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Position Summary

The Senior Program Director (Membership & Wellness) provides strategic and operational leadership for membership growth, retention, and health and wellness programming in alignment with the YMCA’s mission and community impact goals. This role oversees membership services, wellness programs, and staff teams to ensure high-quality experience, strong financial performance, and meaningful community engagement.

Reporting to Branch Executive Director, the Senior Program Director develops and executes operating plans, leads staff and volunteers, cultivates community and corporate partnerships, and supports philanthropic and volunteer initiatives. This position serves as a cause-driven leader and champion of YMCA values.

Essential Duties

• Lead membership and program sales efforts by establishing enrollment goals, monitoring performance, and implementing strategies to achieve membership, retention, and program revenue targets.
• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven environment for members, guests, and participants.
• Establish and maintain service standards across membership, front desk, and wellness operations.
• Resolve member concerns promptly and professionally, exercising sound judgment and conflict-management skills.
• Develop and implement annual operating plans that support growth, engagement, and financial goals.
• Analyze membership, participation, sales, and financial data to evaluate effectiveness and guide planning.
• Ensure proper staffing, scheduling, and training to support high-quality service and effective sales conversations.
• Collaborate with marketing and development teams on outreach, enrollment, and engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a staff liaison to volunteer committees or advisory groups as assigned.
• Provide leadership and support to the YMCA Annual Support Campaign and other philanthropic initiatives.
• Interpret and communicate YMCA mission, policies, and values to staff, members, volunteers, and community partners.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of YMCA focus areas: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
• Participate in branch and Association-wide initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion, Business Admin, Marketing, Recreation Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four (4) or more years of progressively responsible experience in a YMCA or other nonprofit organization in aquatics, health & wellness, membership, or related program management.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience, including staff and volunteer leadership.
• Demonstrated success in staff leadership, program development, member/customer service, and building authentic relationships with members, staff, and community partners.
• Experience managing program budgets, marketing and public relations efforts, fundraising initiatives, and cross-sector community collaborations.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and communication skills, including public speaking and data-informed decision-making.

Certifications & Training
• Completion of all YMCA-required trainings and certifications within designated timeframes.
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications required.
• Required wellness certifications relevant to the role (e.g., ACSM, ACE, NASM, NSCA).
• YMCA Team Leader or Multi-Team Leader certification preferred.
• Training or demonstrated competency in Active Listening and member engagement preferred.