Group Exercise Director

acac Fitness & Wellness Center; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

acac Fitness & Wellness Center in Richmond, VA seeks a Group Exercise Director to lead and grow our group class offerings. The role is full-time on-site, focusing on planning, coordinating, and delivering high-quality programs that meet safety and member-satisfaction standards.

You will recruit and mentor instructors, manage schedules and budgets, and collaborate with club leadership to develop new programs.

Qualifications

• Experience in group exercise programming and class scheduling.
• Ability to recruit, mentor, and manage instructors.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of fitness trends and safe exercise practices.
• Certification from ACE/AFAA/NASM/ACSM and CPR/AED preferred.
• Experience supervising in a fitness club or wellness center.
• On-site work in Richmond, VA, with early mornings, evenings, weekends.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, coordination, and delivery of group exercise programs.
• Create and manage class schedules.
• Recruit and mentor instructors; observe classes and provide coaching.
• Manage budgets and equipment for the group exercise department.
• Promote classes and special events; ensure safety and member satisfaction.

Skills

Group exercise programming

Instructor management

Class scheduling

Leadership / coaching

Communication skills

Time management

Budgeting / equipment

CPR/AED certification

Certifications: ACE/AFAA/NASM/ACSM

Job description

Company Description

acac (Atlantic Coast Athletic Clubs) is recognized as one of the Top 100 Fitness and Wellness Clubs in America, with a mission to help individuals live their best lives through healthier lifestyles. The organization provides members with high-quality facilities, programs, and professional guidance to support physical fitness and overall wellness. acac operates locations in Charlottesville and Richmond, VA; West Chester and Exton, PA; and Greenville, SC, offering a variety of fitness and group exercise experiences. Team members join a community-focused environment that values service, wellness education, and positive member relationships. The overarching goal is to help every member “Live your best.”

Role Description

The Group Exercise Director is a full-time, on-site role based in Richmond, VA, responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and delivery of group exercise programs. This role includes creating and managing class schedules, recruiting and mentoring instructors, and ensuring that each class aligns with acac’s standards for safety, quality, and member satisfaction. The Group Exercise Director will collaborate with club leadership to develop new program offerings, monitor class participation, and adjust programming based on member feedback and trends in fitness and wellness. Day-to-day tasks include observing classes, providing coaching and support to instructors, managing budgets and equipment needs for the group exercise department, and maintaining clear communication with members and staff. The role also involves promoting classes and special events, fostering an inclusive environment, and supporting acac’s mission to help members live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in group exercise programming, including class scheduling, instructor management, and program development.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities to coach, mentor, and motivate group exercise instructors and staff.
• Knowledge of fitness and wellness principles, including safe exercise practices and current industry trends in group training.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging members, providing feedback to instructors, and collaborating with club leadership.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple programs, events, and administrative responsibilities efficiently.
• Certification from a recognized fitness organization (e.g., ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM) and current CPR/AED certification preferred.
• Previous experience in a fitness club, wellness center, or similar environment in a supervisory or coordinator role is strongly beneficial.
• Ability to work on-site in Richmond, VA, including some early mornings, evenings, and weekends as program needs require.