Fitness Specialist

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The Fitness Specialist at Duke University School of Medicine coordinates, implements, and delivers health and fitness programs for employees, maximizing participation and outcomes. The role includes leading a running/walking club, coordinating seasonal programs, and conducting fitness testing with personalized plans.

Hybrid work arrangement with on-site and remote components. Requires BA/BS in exercise or health promotion, current CPR/First Aid, and a nationally recognized fitness certification.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or higher in exercise or health promotion.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Fitness Certification from a nationally recognized agency such as ACE, AFFA, ACSM, NCSA, or NSCA.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and leads health improvement/prevention programs.
• Leads running/walking clubs and Duke’s community events participation.
• Conducts fitness testing and designs individualized programs.
• Provides in-person, virtual and phone-based services.
• Maintains participant files and contributes to reports.
• Promotes programs and conducts outreach to increase participation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

BA/BS in exercise/health promotion

CPR & First Aid

National fitness certification (ACE/ACSA/ACSM/NCSA/NSCA)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Zoom

Job description

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Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-Site and Remote mix)

Requisition Number: 273200

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date: Aug 6, 2026

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Occupational Summary:

The Fitness Specialist coordinates, implements, and delivers health and fitness programs and services, promotions and outreach activities. This role is responsible for providing outstanding service to employees to maximize participation, outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and leads a variety of health improvement/prevention programs.
• Coordinates and leads a running and walking club and organizes Duke’s participation in community sponsored events.
• Coordinates seasonal incentive based programs.
• Conducts fitness testing and assessments and advises participants of results; designs individualized programs to meet the participant’s interests, abilities and goals.
• Research health & fitness educational topics and identifies appropriate participant educational materials; conducts health education seminars/presentations.
• Participates in fitness facility membership management; membership drives, member enrollment, payroll deduction process, invoicing and vendor management.
• Promotes program offerings and conducts outreach activities to increase participation and re-engage inactive participants.
• Create newsletters and other marketing & communication materials.
• Maintains participant files, databases and contributes to reports in a timely manner.
• Provide in-person, virtual and phone-based services
• Provides safe individual or group exercise instruction, including participants who may be recovering from a work-related injury.
• Projects and other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Certifications:

• BA/BS or high education in exercise or health promotion related field
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications
• Fitness Certification from a nationally recognized agency such as ACE, AFFA, ACSM, NCSA, or NSPA

Other Knowledge, Skill & Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills including the ability to motivate others.
• Competency in the delivery of health education/prevention programs and services.
• Experience and desire to conduct ongoing program evaluation in order to demonstrate value, outcomes and continue to provide fresh and exciting fitness programs, individual consults and special events.
• Computer proficiency in programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams and Zoom.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work demands including project coordination.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with enthusiasm, initiative and creativity.

• Flexible schedule required.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $28.63. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.