Program Assistant Jobs in Valparaiso, IN (NOW HIRING)

Pay starts at $17.00 per hour and up based on experience
Bring Your Passion to Life as Our Program Coordinator, overseeing Gymnastics, Dance, Cheer, & Ninja! Position will be approximately 20 hours per week. Apply today!
About the Role
The Program Coordinator plays a hands-on leadership role in creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging gymnastics environment for youth, families, and staff. This position combines direct coaching and instruction with operational leadership responsibilities, including staff supervision, scheduling, member engagement, and program growth.
This is an active, people-centered role that requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to lead by example on the gym floor. Approximately 80% of the role involves direct service work such as teaching classes, supporting participants, and serving as a substitute instructor when needed.
The Program Coordinator helps ensure high-quality programming while supporting the YMCA's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Who This Position Is For
This role may be a strong fit for someone who:
Enjoys Working Directly with Children and Families
You genuinely enjoy engaging with youth, building relationships with families, and creating positive experiences in a fast-paced environment.
Leads by Example
You are comfortable jumping in wherever needed - teaching classes, helping instructors, resolving concerns, and supporting day-to-day operations.
Thrives in Active Environments
You prefer being on your feet, moving throughout the day, and working in a dynamic setting rather than sitting behind a desk.
Balances Coaching with Leadership
You enjoy mentoring staff, helping instructors improve, and creating a positive team culture while also maintaining accountability and structure.
Is Organized and Adaptable
You can manage schedules, staffing adjustments, payroll support, and member concerns while keeping programs running smoothly.
Values Mission-Driven Work
You believe in creating inclusive spaces where all participants feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Communicates Well with Diverse Groups
You are comfortable interacting with children, parents, staff, volunteers, and community members in a professional and positive manner.
Who This Position Is Probably NOT For
This role may not be the right fit for someone who:
Prefers Administrative Work Over Direct Interaction
This is not primarily an office-based role. Most of the work happens in the gymnastics environment actively supporting classes and staff.
Dislikes Fast-Paced or High-Energy Environments
Programs can be loud, busy, and constantly moving. Flexibility and energy are essential.
Avoids Conflict or Accountability Conversations
The role requires providing staff feedback, addressing performance concerns, and responding to member issues professionally and promptly.
Wants a Highly Predictable Schedule Every Week
Programs, staffing needs, and class coverage can change quickly, including substitute teaching responsibilities.
Struggles with Multitasking
Success in this role requires balancing instruction, supervision, scheduling, communication, and operational support simultaneously.
Prefers Limited Interaction with Parents or Community Members
This position involves regular communication with families and responding to questions, concerns, and feedback in a service-focused manner.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
Successful Program Coordinators will:

• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants
• Build strong relationships with families and team members
• Maintain safe, organized, and engaging classes
• Support staff development through coaching and feedback
• Help grow participation and retention within the gymnastics program
• Respond professionally and quickly to member concerns
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and leadership presence
• Support YMCA fundraising and community engagement initiatives

What Candidates Should Realistically Expect

• A physically active work environment
• Frequent interaction with children and families
• Direct teaching responsibilities most days
• Evening and weekend programming requirements
• Fast-paced operations with shifting priorities
• Ongoing communication with staff and parents
• Leadership responsibilities combined with frontline program delivery
• A team-oriented environment where flexibility is important

Ideal Background
Candidates most likely to succeed typically have:

• Experience coaching gymnastics or youth program
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills
• Experience working in youth development, recreation, or nonprofit environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism
• Passion for creating positive experiences for children and families

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum 1-2 years experience teaching Gymnastics, Dance, and/or Cheer.
2. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
3. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
4. Able to work independently and with minimal supervision. Organized and detail oriented.
5. Adept computer skills in Office 365.
6. Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekend, and holidays.
7. Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):
The National YMCA Mission:
"To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all."
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y's values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.
Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change/ models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Must have high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.