Job Description
Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
S14054P
Working Title
Assistant Director for Fitness
Department
VPSA-Recreational Sports
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
The Department of Recreational Sports in the Division of Student Affairs promotes healthy lifestyle choices by providing development, growth, and education for the University of Georgia community through the spirit of recreation.
College/Unit/Department website
recsports.uga.edu
Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
TRS or ORP
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time
Full Time
Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
Monday-Friday with additional night and weekends to meet departmental deadlines.
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date
08/25/2025
Open until filled
No
Closing Date
08/29/2025
Proposed Starting Date
09/15/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.
Location of Vacancy
Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Position Information
Classification Title
Student Services Professional
FLSA
Exempt
FTE
1.00
Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion, Sport Management, Recreation or a related field from an accredited college or university and two years of successful administrative experience in a campus recreation (graduate assistantship or professional intern experience considered).
* Must possess a current nationally recognized personal training certification (e.g. ACE , ACSM , NSCA , NASM ) and/or nationally recognized group fitness certification (e.g. ACE , ACSM , AFAA ).
* Experience working directly as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
* Current American Red Cross certification or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire.
* Individual must hold or be eligible for a valid Georgia Driver's License.
* American Red Cross CPR / AED for the Professional Rescuer ( CPRO ) and First Aid and CPRO Instructor certification.
* Nationally recognized Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor certification.
* NIRSA Member
Position Summary
This position is an integral part of the Recreational Sports Leadership Team and reports directly to the Associate Director for Well-being. This position is a full-time comprehensive Fitness position. The primary responsibility of this position is to oversee the daily operations of fitness programs including supervision of the Fitness Professional Intern. Areas of oversight include group fitness, small group training, personal training, physical well-being and fitness outreach programs, fitness certifications, and assisting with campus well-being efforts. Other duties include guest service, assisting with facility and equipment operations and maintenance, delivery of programs and services, program design and curriculum, safety and risk management. The position requires representation of the Department of Recreational Sports in a fair, consistent, cooperative, and positive manner in accordance with Department and University policies.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• Demonstrated expertise in personal training program development, implementation, and management.
• Proven ability to lead innovative and dynamic recreational sports initiatives including supervising and training full and part-time staff to promote student learning and development.
• Proven ability to teach group fitness classes or work 1-1 with personal training clients as needed.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proven ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Proven ability to develop effective working relationships with university students, faculty, staff, alumni, administrators, and the community.
Physical Demands
While performing the normal duties of the job, the employee is frequently needed to move throughout the 440,000 sq. ft. Ramsey Student Center to stand; walk; sit; use hands; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally needed to climb up and down ladders and in small spaces; to walk across narrow accesses such as 1.5 ft. widths and to operate department owned vehicles to run job related errands. The employee will frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds. Employee will have the aerobic capacity to instruct group fitness classes. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception. Distinguish between non-toxic air flow and noxious odors.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?
Yes
Is this a Position of Trust?
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?
Yes
Does this position require a P-Card?
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?
No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)
Yes
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Program & Policy Management:
• Serve as a positive and active member of the Fitness team through close communication and collaboration with the Associate Director to deliver excellent and innovative programs.
• Communicate effectively with participants, staff and supervisors providing exceptional customer service in all interactions.
• Develop a year-round balanced and consistent fitness program schedule including assisting with the management of facilities and equipment inventory.
• Maintain an active presence in the Ramsey Student Center and fitness programs.
• Serve as a substitute instructor or personal trainer as needed.
• Develop and implement new classes, programs, and activities based on industry trends and assessment of current programs to ensure maximum reach to the campus community.
• Coordinate campus physical well-being and fitness outreach programming, working closely with the Associate Director and part-time staff to fill program requests.
Percentage of time
40
Duties/Responsibilities
Personnel Management:
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, lead and evaluate a team of 70+ part-time fitness staff, Program Assistants, and a Professional Intern for Fitness
• Serve as a professional leader, educator, and role model for the fitness team and anticipate personal and programmatic needs for maximum effectiveness.
• Maintain staff accountability through performance evaluations, check-ins, feedback sessions, and adherence to Recreational Sports policies.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that supports staff growth and professional development.
• Accurately approve payroll in a timely fashion according to outlined payroll submission deadlines and coordinate extra compensation for part-time staff.
• Maintain and update staff personnel files and records to ensure the fitness team holds current American Red Cross and fitness certifications.
• Provide accurate information and training on University, Departmental, and fitness policies and procedures including but not limited to: EAP , Employee Handbooks, Safety Training, Staff Accountability/Expectations/Training, etc.
• Organize and lead engaging monthly staff meetings and in-service trainings including continuing education opportunities to further student staff development in career readiness, functional job duties (personal training, customer service, fitness class instruction, etc.), risk management, and UGA Journeys competencies.
• Actively incorporate Departmental Vision, Mission, and Values into staff training and development.
Percentage of time
40
Duties/Responsibilities
Fiscal Management:
• In collaboration with the Associate Director, oversee an annual program budget of over $200,000, paying specific attention to staff payroll costs, acting as a good steward of university resources.
• Critically evaluate program attendance, industry trends, and equipment needs (inventory) based on patron usage and participant feedback.
• Make astute programmatic decisions based on financial analysis and assist with equipment purchases.
Percentage of time
10
Duties/Responsibilities
Strategic Management and Planning:
• Collaborate with leadership and other stakeholders to align fitness programming and operations with departmental goals and campus-wide well-being priorities.
• Model and promote the Recreational Sports values of RamFam, Excellence, Customer Service, and Spirit of Recreation in day-to-day interactions.
• Work as an integral member of the Recreational Sports staff in pursuing the departmental vision of providing the best possible recreational learning opportunities every day through excellent facilities, programs, services, and experiences.
Percentage of time
10
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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