KU Fit Instructor-Student Hourly/Work Study

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 21,215 - 25,416; Part time

Job summary

The Center for Public Partnerships & Research is seeking a KU Fit Instructor in Topeka, Kansas. This hourly position requires leading group fitness classes, providing modifications for all fitness levels, and maintaining certification. Ideal candidates will have an NCCA accredited group fitness certification, a current CPR/AED certificate, and excellent communication skills. Applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours during the semester. The anticipated start date is May 4, 2026, and the application deadline is June 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Certified with NCCA accredited group fitness certification or specialized certification.
• Possess current CPR/AED certification or willing to obtain within 4 weeks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare to teach fitness classes with appropriate design and music.
• Lead participants through classes while ensuring safety and motivation.
• Maintain communication with program manager and accurately complete payroll.

Skills

Group fitness instruction

CPR/AED certification

Communication skills

Motivation techniques

Education

NCCA accredited group fitness certification

Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health major

Job description

Overview

KU Recreation Services provides a variety of resources for wellness, physical fitness, team and individual sports, group fitness classes, and personal training. Indoor and outdoor facilities accommodate a broad range of athleticism — from beginners looking to improve their health with low impact exercise to seasoned athletes aspiring to push their physical abilities to the next level.

KU Fit Instructors are required to attend all-staff training and a staff meeting. KU Fit Instructors are required to teach class at least twice a week as well as during finals week.

Responsibilities

75% - Instruction

• In advance, prepare to teach the class, which could include designing an appropriate workout, including proper warm-up and cool down; creating a music playlist; and/or practicing choreography.
• Provide modifications (regressions or progressions) to accommodate all fitness levels.
• Lead participants through a group fitness class while providing motivation.
• Explain, demonstrate, and ensure participants perform movements safely.
• Substitute for other instructors/KU Fit classes when able.
• Find a substitute instructor when unable to teach.
• Build rapport with participants.

10% - Risk Management

• Ensure participants have a KU Fit pass.
• Mitigate the risk of injury or damage to facility or equipment.
• Enforce policies and procedures.
• Assist with good housekeeping by keeping studio, equipment, and equipment closets tidy.
• Implement emergency action procedures as needed.
• Maintain group fitness certification.
• Obtain and maintain CPR/AED certification.

10% - Administration

• Communicate with the KU Fit Program Manager and program supervisor.
• Record participation numbers.
• Accurately complete payroll clock in/out.
• Provide availability.

5% - Other

• Teaching KU Fit private fitness classes.
• Creating and instructing KU Fit special events.
• Attending monthly meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Either currently certified with an NCCA accredited group fitness certification such as ACE GFI or hold a specialized group fitness certification (e.g., RYT200, YogaFit, Les Mills, Zumba, Barre Above, Schwinn Cycle, etc.).
• Possess a current CPR/AED certification with an in-person skills component assessing all CPR/AED steps, or willing to obtain within 4 weeks of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication as evidenced by application materials, interview, and audition.
• Previous experience as a group fitness instructor.
• Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health or related major.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or be enrolled in summer session or be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments)

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instructions

Completed application includes: Online application, cover letter, and resume.

Application Details

A review of applications will continue throughout the posting period until qualified candidates are identified. Application deadline is 6/1/2026.

Contact Information to Applicants

Cody Ladson

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$15.40- $18.45 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

Monday May 4, 2026

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