Program Manager, Fitness & Wellness, Campus Recreation

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,000 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 350,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $88.8 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

Job Overview

Campus Recreation is a proud part of Campus Services at the University of Cincinnati. Driven by leveraging our expertise to provide a welcoming environment that enhances student success, Campus Services is committed to the student experience. Campus Recreation lives this mission by creating inclusive environments that inspire movement and community for all Bearcats. Our vision is to help all in our community to build and share contagious energy for movement.

The Program Manager of Fitness and Wellness Programs will have primary oversight for group fitness, premium fitness, special events, and customized programming across one main facility and multiple satellite facilities. This position will also be responsible for creating and expanding innovative, new programming to enhance the student experience. Secondary responsibilities include assistance with personal training and wellness programming. In addition, the program manager will assist with building campus partnerships and expanding wellness initiatives. The program manager may need to teach group fitness classes, train clients or assist with fitness operations as needed.

A vital component of this position is a demonstrated ability to work autonomously with initiative, critical and creative thinking, as well as a strong commitment to student development, collaboration, and customer service. Additionally, this position has significant financial, administrative and personnel responsibilities.

This position includes the ability for a hybrid work schedule with up to a 20% work from home option.

Essential Functions

• Provide oversight for Fitness and Wellness programs that include group fitness, instructional, premium and custom classes, special events, fitness challenges and incentives, and educational workshop opportunities.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate group fitness and instructional instructors which includes student and contract employees.
• Plan and facilitate regular staff meetings and new hire onboarding for group fitness instructors.
• Create and maintain group fitness and premium fitness class schedules across two facilities with an additional programmable facility space coming to campus fall 2027.
• Coordinate, organize, and promote fitness special events and programs that meet the changing needs of the UC community.
• Assist, as needed, with the oversight of the personal training program.
• Collaborate internally and externally with wellness-centric departments (Food Services, Exercise Science, CAPS, Student Wellness, BeWell UC, etc.) to deliver wellness programming to students and other members.
• Evaluate program offerings using satisfaction / interest surveys and make recommendations that are responsive to participant interests and needs.
• Collaborate and create partnerships with university colleges, departments, or organizations.
• Support and deliver marketing ideas and materials including regular website updates.
• Maintain inventory, upkeep, and replacement of fitness equipment and supplies.
• Teach Group Fitness and / or Personal Trainer prep courses on a semesterly basis.
• Contribute to monthly reports and gather program data on monthly and semester basis.
• Assist with various department responsibilities related to emergency action plan preparation and execution, safety / risk management, marketing, student development, special events, etc.
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness and other staff across the programs, facility operations and membership areas.
• Instruct staff in American Red Cross CPR / AED Professional Rescuer Training (Instructor training is provided).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education Bachelor's Degree.

Seven (7) years of relevant work experience and / or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.

Required Experience One (1) year of experience in campus recreation, fitness facility management or related field.

One (1) year of staff supervision.

Certification from an accredited organization such as ACE, AFAA, ACSM, NSCA, or NASM in related program areas or ability to attain certification within six (6) months of employment.

Previous experience hiring, training, developing and evaluating fitness related staff.

Additional Qualifications Considered American Red Cross CPR / AED for Professional Rescuers with First Aid Instructor certification. Must be certified within 6 (six) months of employment.

Two years of demonstrated success in fitness programming management, preferred in a collegiate setting.

Knowledge and experience with safety and risk management as it pertains to a fitness setting.

Knowledge of various related systems, including CSI / Rec Automation, SubItUp, Connect 2 Concepts (C2C), IMLeagues, Canva, Microsoft Office.

Proven commitment to student and professional staff development and customer service.

Demonstrated ability to identify problems, assess alternatives, render consistent and logical decisions.

Ability to thrive in an environment that values high expectations, accountability and balanced lifestyles.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following :

Resume

Cover letter

A minimum of three references

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. ( UC Benefits Link ) Highlights include :

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including :

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include :

Competitive salary based on experience

Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)

Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs

Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at https : / / www.uc.edu / careers.html

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here : https : / / www.uscis.gov / i-9-central / form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Important : To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu .

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

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