"Programming Coordinator - Fitness & Recreation"

Programming Coordinator - Fitness & Recreation

Company: Villanova University

Job Location: Villanova, 19085

Category: Athletics - Recreation Services

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: 20260026S

Location: Villanova, PA

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 775-Athl - Intramurals

Position Summary

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

The Programming Coordinator - Fitness and Recreation collaborates with Athletics colleagues and campus partners to deliver high-quality personal training, group fitness, and recreation programming that serves a diverse University community. The Coordinator supports the day-to-day coordination, staffing, and delivery of fitness and recreation programs at the Dixon Center and across University facilities, including expanded offerings on the Cabrini Campus.

Villanova's fitness programming includes 40+ weekly group fitness classes and a personal training service model supported by professional staff and part-time instructors. The Coordinator works closely with the Office of Health Promotion, the Office of Student Involvement, and Human Resources to assist with campus-wide fitness and wellness initiatives, while also representing the department at key community engagement events such as Orientation, Student Activities Fairs, and wellness-focused campus programs.

This role ensures programs are well-organized, safe, welcoming, and aligned with departmental standards while fostering community engagement and supporting facility-based operations. Titles of Positions Supervised - Personal Trainers - Group Fitness Instructors

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fitness and Recreational Program Coordination

• Coordinate and implement personal training and group fitness programs in alignment with departmental goals.
• Develop semester-based group fitness class schedules (40+ classes per week).
• Conduct intake meetings and registration processes for new personal training clients.
• Manage program enrollment, participation tracking, and registration using recreation management software.
• Support the ongoing evaluation and enhancement of fitness programming, including class audits, feedback review, and community input.
• Assist with the development and implementation of fitness and recreation programming on the Cabrini Campus.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Collaborate with campus partners-including Health Promotion, OSI, Human Resources, and Athletics-to support coordinated wellness and fitness initiatives.
• Assist with outreach, event representation, and promotional activities for department programs.
• Participate in campus events such as Orientation, Student Activities Fairs, Parents Resource Fairs, and RA Resource Fairs.
• Support communication and marketing efforts that increase community awareness and participation.

Financial & Program Performance Support

• Track participation, enrollment, and program usage to support financial and operational planning.
• Assist with collecting survey data, preparing reports, and documenting program performance.
• Provide data-informed recommendations that support program improvement and sustainability.

Personnel Coordination

• Support the recruitment, scheduling, training, and coordination of 5+ Personal Trainers and 20+ Group Fitness Instructors across Villanova and Cabrini.
• Assist with payroll processing and timekeeping accuracy.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to staff to ensure service quality, safety, and professional conduct.
• Conduct regular class audits and provide feedback to instructors.

Operational Support

• Provide on-site coordination for fitness programming, special events, and facility rentals.
• Coordinate facility usage and staffing coverage as needed.
• Report custodial, maintenance, or safety issues to appropriate personnel.
• Enforce University and departmental policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education

• Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in Recreation Management, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED required (or obtained within a specified period after hire).

Work Experience

• 0-2 years of experience in fitness programming, campus recreation, athletics, wellness, or a related field.
• Relevant student employment, internships, or graduate assistantships may count toward experience.
• Experience working in a customer-facing, student-facing, or community-based fitness or recreation environment.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and work effectively with diverse groups.
• Ability to collaborate with others and coordinate work across teams.

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)

• Demonstrated interest in fitness and recreation as part of wellness, belonging, and student success.
• Basic knowledge of risk management principles in fitness and recreation environments.

Equipment Knowledge

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other standard computer applications.
• Familiarity with a variety of fitness and recreation equipment.

Other:

• Morning, evening, and weekend hours required based on program schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

Formal Education

• Higher Education preferred

Work Experience

• 2+ years in fitness and recreation programming.
• 2+ years in personnel management.
• Experience coordinating or supporting fitness and recreation programs, preferably in a collegiate or campus recreation setting.
• Experience scheduling, supporting, or coordinating part-time, casual, or student fitness staff.
• Experience as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, or similar role.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

Working Conditions/Environment: (conditions, if known, which may impact the incumbent working in this position)

• Work performed in indoor fitness and recreation facilities such as studios, weight rooms, multipurpose spaces, and the Dixon Center.
• Occasional work in outdoor campus recreation spaces, which may involve exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, weather conditions, or noise levels.
• Ability to lift, move, and carry up to 45 lbs of fitness and recreation equipment
• Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout fitness facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to set up and break down fitness class equipment, event materials, or training spaces.
• Ability to perform routine physical tasks associated with class audits, equipment checks, and facility walkthroughs.

Special Message to Applicants

This position will be available starting June 2026.

Closing Date (11:59pm ET)

03/13/2026

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within salaried grade 12 and the range for this position is $47,500-56,900. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade 12