Ninja Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead High-Energy Programs, Inspire Kids, and Build Something Meaningful—Every Day. Apply Today for Program Director!

About the Role

This is a high-energy, hands-on leadership role responsible for leading and growing gymnastics, dance, cheer, and ninja programs at the YMCA. You'll oversee program operations, develop and coach staff, create exceptional experiences for children and families, and ensure programs are safe, engaging, and aligned with the YMCA mission. This role is fast-paced, people-centered, and highly visible. Every day, you'll interact with participants, families, instructors, and staff while balancing coaching, leadership, program development, scheduling, operations, and problem-solving.

What You'll Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations of gymnastics, dance, cheer, and ninja programs.
• Recruit, onboard, train, schedule, coach, and develop instructors and program staff.
• Create safe, engaging, inclusive, and high-quality experiences for children and families.
• Ensure programs meet YMCA standards, policies, and safety expectations.
• Develop new programs and expand existing offerings based on community needs and participant interests.
• Manage program schedules, equipment, supplies, and program spaces.
• Monitor enrollment, budgets, and program performance.
• Build positive relationships with participants, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Respond professionally to parent and family questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Provide coaching, feedback, recognition, and accountability to staff.
• Support marketing efforts, special events, showcases, and community outreach.
• Partner with branch and department leadership to support organizational goals.
• Support branch operations and organizational priorities as needs evolve.

What We're Looking For

• A passionate youth-program leader who enjoys working directly with children and families.
• A hands-on leader who enjoys coaching, developing, and motivating a team.
• Someone who can balance program quality, staff leadership, and daily operations.
• An organized leader who can manage multiple programs, schedules, and priorities.
• A creative thinker who enjoys developing programs and responding to community needs.
• A confident communicator who can handle parent concerns and staff challenges professionally.
• A flexible problem-solver who can adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Someone who is comfortable being highly visible and engaged in the program environment.
• A leader who is passionate about youth development and the YMCA mission.

This Role Might Not Be a Fit If…

• You prefer a quiet, predictable work environment.
• You're looking for a desk-only or administrative position.
• You're uncomfortable leading a team or holding others accountable.
• You don't enjoy working directly with children and families.
• You prefer working independently rather than collaborating with a team.
• You're uncomfortable addressing concerns, resolving conflict, or making decisions in the moment.
• You don't enjoy balancing coaching, leadership, program development, and administrative responsibilities.
• You're unable to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and special events.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Make a meaningful impact on children and families every day.
• Help children build confidence, strength, skills, and a lifelong appreciation for being active.
• Lead and develop a passionate team of instructors and coaches.
• Build and grow programs that meet the needs of your community.
• Create an environment where children feel safe, supported, included, and encouraged to grow.
• Join one of the fastest-growing YMCA associations in the country.
• Shape program quality, engagement, growth, and the overall participant experience.
• Enjoy opportunities for leadership development and career advancement within the YMCA.
• Work in a fun, active, and mission-driven environment where every day is different.

What You Bring

• Two (2) or more years of related experience in coaching, teaching, recreation, or program leadership.
• Three (3) to four (4) years of experience in gymnastics, dance, cheer, and/or ninja preferred.
• Experience supervising, coaching, training, and developing employees or instructors.
• Knowledge of progressive skill development and age-appropriate programming.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and basic computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality experience.
• Commitment to advancing the YMCA mission.

What the Job Is Really Like

• You'll spend your day balancing leadership, coaching, relationship-building, program development, problem-solving, and operations.
• No two days are exactly alike—you may coach an instructor, observe a class, talk with a parent, adjust a schedule, troubleshoot a staffing challenge, review enrollment, or develop a new program.
• You'll be highly visible and serve as a go-to leader for staff and families.
• You'll spend time both on the program floor and handling administrative responsibilities.
• You'll need to make decisions quickly while keeping safety, program quality, and the member experience at the forefront.
• You'll build relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners every day.
• Success requires energy, flexibility, emotional intelligence, organization, strong communication, and a genuine passion for helping children and families thrive.

Our Benefits Include

• Health care medical coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 12% employer retirement contribution
• Complimentary YMCA family membership
• 50% discount on most YMCA programs
• Ongoing professional development and leadership development opportunities

We encourage our staff to take full advantage of YMCA programs and facilities to support their own health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Current USA Gymnastics Safety Certification or obtain within first 30 days of hire
2. 3-4 years of related instruction, coaching and lesson planning in gymnastics, dance and cheer
3. Practical knowledge of progressive skill building as related directly to instructional gymnastics and working knowledge of USA gymnastics
4. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem solving skills.
5. Possess strong leadership qualities and work as a team member
6. Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
7. Flexible Schedule to work evenings and weekends during program offerings.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to quickly learn other software programs