Project Specialist

Kearney Family Young Mens Christian Association; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kearney Family YMCA is seeking a Project Specialist to coordinate and deliver high-quality YMCA project activities within defined start and end dates. You will develop, organize, and implement project components to ensure successful execution and an excellent participant experience.

The role emphasizes project planning, effective communication, and teamwork across staff and volunteers, with on-site supervision and a focus on safety and quality of participant experiences.

Qualifications

• College degree in related field or equivalent preferred.
• One to two years related experience preferred as a coordinator of people or related activity.
• Ability to use typical business software and office equipment.
• Understanding of the role of volunteerism within the YMCA.
• Completion of YMCA program specific certifications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project planning, timelines, and daily activities to ensure all components are delivered on schedule.
• Support clear and timely project communication with participants and staff across channels.
• Ensure project tasks and deadlines are met by organizing work and tracking progress.
• Serve as the project content expert by modeling best practices and guiding staff and volunteers.
• Work independently with sound judgment to drive project tasks forward within YMCA goals.

Skills

Project coordination

Communication

Team leadership

Education

College degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Specialist supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This position is responsible for coordinating and delivering high quality YMCA project activities within a defined start and end date. The Project Specialist develops, organizes, and implements project components to ensure successful execution and an excellent participant experience.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate project planning, timelines, and daily activities to ensure all components are delivered on schedule.
• Project Communication Supports clear and timely communication for the project by sharing updates with participants, coordinating information with staff and volunteers, and maintaining consistent messaging across email, social media, and other YMCA channels.
• Project Deadlines Ensures all project tasks, deliverables, and timelines are met by organizing work effectively, tracking progress, and completing assignments within established deadlines.
• Content Expertise Serves as the projects content expert by modeling best practices, guiding staff and volunteers in skill development, and supporting others in meeting project goals. Provides clear direction, shares resources, and builds team capacity to ensure high quality delivery of all project outcomes.
• Independent Judgment Works independently and exercises sound judgment to drive project tasks forward without needing step by step direction. Understand when to seek direction or approval and ensures decisions, priorities, and pace of work remain aligned with YMCA goals, values, and project outcomes.
• Maintain required certifications relevant to the project area (e.g., Healthy Living RN Status).
• If applicable, provide on site supervision during project programming and activities.
• Provide leadership through full project implementation by mentoring team members to ensure a safe, high quality participant experience, and/or ensure that project deadlines are met.
• Ensure implementation of YMCA policies and procedures throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage the participant experience, ensuring strong communication, safety, engagement, and satisfaction.
• If applicable, provide direct service as needed while overseeing the participant experience.
• Maintain all trainings and certifications required for the project area.
• Support project growth and quality through excellent participant and member experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support successful project completion.
• Support the YMCA Annual Campaign through storytelling, engagement, and relationship building.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement
• Collaboration
• Operational Effectiveness
• Personal Growth

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College Degree in related field or equivalent preferred.
• One to two years related experience preferred, as a coordinator of people or related activity.
• Ability to use typical business software and office equipment.
• Understanding of the role of volunteerism within the YMCA.
• Completion of YMCA program specific certifications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be metQualifications