Executive Director, Ohle Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center

WARTBURG COLLEGE

Title of Position - Executive Director, Ohle Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center

Function of Position

The Executive Director reports to the Vice President for Strategic Recruitment and provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Wartburg Waverly Sports and Wellness Center. This position is responsible for advancing the College's mission through exceptional member experiences, innovative programming, community engagement, financial sustainability, and effective facility management.

The Executive Director leads all aspects of Wellness Center operations, including membership services, recreation and wellness programming, fitness services, facility utilization, marketing, staff development, risk management, and revenue generation. The position serves as a key liaison between the College and the broader community while fostering a culture of wellness, service excellence, and continuous improvement. This is a full-time position and offers excellent benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Operations

• Provide strategic vision, planning, and leadership for all Sports and Wellness Center operations.
• Develop and implement initiatives that support membership growth, community engagement, campus wellness, and revenue generation.
• Evaluate programs and services to ensure alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, expansion, and operational efficiencies.

Personnel Leadership and Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and support the professional development of full-time, part-time, and student staff.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture centered on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and leadership development opportunities.

Customer Experience and Member Engagement

• Develop and maintain a culture of exceptional customer service for members, guests, students, employees, and community participants.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and implement strategies to enhance member retention and engagement.
• Address operational concerns and service-related issues in a timely and effective manner.

Financial Management and Revenue Growth

• Develop, administer, and monitor operating budgets, financial projections, membership pricing, and fee structures.
• Analyze financial performance and operational metrics to maximize return on investment (ROI) and support long-term sustainability.
• Identify and pursue new revenue-generating opportunities.

Marketing and Community Relations

• Lead marketing, communications, and outreach efforts that promote facility programs, services, and memberships.
• Strengthen relationships with community organizations, businesses, and College stakeholders.
• Increase awareness of the Center''s value and impact through strategic engagement initiatives.

Facility Operations and Risk Management

• Ensure safe, effective, and efficient facility operations in compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Oversee risk management initiatives, emergency procedures, safety protocols, and facility inspections.
• Maintain a welcoming, clean, and secure environment for all users.

Campus and Community Collaboration

• Partner with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and other campus departments to maximize facility utilization and support institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on programming, events, and community partnerships.

Technology and Systems Management

• Oversee operational software systems, membership management platforms, reporting tools, and related technologies.
• Ensure effective utilization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of technology systems supporting facility operations.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervision

Under administrative direction, the Executive Director exercises significant independent judgment in establishing operational priorities, developing policies and procedures, managing resources, and addressing complex organizational challenges. The position is accountable for achieving strategic, financial, and operational objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree or five years of specific wellness center management/operations experience required.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and develop staff in a customer-focused environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse campus and community stakeholders.
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and operational decision-making.
• Commitment to promoting wellness, inclusion, and exceptional customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience managing operations within a health, fitness, recreation, wellness, or community center environment.
• Understanding of revenue generation, financial analysis, and risk management principles.
• Demonstrated success utilizing data and key performance indicators to improve business performance and customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of membership management and recreation software platforms, including CSI software.
• Experience in strategic planning, marketing, and community engagement initiatives.

Application Procedure:

Please upload the following by selecting the "Apply for this Position" below:

1) resume

2) a letter of interest including a statement regarding qualities within the context of the Wartburg College mission

3) contact information for three references

See www.wartburg.edu for further information about the college and the city of Waverly. Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled.

Wartburg College is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning. Founded in 1852, Wartburg College is a selective liberal arts college internationally recognized for its community engagement and academic excellence. As indicated in the vision statement, "Wartburg College is called to be the leading institution in education of the whole person. Together, we create an inclusive community combining diverse curricular and co-curricular experiences to prepare students to be resilient leaders of positive change through service in a complex world."

Located in northeast Iowa, Waverly is an extraordinary "gigabit" community of more than 10,000 residents in the Cedar Valley metro near Waterloo and Cedar Falls, with an abundance of cultural, musical, and recreational opportunities. Major Midwest metropolitan areas within driving distance include Des Moines, Iowa (2.5 hours); Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. (3 hours); Madison, Wis. (3.5 hours); Rochester, Minn. (2 hours); Chicago (5 hours); and Omaha, Neb. (4 hours).