Assistant Program Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Description

Youth Program Director, Gymnastics

Edwardsville YMCA | Full-Time | Exempt

Applications will be accepted through August 14, 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Program Director of Gymnastics provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the YMCA's gymnastics department. This position is responsible for developing high-quality programs, leading and developing staff, managing department operations and finances, and creating an exceptional experience for participants and families.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Youth Program Director oversees all aspects of department performance, including program development, budgeting, staff supervision, facility operations, risk management, and community engagement. Success in this role is driven by strong leadership, sound business practices, relationship building, and a commitment to the YMCA's mission. While an understanding of youth sports or gymnastics programming is valuable, the Director's primary responsibility is leading a successful department that serves the needs of the community.

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:

1. Provides leadership and direction for all aspects of the YMCA gymnastics department, ensuring programs align with the YMCA's mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to exceptional member experiences.
2. Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, supervises, develops, and evaluates department staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
3. Develops, implements, and evaluates programs and services that respond to community needs, support participant engagement, and contribute to department growth and sustainability.
4. Oversees daily department operations, including staffing, scheduling, facility usage, equipment, and program logistics to ensure efficient, safe, and effective service delivery.
5. Develops and manages the department budget, monitors financial performance, analyzes participation trends, and implements strategies to achieve revenue and enrollment goals. 
6. Collaborates with YMCA leadership to market programs, strengthen member engagement, and identify opportunities for growth through partnerships, outreach, and special events. 
7. Builds positive relationships with members, families, staff, volunteers, schools, and community organizations while providing responsive customer service and resolving concerns professionally.
8. Ensures compliance with YMCA policies, risk management practices, licensing or governing body requirements, and all applicable safety standards.
9. Supports the quality and continued development of gymnastics programming by providing leadership, resources, and guidance to instructional and coaching staff. 
10. Maintains accurate records, reports, certifications, statistics, and documentation required for department operations and association reporting.
11. Demonstrates and promotes the YMCA's mission, vision, values, and leadership competencies while performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Business, Education, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in recreation, youth development, sports, education, or a related field.
• Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and leading programs or operations.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and motivate staff while fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Experience with gymnastics, youth sports, or similar recreational programming preferred but not required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain YMCA and applicable program certifications within established timeframes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required essential functions.

• Regular use of a computer, phone, and other office equipment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, spotting participants, and moving throughout gymnastics facilities.
• Ability to demonstrate or assist with gymnastics skills as needed.
• Ability to lift and move up to 60 pounds, including gymnastics equipment.
• Visual and auditory ability to supervise activities and respond quickly to emergencies.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities while maintaining a safe environment.
• Evening and weekend work required based on program needs.
• Noise level is moderate to high during program operation.

Benefits

Eligible full-time employees receive a benefits package that includes health insurance, generous paid time off (PTO), and an 8% fully funded YMCA retirement contribution upon meeting eligibility requirements.