Overview
KU RECREATION SERVICES, a department within Student Affairs, provides a campus-wide impact by improving the quality of life for students, faculty, staff, affiliates, retirees, alumni, spouses, and domestic partners through fitness and wellness initiatives. RECREATION SERVICES offers state-of-the-art recreational programs, facilities, and services.
The University of Kansas RECREATION SERVICES department seeks an Education Program Coordinator (with a working title of Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness) to support core functions such as coordinating the KU Fit group fitness program, developing KU Fit Instructors, and creating fitness and wellness special events. This role supports RECREATION SERVICES programmatic efforts and aligns with the department values of Community, Excellence, Experience, Growth, and Integrity, and with KU’s Institutional Priorities of Healthy and Vibrant Communities and Student Success.
The Education Program Coordinator is a full-time unclassified, exempt position reporting to the Senior Assistant Director of Programs.
The Education Program Coordinator will recruit, hire, train, supervise, and develop KU Fit Instructors and a Program Manager. The role includes creating KU Fit Group Fitness schedules and developing, implementing, and evaluating fitness-related special events. It will also evaluate risk management and enforce policies and procedures, and assist the Assistant Director of Marketing in promoting programs and events.
Programs within RECREATION SERVICES include Fitness, Intramurals, Sport Clubs, and Outdoor Pursuits. Fitness offers KU Fit group fitness with classes focused on cardio, strength, mind and body, Personal Training, and fitness assessments. Intramurals involve team sports, team tournaments, and individual activities. Sport Clubs participate in a wide variety of competitive, recreational, and instructional sports. Outdoor Pursuits offers a rock-climbing wall and equipment rental center. Additional information can be found at www.recreation.ku.edu.
Responsibilities
65% - Coordinate the KU Fit Program
Plan and implement semester schedules with approximately 45 classes per week, including classes such as Pilates, yoga, strength, cycle, dance fitness, and fitness boxing.
Recruit, hire, train, document, supervise, and evaluate approximately 15–20 KU Fit instructors and approve payroll.
Update the employee manual with training information for each KU Fit class (equipment usage, class/participant expectations, certification reimbursement, tips, and example routines).
Oversee daily KU Fit operations (registration, optional fees, attendance, equipment/facility upkeep, program assessment, and policies ensuring safe instruction and risk management).
Provide continuing education for staff to maintain and improve certifications through one-on-one coaching or workshops.
Supervise a KU Fit student Program Manager.
Manage Les Mills license and instructor training.
Manage KU Fit instructor reimbursement program for retention and recruitment.
Recruit, plan, and implement the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Prep Course (in-house) to prepare KU students for certification.
Prepare monthly, semester, and yearly reports on classes and make recommendations as needed.
Oversee and implement protocol for KU Fit and specialty programs (e.g., FIT45 bootcamp) including administration in Fusion (access, POS, programming software).
Develop in-house trainings for choreographed and non-choreographed KU Fit classes and create new choreography; train instructors as needed.
Purchase, evaluate, and inventory equipment for KU Fit classes and CRT floor (e.g., stability balls, Bosu balls, dumbbells, mats, resistance bands).
Ensure employees attain and maintain appropriate training and certifications (CPR/AED, concussion, and conceal carry).
Plan and host fitness certifications and CEU opportunities.
Research industry trends to curate a diverse offerings portfolio that meets patron needs.
Collaborate with campus departments to host fitness/wellness events (e.g., Dance Therapy, Trauma Yoga with Care Services through CAPS).
15% - Develop and manage incentive programs and special events
Coordinate, promote, and evaluate “Rec Connect” each semester, setting expectations for professional staff.
Coordinate Jayhawk Fitness Challenge and the Movin’ with the Rec 5K run/walk/roll annually.
Create and implement special events for KU Fit classes each semester (incentive challenges, themed classes).
Design medium- and large-scale programs or events (e.g., virtual triathlons, challenges) to expand knowledge and participation in fitness/wellness.
Coordinate with student organizations and other KU community requests for private KU Fit classes at ASRFC and on campus.
Collaborate with marketing to provide fitness/wellness educational content via social media, blogs, and outreach.
10% - Develop educational workshops/curriculum
Create in-house trainings for fitness staff and participants on proper equipment use (e.g., TRX, Bosu, Viper logs).
Develop fitness/wellness workshops for participants (nutrition, corrective exercises, programs for beginners).
Lead trainings and workshops as needed.
5% - Assist with the development and management of the fitness budget
5% - Other responsibilities
Serve on Recreation Services committees as needed.
Assist the Senior Assistant Director of Programs with personal training, ACE Personal Training Prep Course, fitness assessments (FIT4U).
Develop collaborative relationships with other departments and participate on university committees to meet strategic goals.
Instruct CPR/AED trainings on a rotational basis.
Assist with other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
Master’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with 3 years of professional experience in fitness management; 2 years as a graduate assistant equals 1 year of work experience (must have graduated with bachelor’s degree by employment start date).
Previous experience as a group exercise instructor (as demonstrated in application materials).
Certification in group exercise from an NCCA-accredited organization (ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NETA) or must be completed within 6 months of hire.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies. The degree level is a standard qualification for similar roles to maintain competitiveness and program delivery.
Preferred
Bachelor’s or Master’s in physical education, recreation, exercise physiology, health education, exercise science, or related field.
Experience in fitness management in a campus recreation setting.
Experience supervising staff and teaching/administering Les Mills programs.
Certifications in personal training (ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA, etc.)
Certification in indoor group cycling (e.g., Keiser, Krank Cycle, Schwinn, Spinning) and experience instructing indoor cycling.
Involvement with fitness organizations (NIRSA, ACE, ACSM, IDEA Health and Fitness).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Canvas, Teams, and Fusion.
Current CPR/AED instructor certification.
Experience developing and implementing programs and/or special events.
Application Instructions Additional candidate instructions require the following documents in addition to the online application: Cover letter describing how you meet required and preferred qualifications, resume, and a list of three professional references. Only complete applications will be considered. Application review begins Thursday, February 26, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool is identified.
Contact information: Kirsten King, 785-864-0510, kirstenking@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range: 49,600–60,000
Anticipated Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The University of Kansas RECREATION SERVICES department seeks an Education Program Coordinator (with a working title of Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness) to support core functions such as coordinating the KU Fit group fitness program, developing KU Fit Instructors, and creating fitness and wellness special events. This role supports RECREATION SERVICES programmatic efforts and aligns with the department values of Community, Excellence, Experience, Growth, and Integrity, and with KU’s Institutional Priorities of Healthy and Vibrant Communities and Student Success.
The Education Program Coordinator is a full-time unclassified, exempt position reporting to the Senior Assistant Director of Programs.
The Education Program Coordinator will recruit, hire, train, supervise, and develop KU Fit Instructors and a Program Manager. The role includes creating KU Fit Group Fitness schedules and developing, implementing, and evaluating fitness-related special events. It will also evaluate risk management and enforce policies and procedures, and assist the Assistant Director of Marketing in promoting programs and events.
Programs within RECREATION SERVICES include Fitness, Intramurals, Sport Clubs, and Outdoor Pursuits. Fitness offers KU Fit group fitness with classes focused on cardio, strength, mind and body, Personal Training, and fitness assessments. Intramurals involve team sports, team tournaments, and individual activities. Sport Clubs participate in a wide variety of competitive, recreational, and instructional sports. Outdoor Pursuits offers a rock-climbing wall and equipment rental center. Additional information can be found at www.recreation.ku.edu.
Responsibilities
65% - Coordinate the KU Fit Program
Plan and implement semester schedules with approximately 45 classes per week, including classes such as Pilates, yoga, strength, cycle, dance fitness, and fitness boxing.
Recruit, hire, train, document, supervise, and evaluate approximately 15–20 KU Fit instructors and approve payroll.
Update the employee manual with training information for each KU Fit class (equipment usage, class/participant expectations, certification reimbursement, tips, and example routines).
Oversee daily KU Fit operations (registration, optional fees, attendance, equipment/facility upkeep, program assessment, and policies ensuring safe instruction and risk management).
Provide continuing education for staff to maintain and improve certifications through one-on-one coaching or workshops.
Supervise a KU Fit student Program Manager.
Manage Les Mills license and instructor training.
Manage KU Fit instructor reimbursement program for retention and recruitment.
Recruit, plan, and implement the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Prep Course (in-house) to prepare KU students for certification.
Prepare monthly, semester, and yearly reports on classes and make recommendations as needed.
Oversee and implement protocol for KU Fit and specialty programs (e.g., FIT45 bootcamp) including administration in Fusion (access, POS, programming software).
Develop in-house trainings for choreographed and non-choreographed KU Fit classes and create new choreography; train instructors as needed.
Purchase, evaluate, and inventory equipment for KU Fit classes and CRT floor (e.g., stability balls, Bosu balls, dumbbells, mats, resistance bands).
Ensure employees attain and maintain appropriate training and certifications (CPR/AED, concussion, and conceal carry).
Plan and host fitness certifications and CEU opportunities.
Research industry trends to curate a diverse offerings portfolio that meets patron needs.
Collaborate with campus departments to host fitness/wellness events (e.g., Dance Therapy, Trauma Yoga with Care Services through CAPS).
15% - Develop and manage incentive programs and special events
Coordinate, promote, and evaluate “Rec Connect” each semester, setting expectations for professional staff.
Coordinate Jayhawk Fitness Challenge and the Movin’ with the Rec 5K run/walk/roll annually.
Create and implement special events for KU Fit classes each semester (incentive challenges, themed classes).
Design medium- and large-scale programs or events (e.g., virtual triathlons, challenges) to expand knowledge and participation in fitness/wellness.
Coordinate with student organizations and other KU community requests for private KU Fit classes at ASRFC and on campus.
Collaborate with marketing to provide fitness/wellness educational content via social media, blogs, and outreach.
10% - Develop educational workshops/curriculum
Create in-house trainings for fitness staff and participants on proper equipment use (e.g., TRX, Bosu, Viper logs).
Develop fitness/wellness workshops for participants (nutrition, corrective exercises, programs for beginners).
Lead trainings and workshops as needed.
5% - Assist with the development and management of the fitness budget
5% - Other responsibilities
Serve on Recreation Services committees as needed.
Assist the Senior Assistant Director of Programs with personal training, ACE Personal Training Prep Course, fitness assessments (FIT4U).
Develop collaborative relationships with other departments and participate on university committees to meet strategic goals.
Instruct CPR/AED trainings on a rotational basis.
Assist with other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
Master’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with 3 years of professional experience in fitness management; 2 years as a graduate assistant equals 1 year of work experience (must have graduated with bachelor’s degree by employment start date).
Previous experience as a group exercise instructor (as demonstrated in application materials).
Certification in group exercise from an NCCA-accredited organization (ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NETA) or must be completed within 6 months of hire.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies. The degree level is a standard qualification for similar roles to maintain competitiveness and program delivery.
Preferred
Bachelor’s or Master’s in physical education, recreation, exercise physiology, health education, exercise science, or related field.
Experience in fitness management in a campus recreation setting.
Experience supervising staff and teaching/administering Les Mills programs.
Certifications in personal training (ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA, etc.)
Certification in indoor group cycling (e.g., Keiser, Krank Cycle, Schwinn, Spinning) and experience instructing indoor cycling.
Involvement with fitness organizations (NIRSA, ACE, ACSM, IDEA Health and Fitness).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Canvas, Teams, and Fusion.
Current CPR/AED instructor certification.
Experience developing and implementing programs and/or special events.
Application Instructions Additional candidate instructions require the following documents in addition to the online application: Cover letter describing how you meet required and preferred qualifications, resume, and a list of three professional references. Only complete applications will be considered. Application review begins Thursday, February 26, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool is identified.
Contact information: Kirsten King, 785-864-0510, kirstenking@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range: 49,600–60,000
Anticipated Start Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr