Assistant Director of Fitness

Department: University Life - Mason Recreation

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary: Salary range starting in the low 60K’s, commensurate with education and experience.

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

Mason Recreation meets the diverse needs and interests of the Mason community by providing programs, services, and facilities that are innovative, comprehensive, inclusive, and of unsurpassed quality. Mason Recreation inspires an inclusive atmosphere that fosters lifelong well-being for the University's diverse students and community through active experiences, education, and engagement.

About the Position:

Reporting to the Associate Director of Programs, Well-Being, and Assessment, the Assistant Director of Fitness supports Mason Recreation and the University’s Strategic Plan by overseeing the fitness operations and programs in 3 facilities (the Aquatic and Fitness Center, Recreation Athletic Complex, and Skyline), supporting wellness and well-being programming, and providing a safe environment for fitness related activities. The Assistant Director is responsible for the oversight of the Coordinator of Fitness, approximately 60 Fitness Attendants (floor staff), over 40 Fitness Instructors, and approximately 15 Personal Trainers. The Assistant Director is also responsible for the program and financial management, administration and planning, and facility management of the entire fitness program.

Responsibilities:

• Personnel Management:
  • Develops and implements an approved staffing plan for the Fitness Program;
  • Recruits, selects, trains, develops, supervises, and evaluates staff in accordance with Department and University guidelines;
  • Assimilate and disseminate a comprehensive body of information to employed staff to ensure effective team functioning, employee development and achievement of performance standards;
  • Provides leadership, mentoring, and training to all staff; and
  • Oversees the Coordinator of Fitness (full-time); oversees several part-time wage staff, including Fitness Instructors, Personal Trainers, Fitness Program Assistants, Fitness Attendants, and Equipment Technicians.

• Program and Financial Management:
  • Through the use of observations and reports on customer-use trends, develops effective long-range expansion and program plans to coincide with improved service levels based on defined marketing strategies. Ensures that effective delivery systems are in place to facilitate programs;
  • Coordinates all fitness programming and personnel with the assistance of the Coordinator of Fitness. Develops marketing, program guidelines, policies and procedures related to all fitness programming. Establishes criteria for creating new programs, in keeping with student, faculty, and staff interests and current trends. Maintains a wide variety of program choices to meet the needs of a diverse University community;
  • Coordinates research, assessment and program/service evaluation for fitness programs and services. Develops evaluation tools to assess individual programs and provide regular feedback to staff;
  • Provides support to the Coordinator of Fitness in the supervision of their respective assigned areas of responsibility. Creates and maintains program schedules. Develops program marketing, policies and procedures related to all fitness programming. Establishes criteria for creating new programs, workshops, and special events, in keeping with student, faculty, staff and community interests and current trends. Maintains a wide variety of program choices to meet the needs of a diverse University community;
  • Facilitates, markets and instructs preparation courses for Personal Training and Group Exercise certification;
  • Collaborates with other campus groups to enhance the educational and fitness opportunities for George Mason University students. Works closely with student organizations and faculty to enhance campus educational and leadership opportunities and collaborate on campus-wide events;
  • Develops and implements customer service policies, systems, and training programs that provide for pleasant, timely, and knowledgeable service;
  • Prepares and monitors the annual Fitness budgets for all Recreation Department fitness areas, fitness programs, events, and staffing;
  • Provides monthly reports to ensure adequate controls and efficient use of financial resources;
  • Prepares and analyzes daily reports, participation statistics, payroll, inventory, and all financial transactions maintaining accountability; and
  • Coordinates the purchasing of equipment; reviews specifications, prepares requisitions and confirms accuracy of invoices; serves as liaison to vendors and contractors.

• Administration and Planning:
  • Develops and evaluates short and long-term planning strategies and policies related to facility and program development. Assessment as it relates to fitness; and
  • Composes, compiles, and presents reports quarterly and an annual report summarizing the accomplishments and challenges in fitness. Responsible for the lead role in risk management of the fitness related staff, programs, facilities and equipment.

• Facility Management:
  • Provides and maintains a safe and secure fitness facility for customers and staff at all Recreation Department facilities;
  • Assists with the development and implementation of customer service policies, systems, and training programs that provide for pleasant, timely, and knowledgeable service;
  • Implements policies and procedures according to Department expectations and timelines;
  • Maintains fitness equipment through the scheduling of routine maintenance, minimizing down time and ensuring all safety measures are in place;
  • Maintains fitness equipment inventory and replacement parts; and
  • Develops and implements policies, systems, and training programs for proper use of equipment.

• Professional Development, Departmental Support, and Other Related Duties as Assigned:
  • Works with the Associate Director of Experiential Education & Staff Development and supervisor to create an individualized annual professional development plan;
  • Continues to develop professionally through membership and participation in applicable professional organizations and developmental workshops;
  • Actively participates in the educational process of George Mason University students, faculty, and staff through their interaction with our programs and services;
  • Serves on Campus Committees pertinent to Fitness, Wellness, and Well-Being;
  • Provides students and staff with opportunities for professional development through various organizations, workshops, clinics, and extramural activities;
  • Supports and takes an active role in Mason Recreation departmental special events;
  • Participates in the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to support departmental improvement; and
  • Performs other duties as assigned within scope of role.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in proper use and management of cardiovascular and weight training equipment;
• Relevant experience typically obtained in three years in a recreation or fitness setting;
• Extensive knowledge related to recreational programming and rules and policies;
• Demonstrated customer service skills and the ability to be flexible and accommodating as it relates to the needs of the members;
• Demonstrated skill in effective written and verbal communication;
• Ability to relate well to diverse individuals and demonstrate the ability to manage a large staff; effectively train, supervise, and motivate student leaders for the fitness program; provide leadership and guidance to a diverse program; foster a positive work environment and encourage collaboration and teamwork;
• Ability to effectively manage budgets;
• Commitment to making an active and meaningful contribution to the university’s well-being initiative;
• Requires Valid Drivers License; must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411
  https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review;
• American Red Cross AED, CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; and
• One or more professional fitness certifications such as NASM, NSCA, ACE, ACSM, AFAA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• American Red Cross AED, CPR and First Aid instructor certification.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Director of Fitness at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date: June 25, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: July 10, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes