HF Programs Specialist Adult Programs

Socket.dev; Toronto; On-site; CAD 43,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is seeking a Programs Specialist (Adult Programs) to lead group fitness, recreational sports and individual conditioning activities at our McDonald Family YMCA Health and Fitness Centre. You’ll guide staff and volunteers, implement member insight strategies, and drive member satisfaction while advancing health goals.

Reporting to the Health and Fitness Programs Manager, you will organize and monitor programs, mentor fitness staff, and help grow membership and

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Recreation Leadership, Kinesiology, Physical Education or related field.
• YMCA certification in Group Fitness or related certifications.
• Personal Trainer Certification (CPTN, ACE, etc.); Certified Fitness Consultant (CFC).
• Proficiency in Yoga and Pilates an asset.
• YMCA Trainer certification; YMCA Trainer Educator preferred.
• Significant experience leading recreational sports (basketball, soccer, volleyball, water polo).
• First Aid/CPR certifications are assets.
• Demonstrated leadership and coaching experience.
• Interpersonal and communication skills; report to staff and members effectively.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Flexibility in hours (days, evenings, weekends).

Responsibilities

• Lead group program areas, including group fitness and adult recreational sports for 80% of shifts.
• Conduct personal training and youth fitness; ensure exceptional service in conditioning areas.
• Organize case management with new members and create paperless programs.
• Develop and evaluate programs to attract and retain members.
• Lead YMCA Trainer in Fitness and deliver fitness certifications.
• Coach staff and volunteers and ensure program delivery excellence.
• Support staff in achieving performance indicators and Y priorities.
• Participate in senior staff activities and mission-driven initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Team player

Flexibility

Equity & Belonging

Education

Diploma/Degree in Recreation Leadership, Kinesiology, or related

YMCA Group Fitness Certification

Personal Trainer Certification (CPTN/ACE)

Certified Fitness Consultant (CFC)

YMCA Trainer Certification / Educator preferred

Job description

Salary Rate: $51,040 - Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package!

Location: McDonald Family YMCA Health and Fitness Centre

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Employment Type: Contract Full Time Salaried - 12 months (New Vacancy)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: October 01, 2026

Deadline to Apply: September 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm

Be the Spark! Join our passionate team of Health & Fitness Educators and help us to achieve great things in our community!

Reporting to the Health and Fitness Programs Manager, the Programs Specialist (Adult Programs) provides direct leadership to execute all group fitness, recreational sports and individual conditioning activities in the facility including and volunteer development in adult programs. The Programs Specialist provides a superior experience to our members that are focused on the achievement of their personal health and wellness goals. Implementing our Member Insight Strategy and using our Membership Involvement Model, the Programs Specialist identifies initiatives to increase Membership on Roll, Retention, Satisfaction, and Philanthropic contributions in our Adult Programs. The Specialist demonstrates leadership and provides coaching to staff and volunteers, sharing knowledge and opportunities regarding trends in health, fitness and demonstrates exceptional relationship building skills.

In this role, you will:

• Lead various group program areas, including group fitness classes and all adult recreational sports programs, for 80% of scheduled shifts.
• Conduct personal training, mY Fitness, Youth mY Fitness, and ensure an exceptional service experience in all individual conditioning areas. Follow up to assist members in achieving their personal fitness goals.
• Organize and administer a case management approach to manage relationships with new members and create paperless programs enabling them to achieve their health goals.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs within the Association's Membership Services Plan to attract and retain a diverse membership.
• Lead YMCA Trainer in Fitness, delivering the YMCA Fitness Leader Certification, and working toward the YMCA Training Educator Level. Deliver Basic Theory and Individual Conditioning Components, and assist in apprenticeship of YMCA Fitness Leadership Program.
• Lead and coach staff and volunteers throughout the duty period. Circulate throughout program areas, build relationships with members and volunteers, and ensure excellence in program delivery.
• Support department staff and volunteers in achieving performance indicators and standards, including those related to group fitness, retention, and YMCA Priority SAM standards.
• Provide leadership and support as a member of the Centre's senior staff team. Act as an effective Service Leader. Participate in task groups, special assignments, and opportunities that further the Association's mission, vision, and strategic initiatives, including the Core Service Functional Group.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• Diploma or Degree in Recreation Leadership, Kinesiology, Physical Education or related field.
• YMCA certification in Group Fitness or related certifications
• Personal Trainer Certification (i.e. CPTN, ACE, etc.); Certified Fitness Consultant (CFC)
• Proficiency in Yoga and Pilates an asset
• YMCA Trainer certification; YMCA Trainer Educator preferred
• Significant experience leading recreational sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball and water polo
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification OR Intermediate First Aid and CPR level C certification issued by a WSIB approved provider prior to the first day of work is an asset
• Demonstrated leadership skills coupled with some experience in coaching and supervision; ability to encourage, motivate staff and volunteers, acknowledge and appreciate contributions
• Well developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
• Excellent written communication skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Flexibility regarding assigned hours of work, including days, evenings and weekends

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our2025-2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.