Monday, October 27, 2025
Inside Higher Ed

Assistant Director of Fitness

Posted: Oct 19, 2025

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Director of FitnessLocation: Dalton State CollegeRegular/Temporary: RegularFull/Part Time: Full-TimeJob ID: 287706About UsDalton State College delivers a transformational education experience in a community serving more than 5,000 students through its two campuses and online programs. A member of the University System of Georgia, we provide access to high-quality bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and career and teaching certificate programs that are responsive to regional and state needs.Located about 90 minutes from Atlanta and 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Dalton State is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northwest Georgia and is surrounded by abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. We attract students from 35 countries and 26 states. Approximately half of our students are first-generation college students. Dalton State is Georgia's first federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); through this designation, we administer a Title V and a Title III HSI STEM Grant program that benefit all students.Our mission and values undergird our commitment to creating a sense of belonging for all students and to ensuring their success. Dalton State was ranked #1 in the nation for Student Experience in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings and the #2 most recommended institution in the country in 2025. In addition, we are proud to have been recognized in 2024 as one of 75 "Great Colleges to Work For" by ModernThink, along with an Honor Roll distinction.Job SummaryThis position is responsible for providing strategic oversight of the operations, programming, and overall stewardship of the campus fitness center and affiliated wellness spaces, ensuring an inclusive, engaging, and developmentally enriching environment for students, staff, and faculty to engage in health and wellness activities. The role involves supervising the coordinator of intramurals and club sports, student workers, managing equipment and facility needs, and designing and implementing innovative, evidence-based fitness and wellness initiatives that advance holistic well-being, foster personal development, and build campus-wide community engagement. Additionally, the position ensures compliance with safety standards, maintains the departmental budget, and advances institutional strategic priorities through collaborative leadership and student-centered innovation through effective leadership and collaboration.A Complete Application Must IncludeCover letter Resume List of three professional references: please include full name, job title, organization, phone number and email address, a brief description of relationship with reference. Include current and/or past employer. The position will remain open until filled.Minimum Annual Salary: $46,400Benefits IncludeHealthcare optionsRetirement option: Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) or Teachers Retirement Systems (TRS) Tuition assistance$100 Well-being rewards13 paid holidaysPaid vacation and sick leavePaid parental leaveWinter break (December holidays)USG Benefits ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff - 25Leads the recruitment, onboarding, supervision, and holistic development of a team of student employees.Resolves personnel issues.Maintains related records.Directs/supervises coordinator of intramurals and club sports.Supervises the management of IMLeagues database/portal system for tracking intramural participation and operations, in addition to student liability forms/waivers.Fiscal Responsibility - 25Manages an annual operating and fee-based budget of approximately $200,000, ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance with institutional guidelines, and strategic allocation of resources to support student wellness initiatives (Fee Based Budget).Conducts all purchasing and works within State purchasing guidelines.Reconciles purchases submitted through the purchasing card.Develops and monitors long-term financial planning for fitness and wellness initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and maximizing return on investment through data-informed decision-making.Directs the maintenance of equipment - 20Inspects equipment for cleanliness and maintenance needs.Schedules equipment maintenance inspections.Directs strategic procurement and lifecycle management of all equipment and materials for recreation department, including intramurals and club sports.Oversees the outdoor recreational spaces including intramural fields, pickleball/tennis courts, and the student hub, ensuring their upkeep and appropriate usage.Fitness Program - 20Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive and forward-thinking fitness and wellness curriculum to include, but not limited to, fitness classes, wellness programs, personal training programs, and lectures/presentations.Implements robust assessment strategies to monitor engagement, evaluate impact, and ensure data-informed decision-making of offerings to make data-driven adjustments.Identifies trends in fitness and wellness, staying updated on industry standards to ensure innovative and engaging programming.Coordinates contracts with external vendors and individuals to provide fitness instruction and services, ensuring alignment with institutional standards, liability coverage, and budget parameters.Administrative Duties - 10Monitors facility access, verifying student, staff, and faculty ID cards for compliance with recreation policies.Maintains accurate records of participation, equipment usage, and inventory to support program planning, accountability, and assessment metrics.Collaborates with academic departments, student organizations, athletics, and other campus entities to manage space reservations in Bandy Gym Floor and the Bandy Classroom.Tracks and records statistical data of programs each month.Develops and publishes recreational & fitness program policies, guidelines, and risk management of campus recreation activities and maintain compliance with all student records.Serves as a senior advisor to the Director of Health & Wellness and contributes to divisional leadership initiatives.Performs related duties as assigned.Required QualificationsEducational RequirementsBaccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field required or equivalent related experience.Required ExperienceThree years of related experience required.Preferred QualificationsAdditional Preferred QualificationsExperience in integrated facility operations, including compliance, space planning, and resource optimization.Familiarity with GIRSA, NIRSA, and IMLeaguesPersonal Training Certification preferred.Preferred Educational QualificationsMaster¿s degree in Recreation Administration, Sports Management, or related field.Preferred ExperienceMore than three years of related experience.AbilitiesKnowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesExceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, including the ability to cultivate transparent, and collaborative relationships.Demonstrated excellence in program design, implementation, and continuous improvement informed by best practices.KNOWLEDGEKnowledge of college policies and procedures.Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.Knowledge of University System of Georgia policies and procedures.Knowledge of fitness principles and practices.Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.Knowledge of fitness equipment operation and maintenance principles.Knowledge of recreation facility standards.SkillsSkill in decision-making and problem solving.Skill in the completion of a variety of reports.Skill in budget management.USG Core ValuesThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.Conditions of EmploymentOffers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Dalton State College, as determined by Dalton State College in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.Equal Employment OpportunityEqual opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of Dalton State College (DSC). As a member of the University System of Georgia, we follow the Board of Regents' policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any DSC program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.Dalton State College is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy, please contact Dalton State College's Office of Human Resources at 706-272-2034. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 706-272-2034.Other InformationThis is supervisory position.This position has financial responsibilities.This role is considered a position of trust.This position requires a purchasing card (P-Card).Background CheckPosition of Trust + Credit

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