Healthy Living Program Director

Job Description


POSITION SUMMARY:

The Healthy Living Program Director I is responsible for leading and growing programs that reflect the YMCA’s mission and serve community needs. This role includes supervising and developing part-time staff and volunteers, managing program operations and budgets, and ensuring a positive and high-quality experience for participants. The Program Director also builds partnerships with community organizations and supports outreach, marketing, and fundraising initiatives to strengthen engagement and impact.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership & Delivery

  • Maintain consistent daily presence in assigned programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight, following branch-specific expectations for on-site coverage and visitation.
  • Launch new programs and grow existing ones in alignment with strategic goals and participant interests.
  • Coordinate facility use and logistics to support smooth program delivery and engaging events.

Staff Development & Supervision

  • Recruit, train, schedule, and support part-time staff and volunteers to build a strong, inclusive team.
  • Provide regular feedback and coaching to help staff grow and succeed.
  • Motivate your team to meet goals and create a positive, mission-driven work culture.

Community Engagement & Outreach

  • Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to strengthen program impact and visibility.
  • Support outreach, marketing, and registration efforts to promote programs and ensure access for all.
  • Review scholarship applications to help remove barriers to participation.

Fiscal Stewardship & Fundraising

  • Develop and manage program budgets to meet financial goals and use resources responsibly.
  • Contribute to the YMCA Annual Campaign by leading volunteer teams, supporting fundraising events, and achieving an individual fundraising goal that advances the branch’s overall target.

Member Experience & Evaluation

  • Build strong relationships with members, families, and staff through positive, responsive communication.
  • Address questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
  • Track program data to evaluate success, improve experiences, and celebrate progress.
  • Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet program and organizational needs.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Take on other duties as assigned to support the YMCA’s mission and evolving priorities.
  • This job description may not be all inclusive.
  • Employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned.
  • This job description may be modified when appropriate by Human Resources.


PROGRAM SPECIFIC ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Develop and deliver high-quality wellness programs that foster member engagement, relationship-building, and skill development.
  • Plan and implement wellness challenges and incentive programs to create a motivating and inclusive wellness floor environment.
  • Manage applicable facility schedules as needed in coordination with member groups, wellness staff, youth programs, and association partners.
  • Manage applicable adult sports leagues and pickup play which may include: volleyball, basketball, pickleball, and racquetball.
  • Support with Evidence-Based Health Initiatives (EBHI) to promote community health and member outcomes.
  • Serve on the wellness floor as a Personal Trainer and Small Group Trainer, supporting members in their fitness goals.
  • Participate in the Leadership Engagement Team, including opening, closing, and weekend shifts to build strong member relationships.
  • Obtain and maintain required certifications within 30 days of hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field such as Exercise Science, Kinesiology or Health Promotion preferred.
  • Minimum of 1 year experience in wellness program development or related work.
  • NCCA accredited group fitness or personal training certification required.  
  • Experienced in and passionate about creating and fostering communities and relationship building through programs.
  • Experience building a strong culture of hospitality through effective staff leadership and consistent member-centered service.
  • Demonstrated experience in program and personnel development.
  • Ability to effectively manage staff, programs, and department schedules.
  • Strong oral, public speaking and written communication skills. 
  • Demonstrate initiative, effectively prioritize, and possess strong organizational skills.
  • Builds meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, engaging youth, families, and community members in inclusive, mission-driven experiences.
  • Multi-lingual desired but not required.


WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Primarily office and program settings with frequent interaction in gyms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces
  • Moderate noise levels; may be louder during youth or community activities
  • Regular use of computer, phone, and other office technology
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40 lbs
  • Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Flexible schedule required — may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel between branches or sites
  • Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
  • A clean driving record is required to meet YMCA insurance standards.
  • Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events is required.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job function.