Wellness Program Director

The Wellness Program Director provides leadership, management, and direct support for fitness, sports, and wellness programming. This role ensures a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for members while overseeing program operations, staff supervision, facility upkeep, and member engagement.

The Wellness Program Director supports the YMCA’s mission by fostering community relationships, promoting healthy living, and ensuring compliance with Association standards and child safety policies.

Salary range for this position is $48,000_$55,000 per year with full-time benefits and opportunities to grow within the organization!

Benefits

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Management

• Develop, manage, and oversee fitness, sports, and wellness programs in alignment with YMCA standards and safety procedures.
• Design and implements safe, effective fitness programs following YMCA standards and guidelines.
• Hire fitness instructors.
• Ensure fitness instructor’s certifications remain current.
• Schedule fitness classes.
• Manage class loads and registrations.
• Approve instructional hours in UPACE.
• Oversee school days out programming i.e. summer sports camps/clinics
• Supervise youth and adults in structured and open play i.e Basketball, Pickleball, Volleyball competition.
• Support Community Violence Intervention initiatives i.e. Midnight Basketball
• Collaborate with the Rush Generations team on wellness programming.
• Represent West Garfield Park YMCA at community wellness events.
  
  

Member Engagement & Wellness Support

• Create a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all members and program participants.
• Build relationships and support individuals in reaching personal wellness goals.
• Communicate effectively based on members’ readiness for behavior change.
• Share wellness program information, schedules, and resources.
• Identify and celebrate member achievements and milestones.
• Maintain working knowledge of wellness trends and best practices.
  
  

Facility & Equipment Oversight

• Ensure program areas, fitness studios, equipment, and supplies are clean, orderly, and safe.
• Ensure equipment is sanitized according to schedule and standards.
• Report equipment needing repair or replacement.
• Monitor staff to ensure compliance with safety and child protection policies.
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum high school diploma (Bachelor’s degree preferred for Director-level role).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage stress and respond professionally to challenging situations.
• Leadership and supervisory experience preferred.
• Completion of YMCA-required trainings within first 30 days:

• CPR/AED & First Aid
• Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
• Harassment Prevention
• Slips, Trips, and Falls
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Ability to meet physical requirements of job including the physical stamina, agility and sudden exertion required to safely lead sports and aquatics programs. The YMCA will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
  

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as require