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Fitness Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Upper Palmetto

Fitness Program Director

SC · On-site

$21.63 - $23.08/hr

Fitness Program Director Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly) The YMCA of Upper Palmetto is seeking a Fitness Program Director for its Indian Land YMCA located in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of ...

HealthFitness

Fitness Program Manager

Omaha, NE · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, varying shifts between 6am-7pm Responsible for managing and directing all operational aspects of an on-site fitness program ensuring the highest level of ...

HealthFitness

Fitness Program Manager

Roseville, CA · On-site

In conjunction with Director Program Management & Engagement, introduces new HealthFitness programs ... Ability to lead, manage and operate a fitness center. * Strong interpersonal and customer service ...

Xperience Fitness

Program Director

Oak Creek, WI · On-site

Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY Program Directors are responsible for promoting and selling gym memberships for Xperience Fitness, as well as contributing to all aspects of a positive customer experience ...

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Fitness Program Director information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do fitness program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fitness program director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fitness Program Director vs Fitness Instructor?

AspectFitness Program DirectorFitness Instructor
CertificationsCPR/AED, personal trainer certification, program management experienceCPR/AED, personal trainer certification
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple classes or programs, manages staff, plans fitness initiativesLeads individual or group fitness classes, provides training
ResponsibilitiesProgram development, staff supervision, budget managementConducts fitness sessions, instructs clients, demonstrates exercises

The main difference is that a Fitness Program Director oversees multiple fitness programs and manages staff, while a Fitness Instructor focuses on leading individual or group classes. The director handles planning and administration, whereas the instructor provides direct training and instruction.

How does a fitness program director typically collaborate with trainers and other staff to ensure program quality?

A Fitness Program Director works closely with personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and administrative staff to coordinate class schedules, implement new fitness initiatives, and monitor participant feedback. Regular meetings and ongoing communication are common to discuss program improvements, address challenges, and ensure that staff have the resources and training they need. This collaborative approach helps maintain high program standards and fosters a supportive team environment, directly contributing to member satisfaction and retention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fitness program director?

To thrive as a Fitness Program Director, you need expertise in exercise science, program development, and team leadership, often supported by a degree in kinesiology or a related field and relevant certifications (such as ACSM, NASM, or ACE). Familiarity with fitness management software, scheduling systems, and health assessment tools is typically required. Strong communication, motivational, and organizational skills help you inspire clients and effectively manage staff. These competencies are crucial for creating impactful fitness programs, ensuring operational efficiency, and fostering a positive environment for clients and team members.

What does a fitness program director do?

A Fitness Program Director oversees the planning, development, and management of fitness programs at gyms, health clubs, or community centers. They are responsible for hiring and training staff, creating class schedules, ensuring the facility meets safety and health standards, and developing programs that meet the needs of various clients. Additionally, they may manage budgets, promote programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of fitness offerings to ensure high-quality service. Their role combines leadership, program development, and operational management in the fitness industry.
What cities are hiring for Fitness Program Director jobs? Cities with the most Fitness Program Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fitness Program jobs? The most popular types of Fitness Program jobs are:
What states have the most Fitness Program Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Fitness Program Director jobs include:
Fitness Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fitness Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Fitness Program Director

YMCA of Upper Palmetto

Indian Land, SC

$21.63 - $23.08/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Fitness Program Director
Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
The YMCA of Upper Palmetto is seeking a Fitness Program Director for its Indian Land YMCA located in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Our Indian Land YMCA branch, an 80,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, opened in November, 2020. The area offers quality schools, great outdoor recreation, and abundant options for city or country living.
The YMCA of Upper Palmetto is a mid/large Y association consisting of 13 branch locations, including an overnight resident camp, executive-level fitness centers, flagship facilities, and mission YMCAs with over 13 pools, which include two 50-meter pools and three water parks. The YMCA of Upper Palmetto boasts a diverse talent pool that is committed to great customer service, quality programs, and clean facilities.
In addition to living and working in a great area of South Carolina, the YMCA of Upper Palmetto also has a great employee-centric benefits package (12% fully paid Y retirement once vested, 9 paid holidays, and generous “Paid Time Off” based on YMCA tenure).
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Regional VP and/or Branch Director and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Fitness Program Director is responsible for managing the operations and programs of the Fitness Department. The Fitness Director will assist the Branch Director with various branch activities such as special events and other activities that occur on various occasions. As a member of the branch leadership team, the Fitness Director will create and embrace a diverse and inclusive YMCA community to grow our local impact, activate our global network, and multiply our mission.

Responsibilities:
  • Facilitate and oversee the organization, management, and daily operations of the fitness programs.
  • Manage biweekly payroll.
  • Provide effective fitness programs for adults, teens, children, seniors, and special populations that drive growth in membership and program participation.
  • Collaborate with the Regional VP/Branch Director to plan and manage the annual Fitness Department budget. Control payroll and department purchasing costs within the budget and financial guidelines to meet fiscal objectives.
  • Work symbiotically with the Member Experience team to develop, implement, and manage operating plans to promote program and membership growth for the YMCA.
  • Ensure a culture of inclusion that builds and celebrates diversity within the Y and our community.
  • Build a network of Program volunteers through effective recruitment, training, and stewardship. Build and maintain relationships with community and corporate partners with specific focus on community health.
  • Develop and implement branch/regional health and wellness special events and promotions.
  • Partner with marketing and communications department to ensure effective promotion and visibility of all program areas, including management of social media for the region.
  • Review and evaluate the enrollment, programs, services, and operation of the fitness department and communicate findings to the Branch Director.
  • Provide leadership and support to the annual fundraising campaign and volunteer committees/boards as assigned.
  • Assist the Association with evidence-based health initiatives including, but not limited to, creating an interest list, conducting readiness assessments/enrollment, and creating class schedules.
  • Help coordinate the LiveStrong program. Provide dates and program reports that work alongside the association leadership.
  • Grow the Personal Training program with participants and revenue year over year. Keep track of staff (expenses) that align with the program model and budget.
  • Oversee, train, and hire for the Youth Strength and Conditioning program. Keep track of staff (expenses) that align with the program model and budget.
  • Oversee group ex staff and/or coordinator and evaluate the use of space to maximize the member experience.

Essential Function:
  • Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and directs personnel and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete.
  • Supervision of Fitness Department including the fitness center, group exercise classes and personal training program.
  • Ensures safety and maintenance of facilities and equipment to minimize risk to members, participants and the Association.
  • Other duties as needed.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor Degree.
  • Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications.
  • Demonstrated experience in recruiting, hiring, training and development of volunteers and staff.
  • YMCA Multi-Team or Branch Leader certification or ability to attain certification within three years of hire.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • High level of organization demonstrating sound judgment, initiative, and independent thinking.
  • Ability to develop short- and long-term plans.
  • Ability to effectively work/interact with diverse populations.
  • Computer literate. Knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel, Word, Outlook, and database management.
  • High ethical standards and possess strong personal and professional integrity.
  • Ability to work irregular work hours if/when needed.
  • Ability to walk, stand, and sit while maintaining alertness for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift, push, and carry up to 50 pounds of weight.
  • Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

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