Assistant Director of Fitness Engagement and Aquatics

Assistant Director of Fitness Engagement and Aquatics Apply now Posting #: 5590 Position Status: Full-time regular Location: San Diego Position Type: Administrator, University Wellness Position Title & Department: Assistant Director of Fitness Engagement and Aquatics; Wellness Center Department Description: The Division of Student Affairs seeks an individual with a strong commitment to inclusive excellence and a strong interest in working at a mission driven, faith-based institution. The role of the Campus Recreation Director in supporting students and the USD Community responsibilities of the position are significantly tethered in the university’s contemporary Roman Catholic mission and commitment to creating an equitable, welcoming community for all. The Division of Student Affairs is committed to grounding our policies, programs, and procedures in inclusive excellence. With this commitment, we recognize the importance of educating ourselves and holding one another accountable to ensure our work is approached through inclusive excellence lens. We recognize our need for ongoing development in this area and continue to strive to improve. We expect all members of the Division of Student Affairs are willing to engage in this work alongside us to uphold our Catholic mission in creating a welcoming environment where the dignity of all students, staff, administrators, and faculty at USD is embraced. University Description: The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges. Detailed Description: The Assistant Director, University Fitness and Aquatics is responsible for assisting in creating an accessible and engaging recreational environment that serves the University of San Diego community. Responsible for developing, coordinating and managing innovative and engaging programs. Will provide and promote fitness, aquatics and holistic wellness resources serving the needs of the USD Community that align with the Thriving Student Model (TSM). Serve as a member of the Wellness Center and Sports Center collaborative leadership team. Periodically, this position may be asked to lead or contribute to either ad hoc or ongoing division/campus projects outside the scope of their day-to-day activities. Responsibilities Ensures the highest level of culturally responsive service delivery, anticipating student/USD community and key stakeholder needs, and exceeding expectations at every touchpoint. Collaborate with the Executive Director and campus partners to develop and execute student/member engagement initiatives, events, and special promotions to enhance student satisfaction and retention. Coordination, management and scheduling of fitness and aquatics programs designed to offer a diverse array of accessible programs, services, and experiences that meet the needs of various stakeholders. Collaborate with key partners (examples, Residential Life, faculty, Student Life teams) and other interested parties to create an integrated culturally responsive approach to holistic wellness. Lead and oversee fitness and aquatics experiences that seek to enhance student engagement, community building, and inclusive excellence. Serve on campus committees relative to wellness and fitness issues as assigned. Oversee the Group Fitness Program (45-55 classes per semester) including all recruitment, onboarding, accessing for usage, utilization, instructor performance, instructor upleveling and coaching. Oversee the Aquatics program including all recruitment, onboarding, accessing for usage, utilization, instructor performance, instructor upleveling and coaching. Manage the Palomar Health Student Wellness Personal Training-Support program. Enhance revenue generating opportunities, including all recruitment and accessing for usage, utilization, instructor performance, instructor upleveling and coaching. Ensure all professional individualized fitness support is accessible and aimed at student learning and holistic wellness development. Schedule all fitness classes to ensure maximum utilization. Schedule all aquatics programs and lessons to ensure maximum utilization. Provide leadership and oversight for the teams operating two distinct fitness support resources: one charged with stewarding rentable equipment, addressing member inquiries in real time, and guiding best practices for outdoor fitness spaces; and the other dedicated to supporting members through spotting, tailored fitness advisement, sample program design, and the administration of recovery equipment. Build a climate of community and inclusive excellence within the Wellness Center and Sports Center that encourages a culture of wellbeing that aligns with Thriving Student Mode. Create and deliver programs to enhance community awareness and provide education on physical wellness topics in coordination with the Health Promotion and Student Health teams, as appropriate. Create and prepare necessary reporting (Ex. financial, assessment, usage). Responsible for enforcing all Center policies and regulations. Assist in developing and managing fitness budgets, monitoring expenses including labor, and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality. Collaborate effectively with the Asst. Director of Wellness Center Operations and the Sports Center leadership to manage the day-to-day Wellness Center facility and the aquatics center needs including crisis response, staff coverage, equipment repairs, policy compliance, and event management. Recruit, hire, supervise and train students (25+) and part-time professional personnel (25+) daily. Ensure that student and professional staff are aware and follow safety and emergency procedures for the Wellness Fitness Center specific to fitness programming. Recruit, hire, supervise and train students (8+) daily for lifeguarding and swim lessons. Ensure that student and professional staff are aware and follow safety and emergency procedures for the Sports Center specific to aquatics programming. Facilities Management Supports the Executive Director in their collaboration with the University Risk Management Office, University Facilities and Public Safety to develop and/or implement health and safety policies and protocols, risk management and enforcement of safety and health policies, regulations and protocols in line with San Diego Public Health protocols around critical incidents. Provide leadership in partnership with the Wellness Operations leadership team to ensure the safety, security, and effective stewardship of facilities. Ensure the physical environment of the 80,000 square foot Center — particularly in the fitness areas — is elevated, clean, and welcoming to our diverse community members. Prioritize immediate response to maintenance, cleanliness, and safety concerns as they arise, with special attention to high-risk issues such as MRSA prevention, proper sanitation of equipment and surfaces, and the upkeep of locker rooms and shared spaces. Provide leadership in partnership with the Sports Center leadership team to ensure the safety, security, and effective stewardship of facilities. Ensure the physical environment of the pool area is elevated, clean, and welcoming to our diverse community members. Prioritize immediate response to maintenance, cleanliness, and safety concerns as they arise, with special attention to high-risk issues such as MRSA prevention, proper sanitation of equipment and surfaces, and the upkeep of locker rooms and shared spaces. Responsible for coordinating and monitoring accurate set up for all special events occurring in/around the Wellness Center and Sports Center specific to the fitness and aquatics areas to ensure client needs are met and proper use of facility and equipment. Serve within the Wellness and Sports Center Operation leadership team (On-Call) rotation to uphold operational continuity, respond to emergent situations, and maintain a standard of excellence in building oversight and staff support. Perform daily quality assurances checks of all interior and exterior levels of the Center specific to the fitness areas. Report and track the repair of malfunctioning lights, doors, locks, sound system, and other related building equipment. Address noted problems or areas of concern. Perform weekly quality assurances checks of the pool and pool deck specific. Report and track the repair of malfunctioning lights, doors, locks, sound system, and other related building equipment. Address noted problems or areas of concern. Manage the physical inventory of Wellness Center- Fitness furnishings and equipment (2M+) and loss. Manage the physical inventory of the Aquatics area. Seek continuous operational efficiencies and implement sustainable best practices for collegiate wellness, fitness, aquatics, recreational and/or well-being centers. Establish and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers, Support the Executive Director in negotiating supplier and vendor contracts. Maintain statistical data on Fitness Center(s) and Aquatics usage, providing information to senior administration. Ensure full staffing during operating hours for the Wellness Center. Ensure full staffing during operating hours for the Aquatics Area. Ad hoc Other Responsibilities Keep up to date on fitness and aquatics center best practices. Contribute to or lead additional division/campus projects outside of typical duties to help further accomplish student or organizational goals. Additional assignments may be seasonal, ad hoc or ongoing, depending on the project. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations First aid / CPR certification required upon hire. Certification by the ACSM, ACE, ISSA, NASM or equivalent as a Health/Fitness instructor or Exercise Specialist is required by the end of the first six months of employment. Special Conditions of Employment This position is expected to work flexible hours and be available during prime facility usage, special events and programming. Willing to work flexible hours as activities and events dictate, including weekends and holidays, travel issues, on-call, etc. Background check Successful completion of a pre-employment background check. Degree Verification Requirement Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. Job Requirements Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology/Health Science or a related field required, a High School diploma and two additional years of work experience may substitute for a Bachelor's degree, at the rate of one year of work experience is equivalent to two years of education. 3 years of related work experience required. 1 year of supervisory experience required. Preferred Qualifications Four or more years of related work experience is preferred. Performance Expectations- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Expertise in program planning, student training and development. Knowledge of adaptive and accessible fitness training experiences. Must possess strong oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of budget preparation, financial management, planning and service delivery systems. Willingness to support the Catholic mission and vision of the University. Demonstrated practice of centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in one’s work including an ongoing commitment to personal learning and development in this area. Adhere to all USD policies. Maintain certifications as listed above from Fitness Associations. Demonstrated commitment to student learning and development in the co-curriculum and experience assessing the impact of programs and related services. Excellent skills in the use of specific equipment and tools as identified below. Willingness to engage in training in programs associated with holistic wellness best practices such as Hazing, QPR etc. $5,980 - $6,575 per month; Excellent Benefits The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits Hours 37.5 hours per week Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed. The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit Advertised: June 04, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: Open until filled Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at . This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies, sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response stands and protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. To request a paper copy, please contact the Clery Act Compliance Manager via email at View email address on click.appcast.io , by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io, or in-person in the Hughes Administration Center, room 150. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of San Diego