Assistant Director - Fitness

Title: Assistant Director - Fitness

Employee Classification: Asst Dir, Recreational Sports

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Student Affairs

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Recreational Sports

Department: UNT-Recreational Sports-160720

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Starting Salary - $51,744

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility:

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

Recreational Sports strives to provide the kind of recreational experiences that not only support the wellness of the UNT community but inspire it. Programs include Aquatics, Esports, Fitness, Intramurals, Outdoor Pursuits, and Sport Clubs. In addition, the Pohl Recreation Center offers over 138,000 square feet of recreation space including, basketball courts, an indoor track, a weight room, two group fitness studios, a climbing wall, two pools and a sand volleyball court.

Position Overview

This position provides leadership for all fitness programs, services, and staff associated with the Pohl Recreation Center and the Fitness Center at Frisco Landing. This position plays a key role in shaping the future of fitness at UNT by overseeing all fitness operations, programming, and fitness staff development initiatives.

In addition to managing current operations, the Assistant Director will be intimately involved in the major renovation and repurposing of the existing leisure pool into a two-story, 22,000-square-foot fitness facility. Demolition begins January 2026, and the new space is anticipated to open Fall 2027. The Assistant Director will support planning and decision-making related to equipment selection, staffing, operational workflows, and program integration. Once complete, this position will oversee the staffing, equipment, programming, and daily operations of the new fitness facility.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and three years of professional related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Ability to develop specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.
* Skill in encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
* Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
* Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
* Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
* Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision.
* Knowledge of applicable safety requirements.
* Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
* Ability to respond quickly to emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree in exercise science, sport management, health education, health promotion or related field
* The ideal applicant will have a minimum of 5 years of directly related progressive experience in a university setting
* Experience with equipment selection, fitness facility design, or large-scale renovation projects.
* Experience teaching a variety of group exercise formats and/or leading one-on-one and small group personal training sessions
* Experience developing group fitness instructors and/or personal trainers
* Experience supervising multiple staff members

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Hold and maintain a valid certification in group exercise and/or personal training through ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NASM, NSCA, Cooper or other nationally recognized certification.

Must hold or be willing to obtain an American Red Cross CPR/AED First Aid instructor certification within the first 6 months of hire.

Job Duties

• Programming - Responsible for the planning and implementation of a variety of fitness events and programs at UNT and Frisco Landing Fitness Center. Contribute to the marketing materials, strategies and outreach efforts.
• Risk Management - Ensure that all space and equipment used by the fitness program is in safe and usable condition. Work with the appropriate maintenance staff/company or facility maintenance staff to ensure the necessary fixes or repairs are made in a timely fashion. Train and routinely test all fitness staff on emergency response, how to diffuse difficult situations and ensure all applicable certifications are maintained.
• Fiscal Management - Assist with purchasing of equipment and supplies for the fitness program and complete payroll for all student staff.
• Facility Management - Responsible for the day to day operations and cleanliness of the weight room, Frisco Landing Fitness Center, personal training office and group exercise studios. Ensure the appropriate space is reserved for all fitness events activities with the facility operations staff. Travel to UNT Frisco campus to ensure facility and equipment are in working order and to provide training and oversight to employees.
• Staff Administration - Responsible for hiring, training and staffing for the fitness program, including the Fitness & Membership Coordinator, Fitness Graduate Assistant, weight room supervisors, Frisco weight room supervisors, personal trainers and group fitness instructors. Follow university procedures for hiring full time and part time staff. Know and follow the student employment policy.
• Communication - Communicates in a clear and concise manner that helps the listener avoid confusion. Interacts with others in a way that builds relationships. Responds to verbal and written responses are provided in a prompt and timely manner. - (Essential)
• Teaching & Training - Maintain regular group fitness classes on the schedule, and substitute and take on personal training clients as needed. Coordinate and lead group fitness instructor (ACE) and personal trainer (ACE) prep courses. Provide staff development and training opportunities for fitness student staff each semester.

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Lifting and moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Moving self in various positions to perform tasks in tight and confined spaces.
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

M- F 8:00am - 5:00pm, with some nights and weekend requirements based on programming and department need

Driving University Vehicle

Yes

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.