What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health, Wellness & Recreation Director position at YMCA of the USA?
Seeking an individual to provide strategic direction and leadership to our Health & Wellness Department at our new Northwest YMCA location.
Job Description
The Health, Wellness & Recreation Director leads the strategy, planning, and execution of all health, wellness, recreation, and sports programs at the Northwest YMCA in coordination with similar program offerings of the Downtown YMCA. This position is responsible for creating inclusive, innovative, and engaging opportunities that support the Y’s mission to strengthen community through healthy living and active lifestyles. The director will oversee program development, staff leadership, and member experience in alignment with the Y’s core values.
Qualifications
Membership - Full-time permanent staff who work 40 hours per week are granted family membership privileges for their spouse and children under the age of 18 (or under 20 if enrolled in college).Licensed childcare programs: first child is free; each additional child receives 50% off. Receives 50% off on all adult and youth programs. (Staff, spouse, and/or children on membership.)
Holidays – All full-time employees receive eleven (11) paid holidays per year seven (7) recognized holidays and four (4) floating holidays.
Sick Leave - Following the first 90 days of employment sick leave begins to accrue at the rate of no more than one working day per month not to exceed fifteen (15) days.
Vacations - Employees do not earn vacation during the first six months of employment. After completing 6 months of employment vacation accrual is 1 day per month – Not to exceed 10 working days. After completing 3 Years, 15 working days and after completing 5 Years, 20 working days. Vacation is based on a calendar year and is earned on a monthly pro-rata basis.
Employee Wellness Leave - Full-time employees may receive additional days upon verification of any of the following criteria and/or lifestyles:
Health Insurance - The Association will pay the full premium for the employee’s coverage. Any eligible employee can obtain coverage for his/her spouse and/or dependents, but such coverage will be at the employee’s expense via payroll deduction.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to improving lives. Cultivates relationships to support fundraising.
Collaboration: Builds relationships to create small communities. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Experience and proficiency using Excel, Word, and Publisher. Experience with Daxko Operations or similar system preferable.
Job Description
The Health, Wellness & Recreation Director leads the strategy, planning, and execution of all health, wellness, recreation, and sports programs at the Northwest YMCA in coordination with similar program offerings of the Downtown YMCA. This position is responsible for creating inclusive, innovative, and engaging opportunities that support the Y’s mission to strengthen community through healthy living and active lifestyles. The director will oversee program development, staff leadership, and member experience in alignment with the Y’s core values.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Recreation Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum 3–5 years of program management and supervisory experience in fitness, recreation, or community health, or similar settings
- CPR/AED & First Aid certified (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
- YMCA Multi-Team/Branch Leader Certification (or ability to obtain within first year)
- Strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills
- Passion for community-based wellness and recreation
- YMCA or similar nonprofit experience preferred but not required
- Develop and manage all health & wellness, sports, and recreational programming (e.g. group exercise, fitness programming, personal training, youth & adult sports, Active Older Adults, recreation events, etc.)
- Administrative duties associated with operations of programs
- Supervise and support a team of instructors, trainers, coaches, and program staff
- Ensure maintenance of fitness, recreation, and facility equipment
- Promote member retention and engagement through welcoming, results-driven experiences
- Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with community needs
- Lead recruitment, training, and performance evaluations of staff
- Monitor program participation and satisfaction; adjust offerings as needed
- Oversee budgets, schedules, and program-related communications
- Partner with marketing to promote offerings and success stories
- Support and enforce safety, cleanliness, and risk management protocols
- Fundraising efforts
- Special Events as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Membership - Full-time permanent staff who work 40 hours per week are granted family membership privileges for their spouse and children under the age of 18 (or under 20 if enrolled in college).Licensed childcare programs: first child is free; each additional child receives 50% off. Receives 50% off on all adult and youth programs. (Staff, spouse, and/or children on membership.)
Holidays – All full-time employees receive eleven (11) paid holidays per year seven (7) recognized holidays and four (4) floating holidays.
Sick Leave - Following the first 90 days of employment sick leave begins to accrue at the rate of no more than one working day per month not to exceed fifteen (15) days.
Vacations - Employees do not earn vacation during the first six months of employment. After completing 6 months of employment vacation accrual is 1 day per month – Not to exceed 10 working days. After completing 3 Years, 15 working days and after completing 5 Years, 20 working days. Vacation is based on a calendar year and is earned on a monthly pro-rata basis.
Employee Wellness Leave - Full-time employees may receive additional days upon verification of any of the following criteria and/or lifestyles:
- using fewer than 5 days of sick leave per year (receives 1 day of wellness leave the following year)
- Participating in a cardiovascular exercise program (pre-approved and completion validated by a YMCA fitness staff member) at least three times weekly for 1year (receives 1 day of wellness leave the following year)
Health Insurance - The Association will pay the full premium for the employee’s coverage. Any eligible employee can obtain coverage for his/her spouse and/or dependents, but such coverage will be at the employee’s expense via payroll deduction.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to improving lives. Cultivates relationships to support fundraising.
Collaboration: Builds relationships to create small communities. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Experience and proficiency using Excel, Word, and Publisher. Experience with Daxko Operations or similar system preferable.