Cullowhee, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina
Posted: 11-Nov-25
Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Internal Number: 6715135
Assistant Director of Fitness Programs - 110258
Western Carolina University
Department: Campus Recreation and Wellness
About WCU:
• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary:
The Assistant Director of Fitness Programs is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, supervision, and assessment of a comprehensive portfolio of fitness programs and services. This position oversees the recruitment, training, scheduling, and evaluation of 35–40 student, professional, and contract service employees, including group exercise instructors, personal trainers, and fitness assistants. The Assistant Director manages program budgets, coordinates equipment maintenance and replacement, and ensures that offerings are inclusive and responsive to the evolving needs of a diverse student population.
Reporting to the Senior Associate Director for Campus Recreation & Wellness, the Assistant Director is expected to exercise a high level of discretion, autonomy, and professionalism in all areas of responsibility. The position functions independently in managing program operations and supervising staff, while aligning efforts with the mission of the department, the university, and the broader goals of student development and well-being. The role also involves collaboration with campus partners and participation in departmental initiatives and committees.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be 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 and one or more years of relevant experience
- Nationally recognized personal training or group exercise certification or ability to obtain during first year of employment
- Adult CPR/AED and First Aid certified through American Red Cross or ability to obtain during first year of employment
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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 student and graduate assistant staff supervision
- Experience personal training and developing student personal trainers
- Experience collaborating with campus departments to develop, publicize and successfully implement programs, services and policies to sustain the active process of healthy living
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For more information please contact Nick Mashburn via email at nmashburn@email.wcu.edu
AA/EOE
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, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report 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, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32250
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