Fitness Manager - RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center

Peoria Park District • Peoria, IL

5d • $48,000 - $54,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the General Manager of the RiverPlex, the Fitness Manager is responsible for: • Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and innovative fitness environment aligned with the mission of the Peoria Park District (PPD) • Overall leadership, development, and daily operations of the fitness department at the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center • Oversee staff, programming, equipment, and member experience while driving participation, retention, and revenue growth. • Work an adjusted work schedule to meet customer demands which may include nights and weekends. • Familiar with Les Mills group exercise programs and with the ability to become an instructor • Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate part-time fitness staff including instructors, trainers, and attendants • The Fitness Manager is expected to model professionalism, accountability, innovation, and inclusivity while supporting the mission and values of the Peoria Park District and the RiverPlex. This role requires adaptability, strong leadership presence, and a commitment to creating apositive and impactful member experience. • Oversee and be able to fill in as trainer, instructor, fitness attendant or other fitness personnel as needed • Design onboarding experiences (new member integration, fitness assessments) • Develop staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage • Promote a team-oriented and collaborative work environment throughout the facility • Develop, implement, and evaluate fitness programs, group exercise classes, and personal training services that align with current industry trends and community needs • Monitoring member satisfaction and usage trends • Maintain a high standard of customer service and member engagement • Address member concerns and feedback in a timely and professional manner • Ensure fitness areas are clean, safe, and well-maintained • Oversee maintenance and repair of fitness equipment, including preventative maintenance • Manage inventory and order supplies as needed • Assist in managing the fitness department budget, including revenue and expenses • Assist with long-range planning for equipment replacement and capital improvements • Support revenue growth through program development, retention strategies, and membership engagement. Track KPIs (attendance, retention, personal training revenue) • Provide accurate and engaging content for marketing materials, including brochures, websites, and social media • Collaborate with internal teams to promote programs and initiatives • Participate in marketing committee meetings and contribute ideas for growth • Work closely with OSF medical staff to coordinate wellness and fitness services • Support partnerships that enhance community health and wellness initiatives • Maintain required certifications • Stay current with industry trends and best practices • Perform all other duties as assigned ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The work requires periodic physical exertion in handling supplies, equipment, and materials relative to the services rendered. Prolonged standing, bending and stooping, and ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds each leg of a repetitive unloading/re-loading process is required on a periodic basis. The programmed activities involve risks which are typically associated with athletic and fitness services or events, thus requiring normal safety precautions typical of the sports and fitness industry. Exposure to power requirement, chemicals, and various hand tools relative to athletic facility maintenance may be periodically required. The indoor work environment is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required with major in Exercise Physiology, Physical Education, Athletic Training, or related field. Relevant experience in a similar leadership role may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement
• Requires a minimum of two years of direct management experience in fitness facility operations.
• Requires certificate in First Aid, CPR, and at least one nationally recognized fitness certification required such as: ACE, ACSM, Cooper, AFFA, NCSF, NSCA, CSCS.
• Strong knowledge of fitness programming, equipment, and industry trends
• Understanding of holistic wellness, including strength training, cardiovascular fitness, recovery, and mobility
• Ability to support diverse populations, including youth, seniors, and individuals with varying fitness levels and abilities.
• Ability to recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate staff to build a high-performing and engaged team. Successful candidate will foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment
• Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance feedback
• Experience managing budgets, revenue, and expenses
• Ability to analyze participation data and adjust programming to meet community needs
• Knowledge of fitness facility operations including scheduling, maintenance, and safety protocols
• Proficiency with fitness and recreation management software
• Ability to support virtual, hybrid, and on-demand fitness initiatives
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service
• Ability to build relationships with members, community partners, and healthcare providers
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to support marketing efforts including social media, digital content, and program promotion

Responsibilities

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and innovative fitness environment aligned with the mission of the Peoria Park District (PPD)
• Overall leadership, development, and daily operations of the fitness department at the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center
• Oversee staff, programming, equipment, and member experience while driving participation, retention, and revenue growth.
• Work an adjusted work schedule to meet customer demands which may include nights and weekends.
• Familiar with Les Mills group exercise programs and with the ability to become an instructor
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate part-time fitness staff including instructors, trainers, and attendants
• Model professionalism, accountability, innovation, and inclusivity while supporting the mission and values of the Peoria Park District and the RiverPlex.
• Oversee and be able to fill in as trainer, instructor, fitness attendant or other fitness personnel as needed
• Design onboarding experiences (new member integration, fitness assessments)
• Develop staff schedules and ensure adequate coverage
• Promote a team-oriented and collaborative work environment throughout the facility
• Develop, implement, and evaluate fitness programs, group exercise classes, and personal training services that align with current industry trends and community needs
• Monitoring member satisfaction and usage trends
• Maintain a high standard of customer service and member engagement
• Address member concerns and feedback in a timely and professional manner
• Ensure fitness areas are clean, safe, and well-maintained
• Oversee maintenance and repair of fitness equipment, including preventative maintenance
• Manage inventory and order supplies as needed
• Assist in managing the fitness department budget, including revenue and expenses
• Assist with long-range planning for equipment replacement and capital improvements
• Support revenue growth through program development, retention strategies, and membership engagement. Track KPIs (attendance, retention, personal training revenue)
• Provide accurate and engaging content for marketing materials, including brochures, websites, and social media
• Collaborate with internal teams to promote programs and initiatives
• Participate in marketing committee meetings and contribute ideas for growth
• Work closely with OSF medical staff to coordinate wellness and fitness services
• Support partnerships that enhance community health and wellness initiatives
• Maintain required certifications
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees