Assistant Director, Fitness and Facilities Operations

Position Title: Assistant Director, Fitness and Facilities Operations

Department: Student Recreation & Wellness Ctr

Advertised Pay: Mid $50,000's

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by March 20, 2026.

Position Summary: The Assistant Director, Fitness and Facilities Operations contributes to the mission of the Washburn University Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) by directing fitness programs, managing facilities operations, supervising student staff, and enhancing the member experience.

About Washburn University:  Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:
• Assist daily operations of the SRWC, ensuring a safe, clean, and fully functioning environment.
• Inspect and monitor facility conditions, coordinate cleaning, maintenance, and repairs.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Maintain and update emergency action plans for the facilities.
• Recommend updates to policies, procedures, and publications to improve operations.
• Monitor inventory and procure supplies for maintenance and operations.
• Oversee membership sales, renewals, and guest pass processes.
• Track deposits and maintain accurate membership records.
• Serve as a liaison for groups scheduling events in the SRWC.
• Provide ongoing feedback through meetings and reports to the Director and Associate Director.
• Collaborate with SRWC staff and campus organizations to plan programs and special events.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate fitness programs, including group exercise classes, personal training, and wellness initiatives.
• Supervise, support, and manage assigned staff to maximize employee performance and facilitate professional growth. Recruit, train, and supervise fitness instructors and personal trainers, and evaluate staff performance and effectiveness. Provide appropriate feedback and professional development opportunities. Work to maintain a healthy work environment by promoting teamwork and collaboration. Actively promoting a professional workplace of mutual respect and collegiality for all members of the institution, and work to build positive, cooperative relationships with all staff, encouraging them to work toward individual and departmental goals.
• Conduct equipment orientations, fitness assessments, and wellness workshops as needed.
• Recruit, train, and supervise student employees.
• Lead ongoing student staff development focused on customer service, risk management, conflict resolution, and professionalism.
• Create and manage work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and operational efficiency.
• Certify and train staff in CPR, AED use, and emergency response protocols.
• Assist with budgeting, purchasing, and inventory related to fitness programs and facility equipment.
• Track participation data and prepare reports to assess program effectiveness and support strategic planning.
• Contribute to departmental marketing efforts, including website updates and social media content.
• Performs additional duties as assigned or appropriate.

Non-Essential Functions:
• Represent the SRWC at campus fairs, recruitment events, and professional conferences.
• Participate in university committees and cross-campus initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Exercise Science, Sports Administration, or a closely related field.
• Two years of experience in fitness program management, facilities operations, or recreation services.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership/management skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of risk management practices and facilities safety standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of current fitness practices and procedures.
• Ability to use computer programs relevant to the performance of job duties, such as scheduling software.
• Current instructor certification in American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid or the ability to obtain instructor certification within 60 days of employment.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to work in a combination of office, fitness, and facilities environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical demonstrations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree.
• Experience working in a collegiate recreation or higher education setting.
• Nationally recognized certification in personal training or group fitness (e.g., ACE, NASM, ACSM).
• Demonstrated ability to hire, train, supervise, and evaluate student employees.

Exempt, Full-time, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm   
Background Check Required