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Director Exercise Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience ...

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience ...

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience ...

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$22.07 - $34.21/hr

Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology * 1-2 years of previous job-related experience with direct patient care performing cardiac stress tests/cardiac rehabilitation * Preferred: 3-5 ...

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Minimum Experience: * Required: 1 year of experience ...

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$22.07 - $34.21/hr

Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology * 1-2 years of previous job-related experience with direct patient care performing cardiac stress tests/cardiac rehabilitation * Preferred: 3-5 ...

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$22.07 - $34.21/hr

Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology * 1-2 years of previous job-related experience with direct patient care performing cardiac stress tests/cardiac rehabilitation * Preferred: 3-5 ...

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Meets with the medical director to review and discuss patient progress and patient exercise ... Master's Degree in exercise physiology (Master of Science in Movement Sciences) preferred.

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Meets with the medical director to review and discuss patient progress and patient exercise ... Master's Degree in exercise physiology (Master of Science in Movement Sciences) preferred.

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Director Exercise Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$29

$71

How much do director exercise science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for director exercise science in Chicago, IL is $29.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.00 and $31.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of exercise science do?

A Director of Exercise Science oversees programs, research, and staff related to exercise science within an organization, such as a university, fitness center, or health system. They are responsible for developing curricula, managing budgets, leading research initiatives, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Additionally, they may supervise faculty or trainers, coordinate community outreach, and stay updated with the latest advancements in exercise science. Their goal is to promote physical fitness, wellness, and evidence-based practices through leadership and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of exercise science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Exercise Science, you need an advanced degree in exercise science or a related field, extensive experience in program development, and a strong understanding of exercise physiology. Familiarity with research methodologies, statistical analysis software, and relevant certifications such as ACSM or NSCA are often required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you guide teams, collaborate across departments, and effectively manage resources. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality program delivery, evidence-based decision-making, and impactful outcomes in health and fitness initiatives.

How does a director of exercise science typically collaborate with other departments or professionals within an organization?

A Director of Exercise Science frequently works alongside departments such as physical therapy, athletic training, nutrition, and wellness to create comprehensive health programs. This collaboration ensures that exercise protocols are integrated with broader health and wellness strategies, often requiring regular meetings and interdisciplinary project work. The role also involves coordinating with administrative staff to align resources and reporting outcomes to senior leadership, making strong communication and teamwork essential for success.

What is the difference between Director Exercise Science vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectDirector Exercise ScienceExercise Physiologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science, certifications like ACSM or NSCABachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science, ACSM or NSCA certification
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, academic institutions, sports organizationsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers, rehab facilities
Employer & IndustryUniversities, sports teams, research institutionsHealthcare facilities, wellness centers, rehabilitation clinics

While both roles require similar credentials and certifications, the Director Exercise Science typically oversees research, program development, and strategic planning in academic or sports settings. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists focus on patient assessment, designing exercise programs, and rehabilitation in clinical environments. The roles differ mainly in scope and work environment, with the director holding a leadership position and the physiologist working directly with clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Exercise Science jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Exercise Science jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Exercise Science job openings:

Other

Posted 28 days ago


University Of Chicago Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

239th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system at UChicago Medicine as an Exercise Physiologist in our Cardiac Rehabilitation department.
As an Exercise Physiologist you will be responsible for the design and implementation of comprehensive programs for patients referred to cardiac/ pulmonary rehabilitation. Duties include supervising patient exercise sessions to ensure safe and effective treatments as well as educating patients regarding proper exercise techniques and health fitness topics to facilitate a decrease in participants' cardiac risk factors, an increase in independence with skills for management of disease and associated symptoms, and an increase in functional capacity.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Performs patient evaluations; demonstrates ability to interpret MD referrals. Identifies rehab and stress testing precautions and contraindications. Obtains all pertinent information from patient chart prior to initial evaluation, including significant past medical history, present medical surgical interventions. Demonstrates technical skill and accuracy in performing basic evaluation procedures. Demonstrate ability to recognize abnormal physiological or psychological signs and takes appropriate action• Duties include scheduling appointments, assessing risk factors for heart disease, performing sub maximal exercise test, data entry and counseling participants regarding health fitness issues
  • Demonstrates knowledge and principles of exercise prescription and clinical exercise testing by safely administering cardiopulmonary exercise tests and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation treatment sessions.
  • Duties include assessing risk factors for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, data entry and counseling participants regarding health fitness issues.
  • Maintains education plans according to AACVPR and ACSM guidelines and in cooperation with departmental and medical leadership.
  • Maintain cardiac or pulmonary rehab records on each patient in the programs. Includes ability to create individual treatment plans (ITPs), write progress reports and discharge summaries. Also includes timely completion of outcome measures to assess program effectiveness.
  • Complies with standards and regulations of regulatory and accrediting agencies such as AACVPR, ACSM, and The Joint Commission. Demonstrates awareness and compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
  • Completes all L1 and annual competencies
  • Collaborates with Supervisor, Director and Program Coordinator on program and site/system initiatives
Qualifications:
  • B.S in Exercise Science/Physiology or related field.
  • Applicants should possess a knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, risk factor modification strategies, counseling techniques and use of educational programs and technologies as applied to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.
  • EKG interpretation skills
  • Basic computer skills to allow access to operations and patient monitoring are necessary.
  • Physical ability to demonstrate exercise techniques required
  • Requires appropriate interpersonal skills to enable positive interactions with patients/families, the multidisciplinary team and external contacts.
  • BLS
  • ACLS within 6 months of hire
Preferred Qulifications:
  • Master's preferred with experience or training equivalent to that specified for an Exercise Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine.
  • One year experience in exercise programming, supervision and education of cardiopulmonary rehab patients desirable.
Position Details:
  • Job Type/FTE: Full-Time
  • Shift: Days
  • Unit/Department: Cardiac Rehabilitation - Hyde Park
  • Work Location: Hyde Park
  • CBA Code: Non-Union

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