Group Fitness Program Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Group Fitness-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.

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:

• Manage and publish the group fitness schedule, ensuring class offerings are current, well-communicated, and member-focused.
• Track attendance and adjust classes based on trends and member needs; maintain quality updates on the group fitness mobile app.
• Conduct regular class audits to ensure alignment with YMCA standards and provide constructive feedback to instructors.
• Oversee studio equipment maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation
• Support branch health and well-being initiatives by fostering member connection and promoting a positive wellness environment.
• Assist with planning and executing wellness events such as triathlons, fitness challenges, and health fairs.
• Collaborate with the Y-Health team to promote and deliver health-related programs.
• Facilitates high quality training opportunities for instructors. 
• 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 functions