What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sports Associate: Stratford Richardson YMCA position at YMCA of Greater Charlotte?
The Sports Associate supports the planning, delivery, and daily operation of YMCA sports and recreation programs, including youth and adult leagues, clinics, and camps. This role contributes to a high-quality member experience by assisting with program implementation, facility readiness, staff morale, and volunteer engagement. The Sports Associate ensures programs reflect YMCA values and promote a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Culture Statement
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.
We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.
We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Essential Functions
- Assist with the implementation, development, and supervision of adult sports leagues, youth clinics, recreational programs, birthday parties, and summer sports camps.
- Monitor field and facility conditions, including setup and pre-game preparation, to ensure safety and program readiness.
- Promote character development and inclusion throughout all sports programs, modeling YMCA core values.
- Support the preparation and distribution of program marketing materials and communications.
- Assist in the recruitment and engagement of volunteer coaches, officials, and support volunteers for seasonal programming.
- Contribute to positive staff morale by supporting training, team communication, and recognition efforts.
- Assist with securing program sponsorships and participating in community outreach initiatives.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of fields, courts, storage areas, and offices.
- Provide hands-on leadership in daily camp operations during summer sports camps.
- Carry out special projects and perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Experience in recreational or sports programming (volunteer or paid) preferred
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with youth, adults, and peers.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
- Demonstrated ability to lead by example and promote the YMCA mission and core values
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in athletic or recreational settings
- Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs., stand for extended periods, and work in varying weather conditions
- Requires availability during evenings, weekends, and holidays based on program schedules
Competencies
- VOLUNTEERISM: Engages volunteers and promotes social responsibility at all levels of the organization
- DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
- EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
- COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here