Sports Program Director

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package for all

Complimentary Family YMCA membership

Employee discount on select programs

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking a Sports Program Director to lead day-to-day operations of sports programs, including planning, promoting, and coordinating activities, while maintaining records, scheduling staff, and ensuring gym safety.

You will recruit, train, and supervise YMCA team members, and work with community partners to meet program needs, driving high-quality, inclusive youth recreation. This full-time role offers benefits and opportunities for growth within the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in recreation-related field.
• Minimum 2+ years in recreation with leadership/supervisory experience.
• Commitment to YMCA mission and inclusive environment.
• Strong customer service, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and motivate teams.
• Current sports certifications (e.g., CPR for Professional Rescuer) or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Ability to meet physical requirements; accommodations available.

Responsibilities

• Schedule staff to ensure coverage, safety and quality program delivery.
• Develop materials and distribute program information.
• Train and supervise new staff and volunteers; conduct trainings.
• Lead staff meetings and in-services; emergency procedures familiarity.
• Oversee multiple program areas; evaluate effectiveness.
• Coordinate membership class registrations and program communications.
• Budget development and margin analysis for program areas.
• Mentor and coach team members to optimize performance.
• Ensure compliance with state/county standards and YMCA policies.
• Oversee gym maintenance, scheduling, and facility safety.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff supervision

Customer service

Verbal & written communication

Coach teams

Attendance flexibility

Physical stamina

CPR certification or obtain within 30d

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, Recreation, or related field

Job description

The Sports Program Director coordinates and supervises the day-to-day operation of the sports programs which includes planning, promoting, creating, and coordinating programs. This also includes maintaining records, scheduling staff, and ensuring proper gym maintenance. The Sports Director also networks with a variety of public agencies and community organizations to promote and meet program needs. The Sports Director is a leader responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising YMCA team members, including team leads/coordinators, instructors, counselors, volunteers, and other team members as assigned.

Salary range for this position is $50,000 per year with full-time benefits and opportunities to grow within the organization.

Benefits

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees
• Be part of a team that is passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff, volunteers, and members
• Do meaningful work and contribute to the advancement of the YMCA vision by meeting the needs of the people in our communities
• Complimentary Family YMCA membership and an employee discount on select programs
• Career advancement opportunities - grow your career at the Y!

Scope Of Responsibilities Program/Team Management

• Assists in scheduling staff to ensure coverage, safety and quality program delivery.
• Assists in developing program materials and distributing program information.
• Assists in training and supervising new staff and volunteers as well as providing ongoing trainings in accordance with training designs.
• Conducts staff meetings and in-services as scheduled.
• Acts as a primary responder in case of injury, accident, or illness and be knowledgeable of emergency procedures.
• Coordinates the operation of assigned program areas. Evaluates programs effectiveness for continuous improvement.
• Provides communication and training for membership team members regarding class registrations and programs.
• Ensures adherence to state and county standards. Maintains YMCA standards and ensures compliance with requirements. Ensures accidents and incidents are reported.
• Assists with developing and managing the budgets related to the program areas, includes creation of margin analysis and completion of time and attendance.
• Monitors and evaluates performance standards. Provides coaching and intervention, as necessary. Coaches, mentors, and develops team members to optimize performance.
• Manages time and attendance for current staff, ensuring that time is accurately recorded in the HRIS system.
• Supports the YMCA’s mission and center operations as needed.

Sports

• Provides direct service in sports and recreation classes and leagues.
• Responsible for maintaining staff certifications and volunteer documentation
• Assist with gym and other areas usage scheduling.
• Oversees the maintenance of the gyms, climate control, cleanliness, and related maintenance.
• Develops, implements, and oversees a variety of sports programs for members, participants and community.
• Assist in operational oversight of onsite summer camp (e.g. scheduling of counselors and lifeguards, attendance, time and attendance, etc.)
• Partner with OST/Off-site team for summer camp and after school programs.

Minimum And Required Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, Recreation, or related field and/or equivalent experience
• 2 years or more of recreation related experience. Prior team leadership/supervisory experience is essential with the ability to collaborate with others and attract, motivate, and effectively coach teams.
• Passion for and commitment to the YMCA’s mission
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to relate well with a diverse set of youth, parents, and volunteers. Demonstrates safe and age-appropriate strategies in interactions with youth.
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to effectively lead in-services and trainings essential
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and constituents.
• Current, relevant Sports training and certifications (e.g. CPR for Professional Rescuer) or the ability to be certified within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of job including the physical stamina, agility and sudden exertion required to safely lead sports programs. The YMCA will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention

Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required