Director of Wellness

At the YMCA, we believe wellness is more than exercise—it's about helping people build healthier spirits, minds, and bodies. As Director of Wellness, you'll lead a team dedicated to creating welcoming, impactful wellness experiences that help members achieve their goals while advancing the YMCA's mission. This role is ideal for a strategic leader who enjoys developing people, improving operations, driving program growth, and creating a culture where staff and members thrive.

As Director of Wellness, you will:

• Lead and influence wellness operations across multiple program areas, including wellness centers, group exercise, personal training, and small group training.
• Mentor and develop Wellness Directors, Coordinators, and frontline staff, helping them grow professionally and deliver exceptional member experiences.
• Shape the future of wellness programming by identifying trends, responding to community needs, and implementing innovative services.
• Partner with branch leadership and association teams to advance strategic goals and wellness initiatives.
• Make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of thousands of members and community participants.
• Contribute to a mission-driven organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

You will regularly:

• Balance multiple priorities, including staffing, budgets, program growth, facility operations, member concerns, and strategic planning.
• Be accountable for financial performance, including revenue generation, expense management, retention, and participation goals.
• Manage and coach leaders who oversee day-to-day wellness operations.
• Address operational challenges such as staffing shortages, equipment issues, risk management concerns, and member service escalations.
• Review performance metrics and make data-driven decisions to improve outcomes.
• Work flexible hours that may include evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays to support programming and staff.
• Respond to emergencies and safety situations when necessary.

This role is well-suited for leaders who enjoy solving problems, building teams, managing change, and maintaining high standards in a fast-paced environment.

• You are passionate about helping people improve their health, wellness, and quality of life.
• You enjoy developing leaders and coaching teams to achieve their full potential.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are exactly the same.
• You are comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership.
• You enjoy using data, metrics, and member feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• You are energized by building relationships and collaborating across departments.
• You take pride in creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for staff and members.
• You are motivated by mission-driven work and want to make a meaningful impact in your community.

• You prefer to focus exclusively on fitness instruction or direct program delivery rather than leading people and operations.
• You are uncomfortable having difficult conversations related to performance, accountability, or member concerns.
• You prefer a highly predictable schedule and are unable to work occasional evenings, weekends, or special events.
• You do not enjoy managing budgets, analyzing performance data, or being responsible for financial outcomes.
• You prefer working independently rather than collaborating with multiple departments and stakeholders.
• You are uncomfortable responding to emergencies, addressing safety concerns, or making decisions under pressure.
• You prefer maintaining existing programs rather than driving change, innovation, and growth.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all wellness programs and services.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, and evaluate wellness staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor Wellness Directors, Coordinators, and frontline staff to strengthen leadership capacity across the organization.
• Collaborate with the Association Director of Wellness to implement association-wide wellness initiatives and best practices.

• Ensure all wellness programs align with YMCA standards, strategic priorities, and member needs.
• Evaluate programs and services to improve quality, participation, and member outcomes.
• Conduct facility inspections, safety audits, and operational reviews.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, certifications, risk management practices, and safety procedures.
• Maintain high standards for equipment safety, wellness center operations, and staff readiness.

• Develop and implement strategies to increase member engagement, retention, and program participation.
• Support the creation of innovative wellness programs that reflect community needs and emerging industry trends.
• Collaborate with branch leadership and other departments to enhance member experiences.
• Assist with marketing efforts, member engagement initiatives, and promotion of wellness services.
• Support YMCA fundraising efforts, Annual Campaign initiatives, community partnerships, and special events.

• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of YMCA resources.
• Track revenue, expenses, participation, and retention metrics.
• Analyze operational and financial data to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

Successful candidates typically:

• Build strong relationships with staff, members, volunteers, and community partners.
• Develop high-performing teams through coaching, support, and accountability.
• Create positive member experiences that drive engagement and retention.
• Use data and feedback to make informed decisions and improve performance.
• Lead effectively during challenges while remaining adaptable and solutions-focused.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, inclusion, and the YMCA mission.

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion, Kinesiology, Public Health, Recreation Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of progressive leadership experience in wellness, fitness, recreation, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and leading multiple wellness program areas.
• Proven success managing budgets, achieving growth goals, and improving operational performance.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use performance metrics to improve operations and member outcomes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and wellness management software platforms.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• High level of alertness, concentration, initiative, and sound judgment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and move throughout facilities for extended periods.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergency situations.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.