At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, we believe wellness is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve built an amazing Wellness department that’s small but mighty—driven by passion, purpose, and people. But there’s one key ingredient missing: You!
After providing an amazing thirty-five years of service to DMU, the current Director is stepping down. We are now launching the search for our next Director of Wellness (something we have not had to do in a long time), and we’re looking for someone who doesn’t just share our values but lives them. If you’re someone with a deep passion for health and wellbeing, you might just be the perfect fit to complete our fantastic team and drive a culture of wellbeing at DMU for students and employees alike.
Our department thrives on collaboration, innovation, and dedication. We’re relentless in our mission to support the wellness of DMU’s community—our employees, leaders, and the incredible students who inspire us daily. We’re forward-thinking, creative, and yes, we like to have fun along the way!
If you’re ready to make an impact in a role that champions health, builds connections, and embraces the future of well-being, we can’t wait to meet you!
What you’ll do:
- Responsible for guiding the overall strategic plan, mission and vision for Wellness, in alignment with university priorities.
- Develop and deliver group exercise classes, health coaching, lunch-and-learns for campus community.
- Collaborate with team members on the development, delivery and assessment of program offerings including fathering feedback from stakeholders.
- Identify, develop, and promote relationships with internal and external partners that are synergistic with DMU’s strategic priorities including engaging with DMU Clinical services and creating growth and business development opportunities.
- Oversees the supervision of the Wellness staff that includes the Wellness Center Manager, Wellness Specialist and Wellness Assistant.
- Ensure smooth operations of university Wellness Centers across two locations, including equipment uptime, upkeep and replacement, engaging with facilities support, security, and other support services as needed.
- Serve as a campus consultant and expert for other departments on initiatives related to wellbeing including, physical activity, mental wellbeing, nutrition, and other dimensions of wellbeing as needed.
- Plan, prepare, and manage annual operating and capital equipment budgets.
- Support and guide staff in the development, enforcement, and evaluation of program policies and procedures.
What we are looking for:
- BA/BS in a relevant field
- Five (5) years of relevant work experience, including prior experience supervising staff/students and experience developing and managing wellness programs or facilities.
- Three (3) years of supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters degree in higher education, health promotion, exercise science or related field.
- Ten (10) years of relevant work experience, including prior experience supervising staff/students and experience developing and managing wellness programs or facilities.
- Five (5) years of supervisory experience.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and business development experience preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Fitness instructor certification
- Proven ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment and manage multiple, high priority projects simultaneously.
- Prior experience working in higher education
- Fitness Instructor certification
- Health coaching certification
*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.
What you will gain:
Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.
DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.
Upon successful completion of the onboarding process and ongoing satisfactory performance, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, such as working remotely 1-2 days per week.
About:
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.
Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.
It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.
At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.
Required Documents:
Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.
Department: Wellness
Salary Range: $72,000 - $90,000 (Compensation commensurate with experience.)
Status: Exempt
Position Description