Senior Program Director

Live near the beautiful beaches of Alabama and enjoy a rewarding career in a mission-focused organization! Job Description At the YMCA of South Alabama, we enjoy creating a space where families, children, and individuals can thrive—whether they're diving into pool activities, scoring points on the field, or growing their leadership skills! This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven community, while encouraging a love for healthy living, teamwork, and of course, safety around water. If you’re passionate about sports, aquatics, and fostering an inclusive environment for all, this position might just be the perfect fit for you! Reporting to the Executive Branch Director, the Senior Program Director, will oversee the creation, development, and growth of all aquatics and sports programming at the YMCA and will grow other programs as the branch requires. You’ll lead the way in ensuring our programs are safe, fun, and effective; making sure our community gets the best possible experience. It’s a role that blends creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. It’s a great opportunity to grow your own leadership skills and take your career to the next level! Our Culture: Who We Are Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are determined: above all else, we are on a quest to make our community stronger. Qualifications Leadership with Heart: A desire to lead with passion, positivity, and a commitment to making a difference. Ability to assist other branches through mentorship and professional advice due to years of YMCA leadership experience. A Splash of Experience: A Bachelor’s degree required and 4 to 5 years of YMCA management experience in sports, aquatics, youth services or related fields. Safety First, Always: Certifications in CPR, AED, and other necessary safety training (or willing to obtain). Lifeguard certification required. Risk Management training preferred. Ability to train lifeguards and swim instructors through YMCA‑designated programs required; may attain during first six months of hire. Team Player: Strong communication skills and a team‑oriented mindset—this is a role where collaboration and engagement are key! Growth Mindset: A drive to continue developing your leadership skills and career, while helping others do the same. Essential Functions Lead the Fun: Oversee and enhance programs as needed for branch assigned, with an emphasis on sports and aquatics programs. You’ll plan, promote, and develop new activities that keep everyone engaged—from youth to adults—ensuring they’re aligned with our mission of healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. Manage Facilities & Budgets: You’ll be the go‑to person for aquatics center and youth and adult sports facility scheduling, programming, maintenance, and safety, while also overseeing the budgeting process to keep everything running smoothly. Team Leader: Recruit, train, and support an awesome team of staff and volunteers. You’ll inspire them to provide excellent service and ensure they are current with their certifications. You will also manage and oversee several coordinator roles. Innovate & Grow: Introduce exciting new programs that’ll add value to YMCA memberships, and take our aquatics and sports activities to the next level. Community Connection: Build and maintain relationships within the community to secure support for the YMCA. You'll also develop strategies to grow our Annual Support Campaign and raise funds to support scholarships for families in need. Swim, Dive & Splash: Take a pragmatic approach with swim lessons, swim teams, and special aquatic events. Safety is always a top priority, and you’ll lead by example in maintaining high standards for health and safety. Manage payroll for all departments assigned. Respond to supervisor and member communication within a 24‑hour business period. Think Big, Lead Big: Help shape and manage the vision for the YMCA’s sports and aquatics programming, while continuing to grow in your leadership skills and career. Why You’ll Love It Career Growth: Not only will you lead awesome programs, but you'll also have the chance to level up your career in leadership with us. Team Spirit: Work alongside a passionate and supportive team that’s committed to creating a welcoming environment for all. Work that Matters: Every day, you'll have the chance to make a real impact on people’s lives—whether it’s teaching a child how to swim, helping someone improve their fitness, or creating an exciting new program for your community. Benefits Include YMCA Membership Program Discounts Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Long & Short‑Term Disability, Employee Life Insurance 12% Employer Funded Retirement Plan Optional 403B Retirement Savings Account Generous PTO policy 8 Paid Holidays Professional Development Opportunities and Trainings Cause‑Driven Leadership Competencies Required Certifications Red Cross or YMCA Instructor‑level certification preferred, required within six months of hire. CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of the USA