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Job Announcement
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Fairfax County Park Authority - Join a Nationally Recognized Team of Professionals!
We are seeking dynamic, technically grounded Fitness Directors (Park/Rec Specialist II) to lead our high-impact Rec Centers. As a leader within one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country, you will manage diverse facilities and lead a team dedicated to community health. The opportunity reporting to the Fitness & Wellness Section Manager and the Rec Center Manager, you will oversee a staff of 30+ fitness professionals. We are seeking a proactive leader who can manage varied fitness environments-including group fitness and cycle studios-while supporting the modernization of our administrative and programming workflows.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Development:
Recruit, mentor, and supervise a diverse team of instructors and trainers, ensuring excellence in science-based instruction and safety. Operational Modernization: Lead the implementation of specialized fitness management and scheduling platforms to streamline instructor coordination, attendance tracking, and staff communication. Programming & Events: Execute flagship community initiatives, such as the Healthy Strides 5k/10k, and support the delivery of both in-person and specialized online fitness offerings.
Administrative & Digital Proficiency:
Manage daily reporting and revenue tracking using the Microsoft Office Suite and dedicated member management systems. Candidates must be comfortable with virtual collaboration and data-driven decision-making. Technical Oversight: Ensure the safety and functionality of all fitness spaces through equipment lifecycle management and rigorous safety inspections.
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Illustrative Duties
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(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.) General Duties
- Conducts program and service delivery evaluations using a variety of tools;
- Identifies deficiencies and recommends alternative strategies as needed and incorporates viable suggestions into programming;
- Develops and maintains community and corporate partnerships;
- Writes grant proposals to obtain needed services, funds, equipment, or facilities;
- Develops and implements community outreach plans to target underserved populations;
- Develops, prepares, and submits an annual budget;
- Monitors revenues and expenses and reconciles revenue/expense reports;
- Adheres to revenue and expense limits and to departmental goals and objectives;
- Evaluates data from daily operations and compiles administrative reports documenting attendance and service delivery for use in developing future programming;
- Completes regular inspections and safety assessments, maintains a hazard and drug-free environment, documents issues to identify risk areas, and recommends improvements;
- Ensures that agency programs, facilities, and personnel meet all standards for certifications and licenses related to the area of assignments;
- Analyzes and ensures accountability of center inventory;
- Authorizes the purchase of supplies and equipment;
- Conducts inspections to ensure that the housekeeping, cleanliness, and maintenance of the facility are acceptable and meet quality standards;
- Develops and implements guidelines for the security and protection of a site against fire, vandalism, and other damage;
- Ensures compliance with federal, state, and county safety and health standards and operational procedures;
- Acquires and posts all current certificates, licenses, permits, and operating requirements;
- Compiles and retains operational and safety records and complies with federal, state and county safety standards;
- Enforces operating policies and procedures, evaluates their effectiveness and recommends changes;
- Coordinates efforts to optimize revenue production and/or customer satisfaction;
- Promotes diverse center participation of persons from various cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds;
- Makes arrangements for the use/maintenance of agency vehicles, facilities, and equipment;
- Recruits, trains, supervises, and schedules volunteers and subordinate staff to assist in various aspects of programming including mentoring, instruction, and program aides;
- Develops and disseminates material to publicize and market activities at the assigned location.
Programming
- Schedules, plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates a diverse selection of leisure activities such as after-school programs, character education activities, family activities, community outings, hobby enrichment classes, leisure counseling and education, aquatics, camps, fitness, and therapeutic activity interventions;
- Develops activity plans and process instructions for a variety of selected activities with input from staff, community members, and volunteers;
- Develops, implements and evaluates workout programs and exercise routines for all age groups;
- Plans and evaluates unique programs for fitness camps, seniors, persons with physical disabilities, and special events with assistance from personal trainers as needed;
- Coordinates with health, social services, legal, financial, housing professionals and other local organizations to arrange and conduct special programs.
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Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
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(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation center, aquatics, or rental property operations management, as appropriate to the position;
- Knowledge of fiscal record keeping and inventory procedures;
- Knowledge of group work methods and activity facilitation;
- Knowledge of aquatics, grounds maintenance, horticulture, agriculture, cultural, or historic resources, or other specialized area as appropriate for the duties of the position;
- Ability to motivate and supervise staff and volunteers;
- Ability to prepare clear, concise financial and administrative reports;
- Ability to administer budgets;
- Ability to plan, develop and administer recreation programs or community activities;
- Ability to use a personal computer, applicable software and peripheral equipment;
- Ability to develop and implement sound management practices;
- Ability to conduct training programs;
- Ability to maintain effective relationships with staff, citizen groups, and the public;
- Ability to work independently using sound judgment in the execution of the position's duties;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
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Employment Standards
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in recreation and park management, therapeutic recreation, or other closely related field; plus, two years of progressively responsible experience in park or recreation services related work, as applicable to the position. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: Driver's license (required)
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check, child protective services registry check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's or master's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, or a related physiology-based field. Professional Credentials: Current national certification from ACSM, NASM, NSCA, ACE, or AFAA. Administrative Skills: High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and experience transitioning manual workflows into digital management systems. Operational Versatility: Experience managing diverse spaces (such as studios, tracks, or functional zones) and large-scale community fitness events.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift 20-40 pounds occasionally and to stand for long periods of time.
All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.govEEO/AA/TTY.
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