Assistant Director for Fitness & Wellness

The assistant director for fitness and wellness programs will serve as a leader within the Recreation Center and direct the development of comprehensive fitness and wellness programs that meet the needs of the university community.

Essential Functions

• Develops and evaluates the Fitness and Wellness Program philosophy, offerings, and fee structures
• Manages, maintains, recommends and implements updated / new organizational structures, systems, budgets, and policies for the Fitness and Wellness Program
• Collaborates with key stakeholders (HR, Student Well-Being) and regularly assesses the needs and interests of the Rice community to develop a comprehensive slate of programs and activities focused on holistic health
• Monitors the effective allocation of resources and adherence to standards for the Fitness and Wellness Program
• Recruits, trains and manages all fitness and wellness employees, including both professional and student staff (20+), including supervision and mentorship of a part-time wellness coordinator
• Collaborates with other members of the recreation department to market and promote all programs and services affiliated with the Fitness/Wellness Program.
• Coordinates the group fitness and mind/body class schedules
• Collaborates with other program staff in the coordination, planning, and execution of various department-wide initiatives and special events throughout the year.
• Responsible for attending meetings, teaching classes and maintaining the policies and procedures associated with both the Lifetime Physical Activity and Summer Youth Activity Programs

• Maintains current knowledge of the university, its environment, purpose, and affairs, and be prepared to respond to appropriate issues
• Develops effective working relationships and positively influence and motivate staff
• Ensures the continued professional development of all employees
• Maintains supplies and equipment inventory and makes necessary purchases
• Assists in the selection of the fitness equipment purchased by the department
• Coordinate facility and event schedules and reservations for fitness and wellness programming.
• Anticipates and identifies issues and areas of improvement and produces viable and logical solutions
• Utilizes strategic planning, conceptualization, critical thinking, independent judgment, problem solving, creativity, initiative, vision, and innovation to ensure quality in all areas of responsibility
• Writes proposals, prepares presentations, negotiates contracts, serves on committees, coordinates special events and projects, conducts research, and represents the division at conferences

• Bachelor's degree in physical education, kinesiology, exercise science, health, human performance or a related field
• Three years of related experience coordinating or overseeing a fitness and/or wellness program

• CPR and Standard First Aid Certification
• Current certification(s) by one or more of the following organizations: ACE, ACSM, NSCA, CHES, NASM, RYT or AFAA

• No substitutions for education or experience allowed

• Demonstrated organization skills, conflict resolution skills, initiative and creative thinking
• Maintains a professional image
• Must have excellent verbal, written and presentation communications skills
• Must have the ability to lead, train and mentor employees
• Must have the ability to make sound judgments and decisions in a calm manner
• Proficiency in database systems and web based applications related to the recreation programs

• Master's degree in physical education, kinesiology, exercise science, health, human performance or a related field

• Experience in a similar position in higher education that includes fitness and wellness programming and the ability to teach a wide variety of group fitness, mind and body and physical activity classes
• Supervisory experience, including the ability to recruit, train, motivate, and supervise staff
• -Proficient in Microsoft Excel budget spreadsheets
• -Knowledge of Touchnet Marketplace, SubItUp, Innosoft Fusion, or related facility/staff management software

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies