At the Y, our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Join our Greater Cleveland YMCA team in living our cause and helping to provide quality, safe and healthy programs and services in our community.
Position Summary:
NinjaZone is a program blending elements of obstacle course training, gymnastics, parkour, and martial arts. It focuses on developing strength, agility, and confidence in children through a structured, progressive curriculum. The program encourages children to learn at their own pace while building body awareness, listening skills, and coachability.
The NinjaZone Coach brings high-energy leadership to one of our most dynamic youth programs, blending gymnastics, martial arts, parkour, and obstacle training into an electrifying class experience. The NinjaZone Coach is responsible for keeping the designated rooms clean and free from clutter, recognizing potential hazards, communicating and eliminating hazards relative to program and program areas. Adheres to policies and responsibilities in the Child Abuse Prevention Plan. The NinjaZone Coach is responsible for creating and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans and maintaining communication to parents and staff while reporting to the Youth and Family Coordinator.
NinjaZone Coaches lead by example, jumping, rolling, and high fiving their way through classes that build strength, coordination, confidence, and character.
Essential Functions:
- Bring the energy—coach every class with a high level of enthusiasm, voice projection, and expressive body language to keep young Ninjas engaged.
- Lead fun, structured NinjaZone classes with safe obstacle course setup, skill demonstrations, and age-appropriate progressions.
- Use creative storytelling and imaginative instruction to teach fundamental movement skills (rolling, balancing, jumping, climbing, etc.).
- Keep kids focused and inspired, especially during moments of distraction or challenge—your energy sets the tone.
- Reinforce positive behavior and sportsmanship while celebrating effort, not just achievement.
- Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers about student growth and program updates.
- Keeps accurate class attendance records, aiming for continual retention and growth. Obtain a roster of paid participants at the beginning of the session and inform the supervisor of any discrepancies.
- Ensures completion of daily equipment checks and completes daily cleaning tasks.
- Attend and participate in training, team meetings, and seasonal events.
- Ensure cleanliness, safety, and readiness of all class areas and equipment.
- Uphold YMCA core values and reinforce NinjaZone’s emphasis on Focused Energy, Work Ethic, and Self-Responsibility.
Qualifications:Experience:
- At least 1 year of experience working with youth (teaching, coaching, childcare, or equivalent).
- At least 1 year working in gymnastics, tumbling, martial arts, dance, or obstacle-style programming.
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Passion for working with youth and ability to bring BIG energy to every session.
Certifications & Requirements:
- CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention certification required within 30 days of hire.
- Adhere to Blood borne Pathogen standards and attend annual training.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- NinjaZone Coach certification (training provided).
Skills & Traits:
- High-energy coaching style with an engaging and playful teaching presence.
- Excellent group management and communication skills.
- Creative, patient, and adaptable when working with a wide range of personalities and ages.
- Comfortable demonstrating physical skills and maintaining an active presence throughout class.
- Team player with a positive, growth-minded attitude.
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to run, jump, climb, crawl, and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Frequent kneeling, squatting, spotting, and equipment movement required.
- Ability to maintain a physically active pace for the duration of class.
Work Environment:
- High-energy, loud, and fast-paced gym environment.
- Must be able to maintain enthusiasm in a setting with high levels of movement, noise, and excitement.
- Evening and weekend availability required.
About YMCA of Greater Cleveland: Our vision is to be the premier community-based, charitable organization that embraces collaborations to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. That's why we offer an exceptional package that includes:
- A free membership to your local YMCA and discount to YMCA programs including childcare (part-time positions do not receive discount on childcare).
- Additional employee discounts at many places in and around town, just for being a YMCA of Greater Cleveland employee.
- Eligible employees receive comprehensive Benefits Plan including Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Plan, Retirement 8% paid by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and paid vacation.
