Under the direction of Healthy Living leadership and in alignment with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Tier 3 Yoga Instructor is responsible for delivering safe, effective, and engaging yoga classes that serve a diverse participant base, including specialty populations. This advanced-level instructor also serves as a mentor and educator, contributing to the ongoing growth, professional development, and quality of the YMCA's group fitness programming.
Culture Statement
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.
We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Essential Functions
- Design and deliver inclusive, high-quality yoga classes based on safe, evidence-based principles including for specialty populations.
- Maintain a minimum of 70% target class attendance and support program growth through consistent participant engagement.
- Teach at least 2 classes per week (8/month) and provide coverage for at least one sub class monthly, starting and ending all sessions on time.
- Build strong relationships through pre- and post-class interaction to enhance member satisfaction and retention.
- Ensure studio cleanliness, proper equipment use, and a safe class environment.
- Accurately record and report class attendance in alignment with YMCA protocols.
- Support YMCA community initiatives by participating in outreach and fundraising campaigns.
- Attend required staff meetings and pursue continuing education aligned with YMCA and personal development goals.
- Serve as a mentor and content expert for lower-tier instructors and contribute to internal instructor development and education.
- Model and promote the mission, vision, and values of the YMCA through professionalism, service excellence, and leadership.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
Required Qualifications
- Completion of all required YMCA of Greater Charlotte trainings within the designated timeline.
- Minimum of 8 years (800+ hours) of yoga instruction experience.
- Current E-RYT certification (800-hour minimum level).
- Demonstrated ability to teach two or more class formats, including at least one for a specialty population (e.g., seniors, prenatal, adaptive yoga).
- Recognized as a content expert with willingness and capability to mentor Tier 1 and 2 instructors.
- Experience contributing to or leading continuing education for fitness professionals is highly desirable.
- Passion for helping individuals achieve health and wellness through yoga.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-starter with excellent time management and organizational abilities.
- Outgoing and approachable, with the ability to build trusting relationships.
- Strong customer service orientation and ability to promote YMCA wellness programs.
- Demonstrates professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to quality service.
- Flexibility in scheduling based on client and organizational needs.
- Basic computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel).
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
Working Conditions
- Must be available to teach at varied times, including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Ability to walk, stand, bend, kneel, and move for extended periods of time while actively instructing.
- Exposure to shared fitness environments with potential for contact with communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
- Physical ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds, including setup and breakdown of yoga equipment.
- Visual and auditory acuity to monitor participant safety and respond to emergencies swiftly.
- Ability to “spot” participants and assist with modifications safely.
- May require extended screen time for class tracking and administrative responsibilities.
Competencies
1 ENGAGING COMMUNITY: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit
2 COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
3 FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role
4 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
