Health, Wellness & Recreation Director

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

Essential Functions

• 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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (BENEFITS)

• 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.
• 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 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: A) using fewer than 5 days of sick leave per year (receives 1 day of wellness leave the following year); B) Participating in a cardiovascular exercise program (pre-approved and completion validated by a YMCA fitness staff member) at least three times weekly for 1 year (receives 1 day of wellness leave the following year).
• Retirement: 12% employer-funded - Employees must complete two years of service and work 1000 hours during each year to be eligible to participate. Employees are enrolled on the first day of the month following their anniversary date, after they complete the service requirement and reach age 21. If an employee is not yet 21 but has met the service requirement, they are enrolled on the first day of the month after they turn 21.
• 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.