Assistant Director, Fitness/Wellness
Center for Public Partnerships & Research, Topeka, Kansas, United States, 66652
Overview
KU RECREATION SERVICES, a department within Student Affairs, provides a campus-wide impact by improving the quality of life for all students, faculty, staff, affiliates, retirees, alumni, spouses, and domestic partners through our fitness and wellness initiatives. RECREATION SERVICES provides 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 play an essential role in the management and support of RECREATION SERVICES core functions including, but not limited to, coordinating the KU Fit group fitness program, developing the KU Fit Instructors, and creating and implementing fitness and wellness special events. The work of the Education Program Coordinator will directly support RECREATION SERVICES programmatic efforts and initiatives to support its core values of Community, Excellence, Experience, Growth, and Integrity which align directly with two of KU’s Institutional Priorities of Healthy and Vibrant Communities and Student Success.
The Education Program Coordinator is a full-time unclassified, exempt position that will report to the Senior Assistant Director of Programs.
The Education Program Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and developing KU Fit Instructors and a Program Manager. This role also includes creating KU Fit Group Fitness schedules and developing, implementing, and evaluating special events related to fitness. Additionally, the Education Program Coordinator will evaluate risk management and enforce policies and procedures. They will also assist the Assistant Director of Marketing in promoting programs and events across all areas of responsibility.
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 play 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
Coordinate the KU Fit Program including planning and implementing semester schedules with approximately 45 classes per week, featuring a variety of classes such as Pilates, yoga, strength, cycle, dance fitness, fitness boxing, and more.
Recruit, hire, train, document, supervise, and evaluate approximately 15-20 KU Fit instructors and approve payroll.
Update the employee manual as needed and add/update sections with specific training information for each KU Fit class (equipment usage, class/participant expectations, certification reimbursement procedures, tips, and examples of quality routines).
Oversee daily operations of the KU Fit program, including registration, optional fees, attendance records, equipment/facility upkeep, program assessment, and policies and procedures that ensure safe instruction and risk management.
Provide continuing education for staff to enhance skills and obtain/maintain appropriate certifications through one-on-one skill-building and/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 recruiting.
Recruit, plan, and implement the ACE Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) Prep Course, an in-house course that prepares KU students to become a certified GFI.
Prepare monthly, semester, and yearly reports on classes and make recommendations as needed.
Oversee and implement protocol for the KU Fit and specialty programs such as FIT45 (bootcamp) including administration in Fusion (access, point of sale and programming software).
Develop in-house trainings to include choreographed and non-choreographed KU Fit classes.
Create new choreography regularly for KU Fit classes. Train KU Fit Instructors as needed.
Purchase, evaluate (functionality and condition), and inventory equipment for KU Fit classes and CRT floor (stability balls, Bosu balls, dumbbells, mats, resistance bands, etc.).
Ensure all employees have achieved and/or maintain appropriate levels of training and certification including CPR/AED, concussion, and conceal carry.
Plan and host fitness certifications and workshops (CEU opportunities).
Research industry trends and assess new and current programming to compile a diverse array of offerings to meet patron needs.
Collaborate with departments on campus to host fitness/wellness events in partnership with Recreation Services (e.g., Dance Therapy or Trauma Yoga with Care Services through CAPS).
Special Events and Incentives
Develop and manage incentive programs and special events within fitness/wellness.
Coordinate, promote, and evaluate “Rec Connect” each semester, providing expectations to professional staff.
Coordinate Jayhawk Fitness Challenge and the Movin’ with the Rec 5K fun run, walk, and roll annually.
Create and implement special events for KU Fit classes each semester such as incentive challenges and themed classes.
Design medium and large-scale programs or events such as virtual triathlons and challenges that broaden participants’ knowledge and engagement in fitness/wellness related endeavors.
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.
Educational Workshops and Curriculum
Develop educational workshops/curriculum to enhance knowledge and skills within fitness/wellness (e.g., equipment usage such as TRX, Bosu, Viper logs).
Create fitness/wellness workshops for participants (nutrition, corrective exercises, beginner programs).
Lead trainings and workshops as needed.
Budget and Other Duties
Assist with the development and management of the fitness budget.
Serve on Recreation Services committees as needed and assist the Senior Assistant Director of Programs with personal training, ACE Personal Training Prep Course, fitness assessments (FIT4U).
Develop collaborations with other departments and participate on university committees toward Chancellor’s Strategic Initiatives.
Instruct CPR/AED trainings on a rotational basis.
Assist with other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required: Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with 3 years of professional work experience in fitness management; 2 years as a graduate assistant equals 1 year 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 necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in physical education, recreation, exercise physiology, health education, exercise science, or related field.
Master’s degree in same fields.
Experience in fitness management in a campus recreation setting.
Experience supervising staff and teaching/ administering Les Mills Programs.
Certification in personal training from an NCCA-accredited organization (ACE, ACSM, W.I.T.S, NASM, NSCA or similar).
Certification in indoor group exercise cycling (Keiser, Krank Cycle, Schwinn, Spinning).
At least one year of experience instructing indoor cycling.
Professional involvement with fitness organizations (NIRSA, ACE, ACSM, IDEA Health and Fitness).
Experience with Microsoft Office, Canvas, Microsoft Teams and/or Fusion.
Current CPR/AED instructor certification.
Experience developing and implementing programs and/or special events.
Application instructions and materials
Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
Resume
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 of applicants is identified.
Contact Information Kirsten King
785-864-0510
kirstenking@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range 49,600-60,000
Important Dates Application Review Begins: Thursday February 26, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: Monday June 1, 2026
Apply to Job
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The University of Kansas RECREATION SERVICES department seeks an Education Program Coordinator (with a working title of Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness) to play an essential role in the management and support of RECREATION SERVICES core functions including, but not limited to, coordinating the KU Fit group fitness program, developing the KU Fit Instructors, and creating and implementing fitness and wellness special events. The work of the Education Program Coordinator will directly support RECREATION SERVICES programmatic efforts and initiatives to support its core values of Community, Excellence, Experience, Growth, and Integrity which align directly with two of KU’s Institutional Priorities of Healthy and Vibrant Communities and Student Success.
The Education Program Coordinator is a full-time unclassified, exempt position that will report to the Senior Assistant Director of Programs.
The Education Program Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and developing KU Fit Instructors and a Program Manager. This role also includes creating KU Fit Group Fitness schedules and developing, implementing, and evaluating special events related to fitness. Additionally, the Education Program Coordinator will evaluate risk management and enforce policies and procedures. They will also assist the Assistant Director of Marketing in promoting programs and events across all areas of responsibility.
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 play 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
Coordinate the KU Fit Program including planning and implementing semester schedules with approximately 45 classes per week, featuring a variety of classes such as Pilates, yoga, strength, cycle, dance fitness, fitness boxing, and more.
Recruit, hire, train, document, supervise, and evaluate approximately 15-20 KU Fit instructors and approve payroll.
Update the employee manual as needed and add/update sections with specific training information for each KU Fit class (equipment usage, class/participant expectations, certification reimbursement procedures, tips, and examples of quality routines).
Oversee daily operations of the KU Fit program, including registration, optional fees, attendance records, equipment/facility upkeep, program assessment, and policies and procedures that ensure safe instruction and risk management.
Provide continuing education for staff to enhance skills and obtain/maintain appropriate certifications through one-on-one skill-building and/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 recruiting.
Recruit, plan, and implement the ACE Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) Prep Course, an in-house course that prepares KU students to become a certified GFI.
Prepare monthly, semester, and yearly reports on classes and make recommendations as needed.
Oversee and implement protocol for the KU Fit and specialty programs such as FIT45 (bootcamp) including administration in Fusion (access, point of sale and programming software).
Develop in-house trainings to include choreographed and non-choreographed KU Fit classes.
Create new choreography regularly for KU Fit classes. Train KU Fit Instructors as needed.
Purchase, evaluate (functionality and condition), and inventory equipment for KU Fit classes and CRT floor (stability balls, Bosu balls, dumbbells, mats, resistance bands, etc.).
Ensure all employees have achieved and/or maintain appropriate levels of training and certification including CPR/AED, concussion, and conceal carry.
Plan and host fitness certifications and workshops (CEU opportunities).
Research industry trends and assess new and current programming to compile a diverse array of offerings to meet patron needs.
Collaborate with departments on campus to host fitness/wellness events in partnership with Recreation Services (e.g., Dance Therapy or Trauma Yoga with Care Services through CAPS).
Special Events and Incentives
Develop and manage incentive programs and special events within fitness/wellness.
Coordinate, promote, and evaluate “Rec Connect” each semester, providing expectations to professional staff.
Coordinate Jayhawk Fitness Challenge and the Movin’ with the Rec 5K fun run, walk, and roll annually.
Create and implement special events for KU Fit classes each semester such as incentive challenges and themed classes.
Design medium and large-scale programs or events such as virtual triathlons and challenges that broaden participants’ knowledge and engagement in fitness/wellness related endeavors.
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.
Educational Workshops and Curriculum
Develop educational workshops/curriculum to enhance knowledge and skills within fitness/wellness (e.g., equipment usage such as TRX, Bosu, Viper logs).
Create fitness/wellness workshops for participants (nutrition, corrective exercises, beginner programs).
Lead trainings and workshops as needed.
Budget and Other Duties
Assist with the development and management of the fitness budget.
Serve on Recreation Services committees as needed and assist the Senior Assistant Director of Programs with personal training, ACE Personal Training Prep Course, fitness assessments (FIT4U).
Develop collaborations with other departments and participate on university committees toward Chancellor’s Strategic Initiatives.
Instruct CPR/AED trainings on a rotational basis.
Assist with other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required: Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with 3 years of professional work experience in fitness management; 2 years as a graduate assistant equals 1 year 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 necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in physical education, recreation, exercise physiology, health education, exercise science, or related field.
Master’s degree in same fields.
Experience in fitness management in a campus recreation setting.
Experience supervising staff and teaching/ administering Les Mills Programs.
Certification in personal training from an NCCA-accredited organization (ACE, ACSM, W.I.T.S, NASM, NSCA or similar).
Certification in indoor group exercise cycling (Keiser, Krank Cycle, Schwinn, Spinning).
At least one year of experience instructing indoor cycling.
Professional involvement with fitness organizations (NIRSA, ACE, ACSM, IDEA Health and Fitness).
Experience with Microsoft Office, Canvas, Microsoft Teams and/or Fusion.
Current CPR/AED instructor certification.
Experience developing and implementing programs and/or special events.
Application instructions and materials
Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
Resume
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 of applicants is identified.
Contact Information Kirsten King
785-864-0510
kirstenking@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range 49,600-60,000
Important Dates Application Review Begins: Thursday February 26, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: Monday June 1, 2026
Apply to Job
#J-18808-Ljbffr