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Wellness Program Director Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Wellness Director

Hartford, CT · On-site

$48K - $56K/yr

Focus on program growth and quality including, best practices and the elevation of wellness ... Direct responsibility to hire, develop, motivate and retain a team of wellness staff members ...

Wellness Attendant Intern

Granby, CT · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Senior Program Director Revision Date:7/8/2024 Leadership Level: POSITION SUMMARY: The Wellness Intern positions primary responsibility will be member engagement and improving the overall experience ...

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Wellness Program Director information

See Connecticut salary details

$28.1K

$74.4K

$130.3K

How much do wellness program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for wellness program director in Connecticut is $74,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $88,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree do I need to be a wellness program director?

A wellness program director typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in health education, public health, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree and relevant certifications, such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Wellness Coach certifications, along with experience in health promotion or program management.

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

To thrive as a Wellness Program Director, you need a background in health promotion, program management, and often a degree in health sciences, public health, or a related field. Familiarity with wellness assessment tools, data management software, and certifications like Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) are common requirements. Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills help build effective teams and engage participants. These abilities ensure the successful design, implementation, and evaluation of wellness initiatives that promote healthier organizational cultures.

What is a wellness program director?

Wellness Program Directors are professionals who design, implement, and manage health and wellness initiatives within organizations or communities. Their role is to promote healthy lifestyles by organizing programs, workshops, and activities that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They often work with other health professionals to assess needs, set goals, and evaluate the effectiveness of wellness programs. These directors play a critical role in fostering a positive and healthy environment for employees or participants.

What is the difference between Wellness Program Director vs Wellness Coordinator?

AspectWellness Program DirectorWellness Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire wellness programs, develops strategies, manages staffAssists in program implementation, coordinates activities, supports wellness initiatives
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree in health, fitness, or related field; certifications like ACE or NASM often preferredRelevant certifications or experience in health or wellness; often entry-level
Work EnvironmentCorporate, healthcare, or community organizations; leadership roleSupport staff in wellness programs; administrative or operational setting

The Wellness Program Director typically holds a leadership role, managing entire wellness initiatives and requiring advanced credentials. In contrast, the Wellness Coordinator supports program activities and often has entry-level or supporting credentials. Both roles are vital in promoting health and wellness within organizations, but the Director focuses on strategy and oversight, while the Coordinator handles day-to-day operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a wellness program director when implementing new health initiatives?

A Wellness Program Director often faces challenges such as securing employee engagement, balancing diverse wellness needs, and demonstrating measurable outcomes to stakeholders. It can be difficult to design programs that appeal to a broad workforce while staying within budget and maintaining compliance with health regulations. Building strong relationships with HR, leadership, and external vendors is key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful program adoption.
What are the most commonly searched types of Wellness Program jobs in Connecticut? The most popular types of Wellness Program jobs in Connecticut are:
What are popular job titles related to Wellness Program Director jobs in Connecticut? For Wellness Program Director jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Wellness Program Director jobs? Cities in Connecticut with the most Wellness Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Wellness Program Director job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,386 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Health And Wellness Director

YMCA

Waterbury, CT • On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

571st of 771 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Come join our team! The Waterbury YMCA is seeking a full-time Health & Wellness Director.
Job Description
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Health & Wellness Director at the Greater Waterbury YMCA oversees the development and operations of Health & Wellness programs, and designs practices, processes, and procedures for strong program and project management. Programs include but not limited to: Personal Training, Wellness Center operations, Group Fitness, and the Livestrong program.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
  • Current Red Cross certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid.
  • YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
  • One to two years related experience preferred.
  • National certification in group fitness instruction (e.g., ACE, NETA, AFAA, NASM) or YMCA group exercise instructor certification required. Certification in area of expertise required.
  • Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
  • Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Essential Functions
Administrative:
1. Ensures all Health and Wellness programs and services meet community needs to include supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Ensure all instructors maintain current CPR/First Aid certifications as well as Group Exercise and Personal Training Certificates.
2. Maintains working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support.
3. Recruit, hire, train and supervise diverse staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity. Onboards and develops them for success.
4. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within the Health & Wellness Department.
5. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
6. Responsible for all Health & Wellness program reporting and billing.
7. Conducts Fitness Foundations appointments.
8. Manages the Health & Wellness Department, including developing and monitoring the Department and program budgets to meet fiscal objectives; compiling program statistics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in programs; securing and scheduling the needed facilities; and creating and scheduling the classes, activities or events.
Wellness Center Floor:
1. Schedules and supervises floor staff and works Wellness Center floor as needed.
2. Ensures Equipment is in good standing order, reports needs for equipment as needed and works with vendors/maintenance technician to repair and/or replace equipment as needed.
Group Exercise/Fitness & Personal Trainers:
1. Schedules and supervises Group Exercise staff and fills in classes as needed.
2. Leads 1-3 Group Exercise classes
3. Communicate with instructors consistently.
4. Meet with instructors every 2-3 months to discuss training, policies, and ideas.
Waterbury YMCA:
1. Supports the Ys Community Support Campaign.
2. Contributes to the success of association-wide programs and functions as requested by the AED.
3. Serves as Director on Duty as needed.
4. Reviews Emergency Procedures on a regular basis and reacts appropriately.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
1. Communication & Influence
2. Developing Self & Others
3. Program/project Management
4. Engaging Community
Ymca Careers
Similar Positions
Healthy Lifestyles Director
Central YMCA Branch
Wellness & Youth Program Director
Moshannon Valley YMCA
Wellness Performance Director
YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

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