Full-Time

Director Wellness

Posted on 10/1/2025

Buckner International

Buckner International

201-500 employees

Faith-based social services organization

No salary listed

Austin, TX, USA

In Person

Category
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary (1)
Required Skills
Customer Service
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in physical education, exercise science, or related field with experience in the delivery of senior adult fitness/physical education programs required.
  • Minimum 2 years prior related experience in activities supervision, preferably with senior adults, required.
  • Proficient working knowledge of water safety, CPR, first aide, therapeutic exercise, fitness equipment, aerobics, and instruction in mind, body, and spirit required.
  • Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with residents, families, and co-workers; ability to plan, organize, and direct sessions with a wide variety of well and impaired residents.
  • Ability to encourage dignity and self-esteem in residents utilizing basic knowledge of human behavior and basic knowledge of physical/emotional needs and modalities of senior adults.
  • Proficient working knowledge of basic health care practices and procedures; familiarity with counseling and education techniques in the healthcare field required.
  • Proficient working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulatory requirements related to long-term care wellness programs and activities.
  • Proficient ability to speak, read and write English. Requires ability to read and understand business documents which are written in English.
  • Ability to be “on-call” when not in facility and immediately respond when called; ability to work nights and weekends as required.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and make self understood in face-to-face interactions; ability to articulate with accuracy to communicate while using the phone.
  • Ability to recognize differences in sound, such as voices/noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative.
  • Ability to hear and receive verbal instructions, answer phones, intercoms and communicate with clients/residents in situations with some background noise.
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision and exercise excellent professional judgment; ability to work under pressure and remain flexible as priorities change.
  • Ability to relate positively, influentially, and sensitively to a broad spectrum of people in a variety of multi-tiered relationships and settings.
  • Ability to provide strategic and logistical planning and facilitate meetings, conferences, workshops, and retreats as required. Requires excellent professional presentation skills.
  • Ability to travel to various geographic locations with some overnight stays.
  • Ability to drive assigned vehicles, including a 12-passenger van, or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner’s insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.
  • Ability to exercise tact and courtesy; ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Proficient ability to exhibit detail-oriented skills necessary to understand and manage a wide range of information.
  • Ability to supervise others and hold others accountable for work completed; ability to provide training, development, and constructive feedback to residents and staff. Requires excellent professional leadership skills.
  • Proficient working knowledge and ability to accurately and timely operate and perform computer related tasks with specific equipment and software applications required.
  • Commitment to Christian principles and teachings both professionally and personally.
  • Ability to use up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or 20 pounds continuously to move objects and/or people.
  • Ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time. Requires ability to grasp, push, pull, carry or otherwise manipulate objects.
  • Sufficient good health to properly discharge duties. Employees shall not be permitted to work who have contagious disease or skin lesion for the duration of communicability.
Responsibilities
  • Develop, plan, and implement social, recreational, educational, and spiritual wellness programs for residents that are appropriate for senior adults and each resident’s individual care plan.
  • Motivate and assist residents to participate in all aspects of the wellness program as determined by individual assessment.
  • Oversee and facilitate the daily operation of the wellness department, including, but not limited to, department goals, programs, and proper fitness equipment operation.
  • Facilitate development, assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of wellness program to carry out the objectives of the retirement community that are holistic in nature and address the six dimensions of wellness (physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, and vocational).
  • Conduct wellness orientation programs for all new users of the wellness facilities and ensure that all users are informed on how to properly utilize all aspects of the facility and the equipment. Collect baseline information on all exercisers; enter attendance into the tracking system and document outcomes quarterly.
  • Facilitate a variety of group mind, body and spirit classes emphasizing strength, endurance, balance and flexibility to meet the needs and interests of residents and staff. Prepare and distribute a daily/weekly/monthly wellness schedule that is appropriate for the retirement community.
  • Establish Aquatics pool program, monitor pool/ water safety, obtain Certified Pool Operator certification, encourage both therapeutic and leisure pool activities, test pool as needed to maintain compliance with regulations.
  • Prepare monthly wellness programs and actively promote programs to residents, families, and staff within the community. Post daily program wellness activities and special events throughout the community.
  • Act as an advocate for health issues that pertain to the residents and staff members within the community and stay abreast of trends in the wellness industry.
  • Maintain orderliness and cleanliness of the wellness facility, including storage areas and offices, to ensure that safety and sanitation guidelines are met.
  • Detect, correct or report situations that have a possibility of causing accidents or injuries to residents or others.
  • Observe and report resident symptoms, reactions and changes, report to supervisor as appropriate.
  • Perform all duties in a courteous manner and maintain excellence in customer service, including, but not limited to, cheerfully greeting residents and visitors with a smile and exercising respect and professionalism with co-workers.
  • Ensure attainment of campus goals through effective utilization of human and financial resources within the wellness department. Maintain wellness department in compliance with all HR policies and procedures, legal and regulatory requirements, and established Company policies and procedures.
  • Maintain accurate business records, including assessments and programming. Ensure all business and client records are maintained in compliance with all Company policies and procedures, state and federal laws, and regulatory requirements. Maintain record retention systems to ensure confidentiality of all business-related information and data and control release of confidential information and data to all unauthorized persons or entities.
  • Assist management in strategic planning and direction for campus wellness operations; evaluate results, identify opportunities, initiate improvement and measure performance against objectives.
  • Maintain current proficient working knowledge of and comply with all local, state and federal licensing requirements; meet with appropriate staff members regularly to review resident care.
  • Assist in preparing and presenting monthly financial reports for the wellness department; analyze the monthly income/expense budget. Effectively manage operating budget within acceptable parameters and approved guidelines.
  • Assist to develop wellness policies and procedures; ensure compliance with Company policies and procedures.
  • Make daily rounds of the wellness center; observe equipment use; visit with residents; communicate feedback to Executive Director and staff.
  • Maintain compliance with all Buckner policies, procedures and requirements. Maintain compliance with all state and federal laws and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist, guide and support supervisors with employee selection, review, evaluation and terminations as required.
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, educational seminars, Buckner and association meetings, and retreats as required.
  • Develop emerging leadership through professional growth and development.
  • Responsible for supporting and representing Buckner at special events, activities and other assigned functions.
  • Work successfully as a part of a team and responsible for developing then maintaining strong working relationships with co-workers.
  • Review and accurately process mail and other correspondence daily, complete accurate and timely documentation. Answer phones, take messages and respond to requests for information timely.
  • Perform general office tasks as required.
  • Perform special assignments, projects, and other duties as required.
Buckner International

Buckner International

View

Buckner International is a faith-based social service organization that has served the vulnerable since 1879 in the United States and around the world. It provides hands-on ministry across the life cycle—from birth through end of life—including services such as family support, foster and adoption help, elderly care, disaster relief, and related programs. Programs are delivered through local and international ministries, partner networks, and volunteers, with care that combines practical help (housing, education, counseling, shelter) with spiritual support and community connections. The organization stands out through its long history, global reach, and emphasis on directly serving people in need through a holistic, faith-based approach. The goal is to transform lives by meeting basic needs and providing ongoing support to vulnerable individuals and families.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Dallas, Texas

Founded

N/A

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Texas A&M and Wellspring collaboration expands in 2026 after successful pilots on family empowerment.
  • Lightwell acquisition adds 147-unit senior community in Dallas-Fort Worth, boosting portfolio sustainability.
  • Henry Jackson's promotion to BCFS president strengthens children and family services leadership.

What critics are saying

  • Lightwell's independent-only model spikes churn as price-sensitive seniors shift in Dallas-Fort Worth within 12 months.
  • Lubbock office and Amarillo grant fragment operations, diluting service quality in 12-18 months.
  • Tegan Digital lock-in disrupts marketing if underperformance hits occupancy in 12-24 months.

What makes Buckner International unique

  • Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls celebrates 25 years partnering with Richmond Rotary for global child aid.
  • International Ministries equips parents worldwide, fostering safer, healthier children through family support.
  • Faith-based model transforms vulnerable children, seniors, and families across life stages uniquely.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Your Connections

People at Buckner International who can refer or advise you

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Company News

McKnight's Senior Living
Apr 3rd, 2026
Buckner acquires its first independent-only senior community.

Buckner acquires its first independent-only senior community. April 3, 2026 Dallas-based Buckner Retirement Services, in a joint venture with Presbyterian Homes & Services, has acquired its first independent living-only community from Life Care Services. The property is Buckner's eighth senior living community in Texas, and all of them have an independent living component. Although the community is jointly owned, Buckner will exclusively manage the day-to-day operations under a new subsidiary, Signature Buckner Management Group. "Entering into this joint venture with PHS was a natural fit and a decision rooted in our shared, faith-based values and commitment to serving others. By bringing our teams together, we have a meaningful opportunity to learn from one another and combine our strengths to elevate resident experience," Buckner Senior Vice President Ken Robbins said in a statement. The Bedford, TX property, located between Dallas and Fort Worth, formerly was called Parkwood and has been renamed Lightwell under the new owners. "Lightwell means 'place where light shines,' a fitting name and description for the community, aptly describing a place of peace and purpose in a thriving and joyful setting," Buckner said. Lightwell has 147 independent living apartments grouped around interior courtyards, all connected to a central clubhouse via covered breezeways. Amenities include on-site dining services, salon services, a variety of social and enrichment activities, and close proximity to medical, dining and retail services. "This is an exciting new chapter for the community, and we look forward to serving the residence with excellence. The addition of another vibrant community in a strong market like Dallas-Fort Worth helps build a more sustainable future to continue our mission serving senior adults," Robbins said.

Buckner Retirement Services
Aug 20th, 2025
Preventing Injuries as You Age

At Buckner Retirement Communities, Buckner International believe in aging confidently, and that starts with taking small, intentional steps to keep your body, mind, and environment as safe and strong as possible.

CityBiz
Apr 16th, 2025
Buckner Retirement Services Names Tegan Digital as Agency of Record

Buckner Retirement Services, a leader in faith-based, nonprofit senior living across Texas, has selected the Dallas-based marketing agency Tegan Digital to serve as its official agency of record (AOR).

PR Newswire
Apr 16th, 2025
Buckner Retirement Services Names Tegan Digital As Agency Of Record

DALLAS, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Buckner Retirement Services, a leader in faith-based, nonprofit senior living across Texas, has selected the Dallas-based marketing agency Tegan Digital to serve as its official agency of record (AOR). This partnership marks the beginning of a collaboration designed to elevate Buckner's marketing presence across digital platforms with the aim of driving engagement across six of its retirement communities. "This collaboration comes at an important time for Buckner," said Kaley Lockaby, director of marketing at Buckner Retirement Services. "We were looking for an agency that could not only bring creative and strategic thinking to the table but also handle the scale and complexity of supporting multiple communities and our long-term growth strategy. Tegan checks all those boxes and more.". As AOR, Tegan will lead a comprehensive marketing strategy that supports Buckner Retirement Services both at the corporate level and within each of its unique communities

Dallas Mavericks
Nov 22nd, 2024
Mavs Foundation and Kroger Serve Up Hope at Turkey Giveaway

For 15 years, the Mavs Foundation has collaborated with Buckner International during the team's Season of Giving to supply Thanksgiving meals to families in need.

INACTIVE