Director, Association Group Exercise & Growth

South Shore YMCA; Hanover (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

South Shore YMCA in Hanover, MA seeks an Association Group Exercise Director to lead group exercise strategy, quality, and growth across all branches. Based at the Emilson Y, this role drives instructor development, program innovation, and digital fitness offerings while ensuring an exceptional member experience.

The ideal candidate collaborates with senior leaders, analyzes data for decisions, and builds inclusive, high-performing teams to strengthen participation and engagement across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science or the equivalent work experience.
• 2–4 years of experience in Health and Wellness, overseeing and scheduling Group Exercise.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience teaching Group Exercise classes across multiple formats. Experience with Les Mills certification process preferred.
• Must display a track record of consistently building participation and member engagement in group exercise
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate electively with senior leadership, department heads and consumers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide equitable leadership, coaching, and support across all branches while maintaining consistent standards.
• Design data-informed schedules based on member demand—not instructor availability—including a balanced mix of 30-, 45-, and 60-minute classes plus introductory classes that reduce barriers to entry.
• Lead quarterly schedule launches as signature recruitment opportunities in partnership with Membership and Marketing.
• Develop year-round instructor recruitment, onboarding, recognition, and leadership pathways that build a fun, inclusive, high-performing team reflective of the communities served.
• Foster strong collaboration between group exercise and personal training through two-way referral pathways that improve member outcomes.
• Own the group exercise experience within the YMCA member app, ensuring schedule accuracy, minimal cancellations, timely communication, and use of analytics for continuous improvement.
• Partner with the Playroom team to align child supervision hours with group exercise schedules to create a seamless family experience.
• Monitor participation, utilization, trends, and member feedback to continuously improve programming.
• Ensure budget accountability, instructor certifications, safety, and operational excellence.
• Success Measures
• Growth in participation and retention
• There is innovation and industry awareness evident in our offerings
• Membership growth associated with quarterly schedule launches
• High app schedule accuracy and reduced cancellations
• Strong instructor recruitment and retention
• Consistent association-wide member experience

Skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science

Equivalent work experience

Job description

South Shore YMCA in Hanover, MA seeks an Association Group Exercise Director to lead group exercise strategy, quality, and growth across all branches. Based at the Emilson Y, this role drives instructor development, program innovation, and digital fitness offerings while ensuring an exceptional member experience.

The ideal candidate collaborates with senior leaders, analyzes data for decisions, and builds inclusive, high-performing teams to strengthen participation and engagement across the