Program Manager - Group-X

Apply Now

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Department Summary:

The Michigan Recreation Department at the University of Michigan is dedicated to fostering a healthy lifestyle through engagement, leadership, and active participation. The department manages several programs, four indoor facilities, three outdoor field complexes, and an adventure-based education center. The department plays a vital role in campus life and well-being with a team of 40+ full-time staff members and 650+ student employees. Established in 1913, it is recognized as one of the first collegiate recreation programs. It was the first to develop a facility specifically for student recreation, the Intramural Sports Building, which opened in 1928. Michigan Recreation operates within the Division of Student Life, reporting to the Associate Vice President of Student Life for Health and Wellness.

Position Summary:

The Program Manager - Group-X reports to the Assistant Director - Group-X and Wellness Education. As part of the Fitness and Wellness team, this role coordinates programs and events to improve the health and well-being of U-M students, faculty, staff, and community members. This position manages the comprehensive Group-X program's general administration and daily operations, overseeing instructional staff, fitness schedules, program assessments, and inventory control. Additionally, it serves on assigned committees to represent the department and support various projects within the Michigan Recreation Department as needed.

Responsibilities*

Program Oversight (50%):

• Oversee the delivery of high-quality group fitness classes across three comprehensive recreation facilities, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of the campus community and promote an inclusive environment.
• Assist with the development and implementation of mentorship programs and ongoing professional development opportunities for fitness instructors.
• Manage all aspects of personnel for Group X instructors, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management
• Stay updated on anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics through continuing education to ensure best practices in fitness instruction.
• Verify and maintain records of instructor certifications and ensure compliance with required standards.
• Regularly review and optimize the Group X class schedule to align with the evolving needs of the campus community, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging fitness experience.

Staff Oversight (25%):

• Provide supervision, guidance, direction, and coaching of student and non-student staff.
• Ensure direct reports positively represent the Department.
• Evaluate and provide regular feedback to direct reports (55-70 Group-X instructors and 2-3 Student Coordinators
• Ensure the hiring and development of student programming staff meet the Department's needs and goals.

Fiscal Oversight (15%):

• Ensure compliance of operations with Department, Division, and University policies.
• Purchase, track, and maintain program inventory.
• Manage bi-weekly payroll of temporary staff.

Leadership (10%):

• Provide departmental leadership; develop and enforce departmental policies; ensure the development of students in all areas of supervision
• Serve on committees or work teams to support the Department, Division, and University; collaborate with University colleagues to represent the Department.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, health, wellness, kinesiology, science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of professional experience in fitness, wellness, or recreation management.
• Current national fitness certification (i.e., ACE, ACSM, NAFC, AFAA, etc.)
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a group exercise instructor
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience in program management
• Student experience in fitness may be considered towards years of experience

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

Selected candidates whose start date is between 4/1/2026 - 9/1/2026 will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Relocation will not be offered for this role.

#studentlife

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of selected candidates

Position Responsibilities Criteria

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to diversity and a solid understanding of and appreciation for cultural, ethnic, and individual differences.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and be adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate change effectively.

Working Conditions:

Provide practical instruction by teaching for 1-3 hours per week, and serve as a back-up group exercise instructor, as needed. On occasion, it could be expected to work evening hours or weekends to support Michigan Recreation events.

Direct Reports:

Student and non-student temp Group-X Instructors, Student Coordinators, Activity Area Staff

Union Affiliation

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.