Healthy Living Director

Strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Job Description

The Healthy Living Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, implementation, and evaluation of health and wellness programs at the YMCA. This includes managing chronic disease prevention programs, fitness and wellness initiatives, and supervising related staff. The Director serves as a key liaison with healthcare providers, hospitals, and physicians to promote collaborative partnerships that support community health and wellness. This position plays a vital role in advancing the YMCA’s mission to foster healthy living for all.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Exercise Science, Health Promotion, Healthcare Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in wellness program development, chronic disease prevention, or related health leadership roles.
• Experience working with or within healthcare systems is highly desirable.
• Certifications:
• Nationally recognized health/wellness certification (e.g., ACSM, ACE, CHES) preferred.
• YMCA certifications or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• CPR/AED certification (or obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Skills & Competencies:
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Knowledge of chronic disease prevention strategies and evidence-based programming.
• Budgeting and financial oversight capability.
• Comfortable with public speaking and community engagement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and wellness-related software platforms.
  

Work Environment

This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends. The role includes both administrative office work and active engagement in fitness and wellness environments.

Essential Functions

• Community and Healthcare Partnerships
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with hospitals, physicians, public health entities, and other healthcare partners.
• Serve as the YMCA’s primary liaison to medical and health partners for referral pathways, community health initiatives, and collaborative wellness efforts.
• Represent the YMCA in health-focused coalitions, networks, and community outreach events.
• Program Development and Implementation
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs, including but not limited to:
• Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)
• Healthy Weight Programs
• Livestrong at the YMCA (Cancer Survivorship)
• Parkinson’s Wellness and Recovery
• Hypertension Management Programs
• Ensure programs are aligned with YMCA standards, grant requirements, and community health needs.
• Innovate and expand group exercise, wellness, and lifestyle intervention offerings for all ages and ability levels.
• Staff Supervision and Development
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and development of wellness, fitness, and lifestyle coaching staff.
• Hire, train, evaluate, and support staff and volunteers to ensure high-quality delivery and member engagement.
• Facilitate ongoing staff training in evidence-based practices and certifications.

• Financial Management
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets in collaboration with the CEO and finance team.
• Monitor revenue, expenditures, and resource allocation to ensure financial sustainability of programs.
• Explore and manage grant funding opportunities and partnerships to support Healthy Living initiatives.
• Reporting and Evaluation
• Track and report program outcomes and impact metrics to internal and external stakeholders, including the CEO, board, and grant funders.
• Ensure data-driven decision making and continuous quality improvement for all health and wellness programs