Health & Wellness Director

Ready to lead, inspire, and make an impact? Join the Foundation YMCA as our next Health & Wellness Director!

Job Description

The Health & Wellness Director provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the Foundation YMCA of Wilson’s health and wellness programs and services. This position is responsible for creating an inclusive, welcoming, and results-oriented environment that helps members and participants achieve their health and wellness goals.


The Health & Wellness Director oversees the development, implementation, evaluation, and growth of fitness, wellness, group exercise, personal training, and related healthy living initiatives. The Director is responsible for recruiting, training, supervising, and developing staff and volunteers while ensuring programs meet YMCA standards, organizational goals, and the needs of the Wilson community.


This position works collaboratively across departments to strengthen member engagement, retention, program participation, and the overall member experience. The Health & Wellness Director serves as a visible and approachable leader who models healthy living and builds meaningful relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health Promotion, Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in fitness, health and wellness, recreation, or a related field.
- Previous supervisory or management experience required.
- Current nationally recognized fitness certification preferred; examples include ACSM, ACE, NASM, NSCA, or equivalent.
- Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification within an established timeframe.
- Strong knowledge of fitness programming, wellness principles, exercise safety, and member engagement.
- Experience developing and managing budgets and monitoring financial performance.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
- Ability to recruit, develop, motivate, and retain high-performing staff.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds, abilities, and fitness levels.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the YMCA and a passion for strengthening the health and well-being of the community.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, and special events.

Essential Functions

Program Leadership & Development


- Develop and implement a comprehensive health and wellness strategy aligned with the Foundation YMCA’s mission, strategic priorities, and community needs.
- Oversee fitness, wellness, group exercise, personal training, small-group training, and other health-related programs and services.
- Evaluate existing programs and identify opportunities for innovation, growth, and improved member outcomes.
- Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, engaging, and responsive to members of varying ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
- Develop and monitor program goals, participation targets, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Collaborate with other departments to create integrated wellness opportunities for members and program participants.
- Stay current on health, fitness, wellness, and industry trends and incorporate appropriate best practices.


Staff & Volunteer Leadership


- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate health and wellness staff, instructors, trainers, and volunteers.
- Establish clear expectations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development.
- Create staff schedules that appropriately support program needs and facility operations.
- Ensure staff maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training.
- Foster a positive, professional, inclusive, and team-oriented culture.


Member Experience & Engagement


- Build strong relationships with members and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
- Be highly visible and engaged on the wellness floor and throughout the facility.
- Support member orientations, wellness consultations, fitness assessments, and individualized goal-setting.
- Develop strategies to increase participation, member engagement, retention, and satisfaction within Health & Wellness.
- Respond to member questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely and professional manner.
- Encourage connections between members, staff, and programs that strengthen the overall YMCA experience.


Safety, Quality & Risk Management


- Ensure all health and wellness programs are delivered safely and in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
- Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming fitness and wellness environment.
- Monitor equipment and identify maintenance, replacement, and capital needs.
- Ensure staff follow established emergency, safety, and incident-reporting procedures.
- Maintain appropriate records, certifications, waivers, and other required documentation.
- Support compliance with applicable YMCA, local, state, and federal standards and regulations.


Financial & Administrative Management


- Develop and manage the Health & Wellness department budget.
- Monitor revenue, expenses, payroll, and program performance to achieve established financial goals.
- Identify opportunities for revenue growth through memberships, personal training, specialty programs, partnerships, and other wellness initiatives.
- Assist with purchasing, equipment planning, contracts, and vendor relationships.
- Prepare reports and communicate departmental performance, challenges, and opportunities to senior leadership.


Community Engagement


- Represent the Foundation YMCA of Wilson in the community and promote the YMCA’s commitment to healthy living.
- Develop relationships with healthcare providers, businesses, schools, community organizations, and other partners to expand health and wellness opportunities.
- Support community health initiatives, events, screenings, challenges, and outreach programs.
- Participate in YMCA events, fundraising initiatives, staff meetings, and other organizational activities as needed.

Required Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health Promotion, Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field preferred.


Current nationally recognized fitness certification preferred; examples include ACSM, ACE, NASM, NSCA, or equivalent.


Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification within an established timeframe.

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