Graduate Assistant, Fitness Programs

Job Summary

The Graduate Assistant, Fitness Programs reports directly to the Assistant Director of Fitness and provides leadership and operational support for the Department of University Recreation & Wellness. The position assists with the oversight of group fitness, personal training, and fitness attendant programs, including staff development, scheduling, program administration, events, and participant engagement.

Job Description

Primary Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Assistant Director of Fitness to develop and manage daily operations for the Group Fitness and Fitness Attendant programs.
• Assist with hiring, training, scheduling, supervision, and ongoing development of Group Fitness instructors and Fitness Attendant staff.
• Coordinate monthly staff meetings that include personal and professional development, continuing education, and program updates.
• Teach at least one group fitness class each week.
• Manage Group Fitness registration through Fusion and assist with developing the group fitness schedule each semester.
• Assist with new instructor training and oversee semesterly instructor evaluations.
• Collaborate with appropriate campus partners to provide effective, diverse, and holistic fitness and wellness programming.
• Oversee fitness participation challenges, including marketing, participant recruitment, engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Coordinate and maintain Group Fitness instructor scheduling.
• Plan, program, and oversee Group Fitness events, including FitCraze, Sprint to the Finish Fest, and other department initiatives.
• Support the Fitness Facilities Program Assistant in carrying out program responsibilities.
• Facilitate risk management drills for Fitness Attendant staff.
• Assist with Fitness Attendant scheduling, time-off coordination, monthly meetings, and staff development.
• Assist with developing, enforcing, and evaluating program policies and procedures.
• Attend weekly Fitness Team meetings to support program operations.
• Attend monthly University Recreation & Wellness professional staff and program meetings.
• Assist with University Recreation & Wellness signature events; dates will be provided upon hire.
• Serve on one University Recreation & Wellness department committee.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements in all aspects of program administration.

Other Duties

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and acceptance into a graduate program at Florida Gulf Coast University.
• Demonstrated experience with group fitness and/or personal training.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months of hire, at least one nationally accredited group fitness or personal training certification.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or supervising student employees in a collegiate recreation, fitness, wellness, or related environment.
• Experience coordinating group fitness programs, staff schedules, training, evaluations, participation challenges, or special events.
• Experience using Fusion, When to Work, Eagle Link, Canvas, SharePoint, or similar scheduling and campus software systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to operate a personal computer with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook, and ability to learn new applications and systems.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work successfully both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in problem-solving and sound decision-making techniques.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and represent the department and university positively.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, maintain a high standard of integrity, and incorporate best practices in fitness program administration.
• Ability to work a consistent schedule of 15-20 hours per week during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
• Ability to work in person during department office hours, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and outside regular office hours as needed.
• Work nights and weekends as needed to support programs and events.
• Ability to serve as a Graduate Assistant for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.