations and programs.
Departmental Duties: (10%) - Collaborate with department, campus and community partners on education and programming initiatives that promote healthy physical activity, exercise, and nutrition. Example. McKinley Health Education, etc.
- Work cooperatively with other Campus Recreation program areas when needed, including the development of collaborative programming. Example. Aquatics, etc.
- Work collaboratively with campus units and the general community to promote personal training and fitness opportunities.
- Participate in the development of programs, departmental objectives, and long-range planning by performing research, providing recommendations, and implementing plans as appropriate.
- Participate as a member of the Campus Recreation professional staff in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
- Enforce and maintain Campus Recreation policies and procedures as they pertain to usage of facilities on campus.
- Obtain and maintain appropriate certifications.
- Serve on Division and/or University committees as assigned.
- Design and implement special projects that support the overall mission of Campus Recreation.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Administration, or related field. Two (2) years of work experience performing group fitness, personal training, and/or wellness related work in a higher education setting. Demonstrated experience with a participant registration platform (such as Fusion, etc.). Possession of an ACE, AFFA, ACSM, CI, NASM, NCCPT, or NSCA certification in personal training or AFAA or ACE group fitness certification, as recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Administration, or relevant field.
Possession of certifications in personal training and group fitness as recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accepted Personal training certifications include ACE, AFFA, ACSM, CI, NASM, NCCPT, or NSCA. Accepted Group Fitness Certifications include AFAA or ACE.
Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of group fitness, personal training, and wellness programs.
Experience leading a group fitness, personal training, or wellness program.
Experience supervising group fitness instructors, personal trainers, or wellness staff.
Experience working with students. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Skill in analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Skill in scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Ability to adjust actions in relation to others' actions.
- Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Ability to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.
- Ability to work effectively with staff, the public, and outside constituency groups.
- Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and supervise the work of others.
- Ability to utilize various computer software packages, such as Accounting Software, query, etc.
- Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in order to be able to analyze and investigate a variety of questions or problems.
- Ability to analyze and develop guidelines, procedures and systems.
Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Program Coordinator, Assistant Director of Fitness & Wellness position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after August 17, 2025. Salary is $62,000 - $68,000 and commensurate with experience.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx. Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 16, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. Please provide a minimum of three (3) professional references. For further information about this specific position, please contact Gina Moton, Associate Director, Human Resources & Student Development at moton@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu. Requisition ID: 1031368
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
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