Assistant Director of Fitness Programs

Assistant Director of Fitness Programs – 110258

Western Carolina University (WCU), part of the UNC system, is seeking an Assistant Director of Fitness Programs to lead and expand its campus recreation and wellness offerings.

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes "America’s Best Employers by State" list.
• 2024 – Ranked in the top 8.5% on Forbes "America’s Best Midsize Employers" list (34 out of 400).
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes "America’s Best Midsize Employers" list (97 out of 500).
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes "America’s Best Employers by State" list.

WCU offers a comprehensive benefits package, tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year, free group exercise classes, discounted campus recreation center membership, vaccination services, pre‑tax flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, community service leave, and parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. Employees also have access to training, development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences.

The Assistant Director of Fitness Programs manages the strategic planning, implementation, supervision, and assessment of a comprehensive portfolio of fitness programs and services. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, scheduling, and evaluating 35–40 students, professionals, and contract service employees; managing program budgets; coordinating equipment maintenance and replacement; ensuring inclusive offerings; collaborating with campus partners; and participating in departmental initiatives and committees.

• Eligible to work in the United States without needing sponsorship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in exercise science, sport management, health education, health promotion or related field with at least one year of relevant experience.
• Nationally recognized personal training or group exercise certification, or ability to obtain within the first year.
• Adult CPR/AED and First Aid certification through American Red Cross, or ability to obtain within the first year.

• Master’s degree in exercise science, sport management, health education, health promotion or related field.
• 1–3 years full‑time experience managing a collegiate fitness program, including supervision of student and graduate assistant staff.
• Experience in personal training and developing student personal trainers.
• Experience collaborating with campus departments to develop, publicize, and implement programs, services, and policies promoting healthy living.
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification.

Permanent Full‑Time

Applications must be completed online. Submit a letter of interest, a resume, and a listing of at least three professional references with full contact information.

For more information, contact Nick Mashburn by email .

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies.

WCU’s Annual Safety Report is available online or in hard‑copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828‑227‑7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828‑227‑7301). The report discusses crime statistics, reporting procedures, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence, and fire safety.

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