Campus Recreation & Wellness at Western Kentucky University invites applications for a dynamic professional to join our leadership team. We are seeking an Assistant Director for Fitness & Wellness, a key position that will help shape an energetic, student-centered program for the WKU campus community. Our department strives to enhance the WKU experience through a holistic approach to wellness, experiential learning opportunities, and by creating a strong sense of belonging through our programs and services.

Located in the heart of Kentucky’s third-largest city, our hilltop campus is a place of beauty and friendliness. Whether you are looking to explore the natural world, walk to a restaurant downtown, or catch a sporting event, Bowling Green has a variety of attractions for WKU students, staff, and their families to enjoy.  Additionally, Bowling Green is located approximately 110 miles south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville, making it easy to travel to other regional destinations.

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This position provides leadership and vision for all fitness and wellness operations and programming within Campus Recreation & Wellness. Working collaboratively with the Fitness & Wellness Coordinator and Fitness & Wellness Graduate Assistant, the Assistant Director oversees the development and delivery of fitness center operations, personal training, group fitness, wellness initiatives, incentive programs, and educational outreach. Together, this team creates a comprehensive and engaging approach to student well-being. The Assistant Director manages budgets, coordinates assessment and marketing efforts, and fosters an environment that supports student development, staff growth, and a culture of holistic wellness across campus.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and provide supervision for the Fitness & Wellness Coordinator and Fitness & Wellness Graduate Assistant, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and a culture of service excellence.
• Oversee the planning, administration, and management of comprehensive fitness and wellness programs, including instructional offerings, wellness initiatives, and educational outreach that support the health and well-being of WKU students.
• Manage the Fitness & Wellness budget to ensure strategic allocation of resources for programming, staffing, services, and equipment.
• Set goals and drive strategic initiatives for fitness, wellness, and instructional programs, including incentive programs and campus-wide educational efforts that engage and inspire students.
• Supervise and support the training and development of student staff, ensuring high-quality delivery of all fitness and wellness programs.
• Design and implement wellness-focused programming that promotes healthy lifestyle choices and encourages student engagement in well-being activities.
• Plan, coordinate, and assess collaborative wellness-based incentive programs with other CRW program areas and campus partners.
• Oversee participant relations, risk management, program assessment, and the use of program-specific technologies to maintain safe, effective, and enjoyable experiences for all participants.
• Utilize data and assessment tools to evaluate participant needs, satisfaction, engagement, and program outcomes, informing continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with CRW Marketing to promote fitness and wellness programs, events, and services across the campus community.

To view the full job description and Apply: WKU Interview Exchange – Assistant Director, Fitness & Wellness

Salary: Up to $52,000

For more information, please contact:
Search Chair: Alissa Arnold, Assistant Director for Outreach, Assessment, and Student Development
Alissa.Arnold@wku.edu | 270-745-6847

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Additional Information

This search will be conducted on a rolling basis; applications will be reviewed as they are received. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Anticipated start date: May/June 2026 

For general inquiries regarding the search, please contact:
Justin Cato, Director of Campus Recreation & Wellness
Justin.Cato@wku.edu | 270-745-6800

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of four (4) years of related experience (internships and graduate assistantships may count toward this requirement).
• At least three (3) years of personnel supervision experience (supervision of student staff, graduate assistant, and/or full-time personnel).
• AED, CPR, and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within three months of employment).

Additional certification requirements for Fitness & Wellness:

• Current nationally accredited certification in one or more of the following:
• Personal Training (ACE, NASM, ACSM, CSCS, etc.)
• Group Fitness (ACE, AFAA, ACSM, etc.)

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our co...mmunity home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

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