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Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA OF OTTAWA
Ottawa, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 5/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/17/2026

OTTAWA YMCA 

Job Title: GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR

Reports to: Health & Wellness Director                                         

FLSA Status: non-exempt                                                                   

Status: Part-time 


Pay: Varies by experience. Base: $15.00/hr                                                                                        

    

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Health & Wellness Director, the fitness instructor shall be part of a staff team that is responsible for conducting the YMCA’s Fitness Class Program. 


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Support the mission, vision and goals of the YMCA.

  • Promote a professional work environment through character development by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

  • Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of community through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

  • Assist in supervising, training and scheduling of group exercise staff.

  • Act as a leader in emergency situations. Report any accidents or incidents according to the Emergency Action Plan. Ensure all members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and actively follow branch Emergency Action Plan. 

  • Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts to include Partners in Youth Annual Support.

  • Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the field of health, fitness and wellness programming.

  • Communicate with the Wellness Director regarding any trends. 

  • Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Health & Wellness Department and branch operations to ensure an excellent member experience.

  • Teach a specified number of classes per week, as agreed upon with the Health & Wellness Director. 


LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Advancing Our Mission & Cause:  Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Philanthropy, Change Leadership

Building Relationships:  Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion  

Leading Operations:  Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management

Developing & Inspiring People:  Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity  

  

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum of 18 years of age.

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in related field; YMCA experience preferred.

  • Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) or American Council on Exercise (ACE) certification required. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or a YMCA certification preferred.

  • Completion of Certification of CPR/First Aid/AED within 30 days of hire (provided by YMCA).


WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • The membership growth and retention plan for the branch is achieved.

  • A high degree of member satisfaction is achieved as measured by Daxko Engage surveys. 

  • A positive image of the YMCA is portrayed to members, staff, volunteers and the community.

  • A pleasant and comfortable working environment is maintained for all staff.

  • Relationships are strengthened through intentional interactions.

  • The facility will be safe, clean and an enjoyable place as measured by Q Checks and Risk Management Audits.


BENEFITS

Complimentary individual YMCA membership, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with mental health support and legal advice, Retirement savings options: 401(k) for eligible employees, 403(b), and Roth IRA, Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA), Training and development programs, 50% discounts on eligible programs (e.g., child-care), Workers’ compensation


Equal Opportunity Employment


The Ottawa YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $15

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