Assistant Director of Fitness Programs - 110258

Inside Higher Ed; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waivers for up to three courses per year

Free group exercise classes

Discounted campus recreation membership

Paid holidays

Community service leave

Job summary

A public university in North Carolina is seeking an Assistant Director of Fitness Programs to oversee the fitness services. This role involves strategic planning, managing a team, coordinating fitness programs, and ensuring an inclusive environment. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree with relevant experience and be eligible to work in the U.S. A comprehensive benefits package is included, and the position is full-time permanent.

Qualifications

• Eligible to work in the United States without needing sponsorship.
• One year of relevant experience in fitness management.
• Ability to obtain personal training certification and CPR/AED within the first year.
• Adult CPR/AED and First Aid certification through American Red Cross, or ability to obtain within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio of fitness programs and services.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate student and professional staff.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and replacement.

Skills

Management

Team supervision

Event coordination

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in exercise science or related field

Master's degree in exercise science or related field

Tools

Personal training certifications

CPR/AED certification

Job description

Assistant Director of Fitness Programs – 110258

Western Carolina University (WCU), part of the UNC system, is seeking an Assistant Director of Fitness Programs to lead and expand its campus recreation and wellness offerings.

About WCU

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes "America’s Best Employers by State" list.
• 2024 – Ranked in the top 8.5% on Forbes "America’s Best Midsize Employers" list (34 out of 400).
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes "America’s Best Midsize Employers" list (97 out of 500).
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes "America’s Best Employers by State" list.

WCU offers a comprehensive benefits package, tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year, free group exercise classes, discounted campus recreation center membership, vaccination services, pre‑tax flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, community service leave, and parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. Employees also have access to training, development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Fitness Programs manages the strategic planning, implementation, supervision, and assessment of a comprehensive portfolio of fitness programs and services. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, scheduling, and evaluating 35–40 students, professionals, and contract service employees; managing program budgets; coordinating equipment maintenance and replacement; ensuring inclusive offerings; collaborating with campus partners; and participating in departmental initiatives and committees.

Minimum Qualifications

• Eligible to work in the United States without needing sponsorship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in exercise science, sport management, health education, health promotion or related field with at least one year of relevant experience.
• Nationally recognized personal training or group exercise certification, or ability to obtain within the first year.
• Adult CPR/AED and First Aid certification through American Red Cross, or ability to obtain within the first year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in exercise science, sport management, health education, health promotion or related field.
• 1–3 years full‑time experience managing a collegiate fitness program, including supervision of student and graduate assistant staff.
• Experience in personal training and developing student personal trainers.
• Experience collaborating with campus departments to develop, publicize, and implement programs, services, and policies promoting healthy living.
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification.

Position Type

Permanent Full‑Time

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications must be completed online. Submit a letter of interest, a resume, and a listing of at least three professional references with full contact information.

Contact Information

For more information, contact Nick Mashburn by email at [e-mail].

AA/EOE Statement

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies.

WCU Annual Safety Report

WCU’s Annual Safety Report is available online or in hard‑copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828‑227‑7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828‑227‑7301). The report discusses crime statistics, reporting procedures, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence, and fire safety.

Application Link

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32250.

Other Details

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