Program Director - Healthy Living

Santa Monica Family YMCA; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Monica Family YMCA is seeking a Program Director to lead the Healthy Living department, including fitness spaces, personal training, Pilates, group exercise, and youth sports programs.

You will develop and manage budgets, supervise staff and volunteers, and partner with other directors to align programs with organizational goals, while expanding member engagement and community partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in kinesiology or related field, or 3+ years in health/fitness.
• Current nationally accredited Personal Training certification required (NASM/ACE/ACSM/NSCA).
• Two+ years of management experience; CPR/AED and First Aid within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Healthy Living department including fee-based programming, group exercise, and fitness spaces.
• Plan, develop, budget, and implement wellness and sports programming aligned with YMCA goals.
• Deliver high-quality programs (orientations, personal training, Pilates, group exercise, sports).
• Evaluate program effectiveness and participation; analyze statistics.
• Increase membership, program registration, and retention.
• Expand youth sports programming in line with strategic plans.
• Coordinate shared space usage with other directors.
• Foster member engagement and positive experiences; supervise staff and volunteers.
• Provide leadership and performance management for staff/volunteers; manage budgets and payroll.
• Develop marketing and fundraising efforts; maintain timely communication.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Relationship-building

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Physical Education, or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the COO and in accordance with established Association policies, procedures and goals, the Program Director is responsible for the management and supervision of the Healthy Living department including fee-based programming (such as Personal Training, & Pilates), Group Exercise classes, management of all fitness spaces, and the development, managing and supervision of Youth Sports programs and Active Older Adults programming.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all members and participants.
• Plan, develop, budget, and implement wellness and sports programs aligned with YMCA goals.
• Deliver high-quality programs including orientations, personal training, Pilates, group exercise, and sports.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and participation; compile and analyze program statistics.
• Implement strategies to increase membership, program registration, and retention.
• Expand youth sports programming in alignment with strategic and operating plans.
• Partner with other directors to coordinate shared space usage.
• Foster a culture of member engagement, relationship-building, and positive experiences.
• Manage Personal Training to ensure quality programming & experience that meets budget standards.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
• Provide leadership, coaching, recognition, and performance management for staff and volunteers.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to AOA Coordinator, Sports Coordinator and Healthy Living Coordinator and their respective departments.
• Maintain inventory control and ensure timely repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets; monitor financial performance and payroll.
• Promote programs through marketing materials, website updates, social media, and community partnerships.
• Participate in fundraising efforts, staff meetings, and maintain professional, timely communication.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Physical Education, or related field and/or a minimum of three years of experience in the health and fitness arena.
• Current Personal Training certification from a nationally accredited organization required (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA).
• Current Group Exercise Instructor certification from a nationally accredited organization preferred (e.g., ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM).
• Two+ years of management experience required.
• Must be able to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
• American Red Cross
• American Heart Association
• American Safety & Health Institute