POSITION SUMMARY:
The Sports Program Director is responsible for leading and growing programs that reflect the YMCA’s mission and serve community needs. This role includes supervising and developing part-time staff and volunteers, managing program operations and budgets, and ensuring a positive and high-quality experience for participants. The Program Coordinator also builds partnerships with community organizations and supports outreach, marketing, and fundraising initiatives to strengthen engagement and impact.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Program Leadership
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Maintain consistent daily presence in programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight, following association-specific expectations for direct service coverage and onsite visitation.
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Launch new programs and grow existing ones in alignment with strategic goals and participant interests.
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Coordinate facility use and logistics to support smooth program delivery and engaging events.
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Manage daily participant records by using program software to track attendance and verify and track essential information.
Staff Development
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Recruit, train, schedule, and support part-time staff and volunteers to build a strong, inclusive team.
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Provide regular feedback and coaching to help staff grow and succeed.
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Motivate your team to meet goals and create a positive, mission-driven work culture.
Community Engagement & Outreach
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Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to strengthen program impact and visibility.
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Support outreach, marketing, and registration efforts to promote programs and ensure access for all.
Fiscal Stewardship
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Develop and manage program budgets to meet financial goals and use resources responsibly.
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Contribute to the YMCA Annual Campaign by leading volunteer teams, supporting fundraising events, and achieving an individual fundraising goal that advances the branch’s overall target.
Program Experience
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Build strong relationships with members, families, and staff through positive, responsive communication.
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Address questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
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Track program data to evaluate success, improve experiences, and celebrate progress.
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Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet program and organizational needs.
Additional Responsibilities
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Take on other duties as assigned to support the YMCA’s mission and evolving priorities.
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Completion of all required annual trainings related to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Develops, promotes and delivers high-quality sports programs serving members, volunteers and program participants with an intentional focus on relationships, engagement and skill development.
- Supports the overall vision for youth, sports, branch, and association initiatives.
- Leads and manages all youth sports activities and collaborates with wellness director regarding gym schedules.
- Certification Requirements (must obtain within 30 days of starting and maintain throughout employment): CPRO, Basic First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Degree in related field preferred and 1+ year of related experience.
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Passion for building community and fostering meaningful relationships through programs and services.
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Experience supporting program delivery and staff development in a team-based environment.
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Ability to coordinate staff, programs, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting.
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Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions.
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Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and strong organizational and time-management skills.
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Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
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Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred, but not required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
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Primarily office and program settings with frequent interaction in gyms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces.
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Moderate noise levels; may be louder during youth or community activities.
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Regular use of computer, phone, and other office technology.
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Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40 lbs.
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Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.
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Flexible schedule required — may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel between branches or sites.
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Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
- A clean driving record is required to meet YMCA insurance standards.
- Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events is required.
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Must reside in the YMCA of the Triangle service area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and surrounding areas).
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Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
