To proceed with your application for this position, please complete the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment linked below. Ensure you finish the assessment for your application to be reviewed.
Behavioral Assessment Link
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Group Exercise & Community Programming plays a key leadership role in advancing the YMCA of Montclair’s mission to strengthen community through healthy living. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, daily operations, and quality of both Group Exercise programming and delivery of Community programming.
The primary focus of this role is ensuring that every member receives a positive, personalized, and welcoming experience—one that fosters engagement, satisfaction, and long‑term retention. The Director leads, coaches, and inspires staff teams to deliver consistent, high‑quality service and exceptional interactions that reflect the Y’s culture and values.
OUR CULTURE:
At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner to collaborate with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Community Programming & Chronic Disease Initiatives
- Establish, grow, and manage community health programs including (but not limited to) YDPP, BPSM, and Parkinson’s programming.
- Recruit, train, and supervise qualified staff and volunteers to ensure high-quality program delivery and community impact.
- Monitor, maintain, and report accurate program data in accordance with YMCA, grant, DOH and partner requirements.
- Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community partners, agencies, and stakeholders to support program visibility and growth.
Essential Functions: Group Exercise
- Develop a dynamic and inclusive Group Exercise schedule that meets the diverse needs, interests, and fitness levels of the membership.
- Identify and implement industry trends, innovative formats, and “pop‑up” specialty programs to enhance member engagement.
- Recruit, hire, train, and mentor Group Exercise instructors who are capable of delivering energetic, safe, and engaging classes.
- Monitor program performance and provide data‑driven reports, including attendance, utilization, cost per participant, and financial performance.
- Ensure that all classes adhere to safety protocols, YMCA standards, and best practices in exercise instruction.
- Foster a positive, team‑oriented culture among instructors, emphasizing professionalism, enthusiasm, and exceptional member connection.
Risk & Compliance Responsibilities
- Implement and uphold all YMCA policies related to safety, risk reduction, and abuse prevention.
- Provide ongoing supervision, training, and feedback to ensure staff maintain clear boundaries and follow established procedures.
- Respond promptly and confidentially to concerns or policy violations and follow required reporting protocols.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
- Emotional Maturity
- Communication
- Critical Thinking and Decision Making
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Passion and enthusiasm, to include successful deliverables related to developing and exceeding member expectations within class format.
- Service: Exceptional customer service skills, with experience to include genuine enthusiasm for serving members.
- Nationally recognized certifications in Group Exercise and to include specialty formats as required by certifying entity.
- Degree in health, nutrition, exercise science or equivalent a bonus, with a minimum of two years successful experience in the Health and Wellness fields in a Group Exercise Role.
- Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR effectively.
- Must be willing to obtain YMCA certifications.
- Two to three years’ experience working with varied ages in a wellness environment.
- Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.
- Creative and inspiring program development.
- Proven ability to lead staff and volunteers.
- Ability to work under occasional stressful conditions and to work irregular hours.
- Ability to work independently.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Proven team player.
- Ability to interpret, adopt, and apply guidelines/procedures.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and talk or hear. This work requires sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential position functions as well as those required for Fitness certifications. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-50+ pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
COMPANY BENEFITS:
Benefits include complimentary YMCA membership; accrued PTO; Medical, Vision, and Dental Health Insurance; paid Holidays, enrollment in the Y’s retirement program (must complete 1000 hours within 2 years of service) with 12% of salary contributed by the Y; 75% discount for SACC (before and aftercare), Early Learning Center, and Summer Camp programs in our Y facilities; a rewarding career with professional growth and advancement opportunities; a challenging and fun work environment with creative and talented individuals.
SALARY RANGE: $43,000 – $50,000 annually
Skills Required
- Nationally recognized Group Exercise certifications, including specialty formats as required
- At least two years of successful experience in health and wellness, including a Group Exercise role
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or certification within 90 days of employment
- Ability to respond to emergencies and administer CPR effectively
- Two to three years of experience working with varied ages in a wellness environment
- Willingness to obtain YMCA certifications
- Proven ability to lead staff and volunteers
- Creative and inspiring program development ability
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Ability to work irregular hours and under occasional stressful conditions
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to interpret, adopt, and apply guidelines and procedures
- Degree in health, nutrition, or exercise science, or equivalent
What We Do
The YMCA of Montclair has been making a positive impact in our community since 1891. Today, the YMCA of Montclair operates three branches—Park Street YMCA, Geyer Family YMCA, YMCA Outdoor Education Center. Membership is open to all, with financial assistance available to those who live in our service area (Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford) with demonstrated financial need. We are committed to caring for individuals and families, with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We offer a host of programs including before and after school child care in Bloomfield, Montclair, and Verona; summer day camps, including Camp at the Lake, held at our 30-acre property in West Milford, NJ; chronic disease wellness programs; educational workshops; a national swim lesson program; and health and wellness classes for all ages.
