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Wellness Program Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Healthy Living Program Director provides strategic leadership for multiple program areas within the wellness department, ensuring alignment with the YMCA's mission and community priorities.

Under the direction of the Healthy Living Director, the Wellness Coach provides assistance ... Responsible for leading Start Strong program, Wellness Orientations, Wellness Challenges, and other ...

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Wellness Program Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$28.7K

$76K

$133.2K

How much do wellness program director jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for wellness program director in Raleigh, NC is $76,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $89,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wellness Program Director, and why are they important?

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 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 Wellness Program Directors?

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 does a wellness program manager do?

A wellness program manager oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of workplace health initiatives aimed at improving employee well-being. They coordinate activities such as health screenings, fitness programs, and educational sessions, often using data analysis and communication skills to promote engagement and measure program effectiveness.

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 the most commonly searched types of Wellness Program jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Wellness Program jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Wellness Program Director jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Wellness Program Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wellness Program Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Wellness Program Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Wellness Program Director jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Wellness Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Wellness Program Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,012 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Sr. Healthy Living Program Director

Sr. Healthy Living Program Director

YMCA

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$60.38K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,974 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

477th of 665 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Kraft Family YMCA in Apex, NC is seeking to hire a Sr. Healthy Living Program Director.
Job Description
The Senior Healthy Living Program Director provides strategic leadership for multiple program areas within the wellness department, ensuring alignment with the YMCA's mission and community priorities. This role oversees program development, operations, and budgets, while supervising and mentoring staff and volunteers to achieve excellence in service delivery. The Senior Healthy Living Program Director builds and sustains strong community partnerships, drives program growth and innovation, and plays a central role in leading fundraising and advancement initiatives. By setting vision, fostering collaboration, and ensuring high standards of quality and impact, this position strengthens organizational capacity and extends the YMCA's reach within the community.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field such as Exercise Science, Kinesiology or Health Promotion preferred and 3+ years of progressive experience in health and wellness programming.
  • Proven passion for building community and fostering strong, mission-driven relationships through programs and services.
  • NCCA accredited group fitness or personal training certification required.
  • Obtain and maintain required certifications within 30 days of hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen.
  • Extensive experience leading program development, staff supervision, and personnel growth.
  • Experience building a strong culture of hospitality through effective staff leadership and consistent member-centered service.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and lead staff, programs, and operational priorities with accountability for outcomes.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including written, verbal, and public-speaking engagement with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
  • Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrates professionalism, initiative, and a positive leadership presence that builds and sustains high-performing teams.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills with experience overseeing complex initiatives.
  • Capacity to oversee facilities, equipment, and program operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality experiences.
  • Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
  • Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred but not required.

Essential Functions
  • Provides strategic leadership for the wellness department, overseeing group fitness, personal training, wellness programs and staff development.
  • Develops, promotes, and delivers innovative, high-quality wellness programs and events for the branch, with a focus on overall health, relationships, and engagement of staff, members and volunteers.
  • Oversee all wellness, personal training, and group fitness schedules, ensuring timely updates, clear communication of class offerings, and alignment with member needs.
  • Maintains a high-quality Group Fitness program through data tracking, schedule adjustments, class audits, and member communication via the mobile app.
  • Collaborates with the Y-Health team to implement branch-based Evidence-Based Health Initiative programs.
  • Provides oversight of wellness floor engagement, environment, staffing, and equipment through direct supervision of the Healthy Living Director.
  • Maintain consistent daily presence in programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight, following association-specific expectations for direct service coverage and onsite visitation.
  • Coordinate facilities, resources, and logistics to ensure high-quality program delivery and successful events.
  • Acts as a key member of the Leadership Engagement Team, including opening, closing, and weekend shifts to build strong member relationships.

Required Certifications
NCCA accredited group fitness or personal training certification required.
Obtain and maintain required certifications within 30 days of hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen.
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