The Children’s Programs Manager will oversee all hiring, scheduling, planning, and research for our Children’s Programs, while supporting all Events, and Camps. The Children’s Programs Manager is responsible for developing and leading dynamic, movement-based and sports-focused programming that engages and inspires our youth members. This role plays a vital part in enhancing the Club’s children’s offerings through thoughtful planning, team leadership, and hands-on program execution. In addition to designing high-quality children’s classes, the Manager provides essential programming support for all camps, events, and school break offerings, ensuring consistency, creativity, and fun across all experiences.
Compensation: $50,000 per year
KEY RESPONSBILITIES
- Program Development & Leadership
- Create and deliver innovative, high-energy, and developmentally appropriate programming focused on movement, sports, and fitness for children and youth.
- Collaborate on the design and execution of seasonal camps, special events, and School’s Out We’re In days to ensure engaging and age-appropriate activities.
- Lead programming independently, demonstrating strong room management and enthusiasm.
- Safety & Environment
- Maintain a safe, secure, clean, and engaging environment for all children and staff.
- Promptly report and address any health or safety concerns, suspicious behavior, or policy violations.
- Team & Staff Development
- Manage hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, payroll, and evaluations for all program-related team members.
- Provide coaching, discipline, and performance management with the authority to suspend staff for serious policy violations, pending investigation.
- Facilitate ongoing team development, ensuring staff create supportive, structured, and positive learning environments that promote movement, inquiry, and play.
- Engagement & Relationships
- Build strong, professional relationships with children, parents, and guardians while respecting confidentiality and family needs.
- Communicate effectively with families about programs, policies, and participation.
- Program Excellence & Innovation
- Stay informed about industry trends and introduce new sports, fitness, and educational programs to keep offerings competitive and exciting.
- Continuously evaluate programs to enhance engagement, participation, and learning outcomes and pivoting when necessary.
- Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Partner with other departments to grow youth-focused services and promote all children’s offerings throughout the Club.
- Support additional Club functions as needed, contributing to overall excellence in service and operations.
- Other tasks as assigned by the Director of Children’s Programs and/or the Senior Leadership Team.
- This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Ability to effectively influence and motivate others, promote high performance amongst the team, team collaboration, and deliver results.
- Exceptional organizational, written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts, and tailor communication as needed to the team, families, and children.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, able to work both independently and with others as required, works well under pressure, and can work in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing tasks to maintain deadlines.
- Must have passion for child and youth development.
Requirements
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Mobility: Ability to move around the facility, including fitness areas, offices, and other club spaces.
- Stamina: Endurance for extended periods of walking or standing during programs and events.
- Lifting Capacity: Ability to lift and carry objects such as office supplies, event materials, or fitness equipment as needed. And in some urgent cases, children.
- Flexibility: Ability to adapt to various tasks and responsibilities within the dynamic environment of a health and wellness club.
- Proficiency in extended computer usage, effective communication in person, over the phone, and through virtual platforms like Zoom, as well as the capability to stand, sit, and crouch for prolonged periods.
- Regular presence at an onsite office with both stairs and an elevator.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Minimum of 2 years in child/youth athletics or creative programming.
- Excellent Microsoft Suite skills.
- Demonstrate strong leadership ability and positive team collaboration. Strategic thinker; ability to analyze and solve issues quickly.
- Ability to build a strong and productive team environment.
Preferred/Plus:
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Recreation or a related field.
- Experience in upscale/high-hospitality environment.
- Experience in the operation of a child development center with a focus on physical fitness for youth.
Benefits
- Time Off & Retirement
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k) with company match up to 3%
- Value Sharing (Profit sharing)
- Holiday Bonus
- Paid Parental Leave
- Health & Wellness:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
- HSA and FSA enrollment options
- Short- & Long-Term Disability options
- Life Insurance: Basic coverage equivalent to annual income, with voluntary options for additional coverage
- Long-Term Care options: Coverage up to 50% of annual income
- Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
- EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
- Pet Insurance through MetLife
- Employee Perks:
- Free workout privileges
- Employee discounts in the Pro Shop, Spa & Salon services and in the Market
- Parking and transit benefits (pre-tax deduction)
- Access to Tickets at Work discounts
- Tuition reimbursement
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Matters:
East Bank Club commits to a culture of inclusion and belonging characterized by connection across our similarities and differences. We honor the dignity of all employees by enabling each to reach their fullest potential and, by doing so, better serve our members. We serve a diverse group of members and recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employee and member experience required to support our mission. EBC is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
East Bank Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and drug/smoke-free workplace.
Top Skills
What We Do
A veritable Chicago institution, East Bank Club is recognized as the country's most gracious and dynamic fitness, sports and dining facility. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, the Club opened its doors in 1980 and employs more than 400 employees.
East Bank Club has set the standard for first-class hospitality and excellence in the fitness industry, a standard exemplified by each employee. The bonds employees create with fellow staff, members and the Club itself keep members and employees returning day after day.
Career options at the Club include positions in customer service, fitness, spa and salon, and food and beverage, among many other opportunities. Each and every employee is a valued and vital member of the East Bank Club team.
East Bank Club employees find pride in the Club's status as an industry leader. The Club is considered the gold standard in the industry, with state-of-the-art equipment, extensive programming, a wide array of amenities, and excellent and highly qualified staff.
Employees are encouraged to utilize the Club’s workout facilities to fully embrace the Club’s ethos to live well. In addition, the Club offers highly competitive wages and benefits.
East Bank Club employees are committed to helping our members live well. More than half of the Club’s employees have been committed to this goal for five years or more. That is what happens when you work for an industry leader. That is what happens when your employer sets the standard. That is what happens when you focus on health that goes beyond fitness. It takes a simple commitment. Are you ready?
