Coordinator - Fitness Programs and Events

CENTERS, LLC is a professional management firm specializing in facility, operation, and program management for higher education. CENTERS' management approach is customized for each client yet retains our uniform quality. Our firm unites site staff with a centralized administrative team, each contributing to the firm's goals and client needs. The CENTERS team is innovative, entrepreneurial, trail-blazing, and ambitious for both CENTERS and our clients. Today, CENTERS provides management services for 14 clients.

The Coordinator – Fitness Programs and Events plays a dynamic dual role that combines wellness programming and event management. This individual is responsible for planning, promoting, and executing fitness and wellness programs, fitness classes, and special events, while supporting marketing initiatives that raise awareness and participation in recreational offerings. In collaboration with campus departments, students, and external partners, the Coordinator ensures high-quality programming and effective use of facility resources. The position also contributes to the overall operation and risk management of the department.

This position is based on-site at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut—a vibrant and diverse academic community with over 8,800 students.

Essential Functions:

• Lead, coordinate, and communicate all group fitness schedules.
• Serve as a certified fitness instructor or wellness educator by leading group fitness classes, personal training sessions, or wellness workshops (e.g., stress management, nutrition, mindfulness). 
• Develop inclusive, engaging, and evidence-based wellness initiatives targeting diverse populations. Plan, promote, and execute fitness and wellness-related special events, health fairs, and challenges.
• Assist in the coordination of purchasing, inventory, and maintenance of fitness equipment as needed.
• Serve as the primary contact for external event rentals and reservations; respond to inquiries, book events, and manage event details.
• Maintain comprehensive event schedules using facility scheduling software and ensure timely updates. 
• Implement the department’s marketing plan under the supervision of the Senior Assistant Director. Design digital and print promotional materials and maintain an active on-line presence in alignment with university brand standards.
• Responsible for the operating, preparation, forecasting and monitoring of income and expense budgets as it relates to the group fitness program.
• Recommend administrative policies and procedures within the areas of responsibility.
• Assess effectiveness and satisfaction of programs and services.
• Assist with budget development and the monitoring of income and expense budgets.
• Contribute to department-wide initiatives including risk management, facility inspections, and staff training.
• Track CPR, First Aid, and professional certifications for all program staff. 
• Participate in CENTERS meetings and trainings, setting CENTERS standards for operations, and innovation.
• Prepare and deliver required and requested reports and data to the client and CENTERS central office.

Staff Supervision:

• Select, train, manage, and evaluate part-time staff.
• Responsible for approving timecards and preparing necessary documents/reports for bi-weekly payroll.
• Develop and implement continuing education and training for fitness and wellness staff.

Site Specific Responsibilities:

• Some non-traditional hours required, including some early mornings or evenings and occasional weekend hours.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Public Health, Recreation Management, or related field, or 4 or more years of work experience required. Master's degree preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in recreation, fitness instruction, or wellness education. Experience in higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Current accredited group fitness instructor certification
• Experience with scheduling software preferred
• CPR/First Aid Instructor Certification preferred
• Current accredited personal trainer certification preferred
• Fitness/wellness programming experience preferred

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; confidence speaking with a variety of constituents and stakeholders
• Ability to work as part of, and lead a team that collaborates effectively with colleagues
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm
• Analytical skills to: identify problems, assess alternatives, and render consistent, logical decisions
• Ability to thrive in an environment that values high expectations, accountability, and balanced lifestyle choices

Work Environment

• Office environment/fitness center environment
• Non-smoking environment
• Moderate to loud noise

Physical Demands

• Working in fitness center environment at least 40% of the day
• Instructing fitness classes and/or personal training sessions
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to traverse throughout the building and campus. Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools
• Must be able to lift, move and set up items weighing as much as 50 lbs.
• Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with arena patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.