Job Description:  

Under the Division of Student Affairs, this position supports Fitness and Wellness Services within the department of Recreation & Wellness. This position will support programming and opportunities that cultivate a quality, inclusive, safe, and diverse environment. The selected candidate will experience recreation programming through an environment that is hands-on and fast paced with a professional development approach. This position will report to the Assistant Director of Recreation & Wellness.  

Responsibilities:  

• Assist in the daily administration of fitness and wellness programs, including personal training, small group training, UFit, and/or group fitness. (30%) 
• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, and supervision of student staff, to include internship and fieldwork students. (30%) 
• Support mentorship programs and continuing education and professional development opportunities for student staff. (10%) 
• Maintain online systems for program administration (10%) 
• Assist with customer service, marketing and promotions to foster participant engagement and inclusion. (5%) 
• Collaborate with campus partners to support department events and initiatives. (5%) 
• Serve as a personal trainer and/or group fitness instructor. (5%) 
• Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)  

Expectations: 

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to balance personal, academic, and work life in a healthy fashion. 
• Ability to balance multiple tasks, work on an individual level and in a team setting and demonstrate excellent communication skills. 
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion. 
• Obtain and maintain American Red Cross first aid & CPR/AED certification.  

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, health education, or related field. 
• Experience with instructing group fitness classes, strength and conditioning classes, personal training, health and wellness coaching, or swim experience.  
• Personnel management experience. 
• Current certification in personal training, group fitness, or similar, or willingness to obtain upon hire. 
• Must be fully admitted to a GVSU graduate program and must have, and maintain throughout length of GA contract, a 3.0 or higher GPA   

Additional Information: 

• Depending on candidate interest and background, additional programming experiences may be provided, including American Red Cross courses and adult swim lessons. 

Terms of Appointment: 

• This is a full-time graduate assistantship (20 hours/week). 
• The position will begin on August 25, 2025, and conclude on May 1, 2026.
• This is for a one academic year appointment with potential of a second year based on approval and performance. 
• A tuition waiver covers 9 graduate credit hours per semester (fall and winter) for a full-time assistantship and includes a $13,000 stipend ($6,500 per semester, fall and winter). 
• Professional development funding available as well as employment opportunities between semesters and over the summer months.   

Orientation: 

The Graduate Assistant will receive job specific training from the Assistant Director at the start of the assistantship, as well as continuous support and mentorship throughout. The Graduate Assistant will be required to attend the Graduate’s School’s mandatory New GA Orientation on Friday, August 22, 2025, 3:00-4:00pm in Loosemore Auditorium on the downtown Pew campus.  

Application Process:  

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. 
 
Please submit resume, cover letter, and three professional references to: 

Allison Brandt 

Assistant Director- Fitness 

Recreation & Wellness 

brandtal@gvsu.edu 

For more information on graduate programs at Grand Valley State University visit www.gvsu.edu/gs/ 

About Grand Valley State University

The Division of Student Affairs helps you get the most out of your university experience and achieve personal, educational, and career success. Our mission places students at the center of our work, advocating for their well-being, and promoting positive and inclusive programs, services, and facilities. Our staff is ready and eager to partner with students as they discover their purpose and create meaningful lives, careers, and communities. Learn more about GVSU at https://www.gvsu.edu/about.htm

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