Lead Wellness That Reaches Every Corner of Our Community. Be a catalyst for change as our Association Director of Wellness. Apply today!
POSITION SUMMARY: The Association Director of Wellness provides strategic leadership and oversight for all wellness-related programming across the YMCA association, including wellness, group exercise, personal training, performance training, and aquatics fitness. This role ensures alignment with the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Association Director of Wellness is accountable for program excellence, staff development, budget management, member satisfaction, safety, and innovation across all locations. Serving as a key leader and subject matter expert, this position collaborates closely with branch and executive leadership to elevate the member experience and advance community health outcomes.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Lead strategic planning efforts related to emerging wellness trends, ensuring agility in programming and service delivery.
- Oversee the development, execution, and continuous improvement of all association-wide wellness offerings, including general fitness, group exercise, personal training, performance programming, and aquatic fitness.
- Serve as the subject matter expert and advisor on all wellness program areas, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with YMCA standards and national best practices.
- Lead and support branch-level wellness teams, including Wellness Directors, Coordinators, and department staff across multiple disciplines, promoting a culture of accountability, professional growth, and member-focused service.
- Develop and implement standardized curriculum and program models that foster inclusivity, measurable outcomes, and engaging experiences for members of all abilities and backgrounds.
- Create, manage, and monitor annual budgets for all wellness-related departments, ensuring programs operate within financial targets and support the association’s fiscal health.
- Conduct regular program audits, performance evaluations, and site visits to ensure quality, safety, and alignment with strategic goals.
- Recruit, onboard, and provide ongoing training and development for wellness staff, ensuring all certifications are current and professional standards are upheld.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to identify health trends, enhance member engagement, and create innovative wellness solutions.
- Support the YMCA’s Annual Campaign and fundraising efforts by sharing impact stories, engaging staff and volunteers, and contributing to philanthropic events.
- Respond promptly and professionally to member and community feedback, modeling the YMCA’s core values in all interactions.
- Complete all required compliance and professional development training annually or as assigned.
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of association-wide priorities and goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion, Kinesiology, Public Health, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 5–8 years of progressive leadership experience in wellness, fitness, or health programming, including oversight of group exercise, personal training, and/or aquatic fitness; multi-site or association-level experience strongly preferred.
- Strong leadership and staff development skills with the ability to guide, mentor, and support teams across diverse wellness areas.
- Proven success in managing departmental budgets, driving program growth, and achieving measurable outcomes.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and comfort with data analysis and reporting.
- Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing wellness and member engagement platforms to support program delivery, scheduling, data tracking, and member experience.
- Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekend, and holidays.
- Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Multi-Team Leader):
The National YMCA Mission:
“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”
Caring: Models compassion in leadership. Builds a culture of service across teams. Recognizes and supports staff and volunteer contributions.
Honesty: Leads with integrity and promotes ethical behavior across multiple teams. Ensures policies are followed consistently.
Respect: Promotes inclusion across departments. Supports equitable practices in staffing and program design.
Responsibility: Leads with strategic vision. Manages multiple priorities and drives performance improvement.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
- Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
- Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
- Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.
