Director of Health & Wellness

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  October 19, 2026
 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Health and Wellness provides strategic and operational leadership for the YMCA of Frederick County’s Health and Wellness department.  This position is responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating and growing high quality programs and services that advance the YMCA’s mission of strengthening individuals, families and the community through healthy living.  Overseeing a diverse portfolio of wellness services, the Director ensures programs are safe, inclusive, engaging, member-centered, financially sustainable and aligned with YMCA standards, industry best practices and the evolving needs of the community. 

OUR CULTURE:

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 a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine:  We value you and embrace your individuality. We are nurturing:  We support you in your journey to develop your full potential
 

BENEFITS:

We offer an extensive benefits package for our full-time employees which includes:

• Free Household Membership 
• Medical Dental & Vision
• Life insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Retirement benefits will vest at 12% after 2 years of employment
• Discount on childcare and other Y programs
• Paid Time Off 
• Bereavement leave

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Staff Leadership and Development:

• Work with Associate Directors and Coordinators to recruit, hire, train and develop, supervise and evaluate staff and contractors as needed.
• Directly supervise Associate Director and Program Coordinators within the Health and Wellness function.
• Assure personal growth of staff through consultations, trainings, conferences, department meetings and performance reviews. Establish individual and team goals and develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, inclusion, professional growth and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, credentials, and training necessary to safely and effectively perform their responsibilities.

Program Operations:

• Develop, implement, expand and evaluate innovative, high quality health, wellness and fitness programs that meet the needs of members and the broader community.
• Set and maintain standard of quality for programs in the Health and Wellness department.  Ensure we are providing programs that meet industry standards and that staff is held accountable to the quality program standards established.
• Regularly evaluate program participation, participant satisfaction, safety, effectiveness and financial performance.
• Organize and coordinate program schedules and registration processes to support successful program delivery and participation.
• Compile and organize program statistics and performance data to identify trends, opportunities and areas of improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase member engagement, retention, referrals and participation in Health and Wellness programs.
• Promote an environment where every member feels welcomed, supported, included and encouraged to purse their personal health and wellness goals.

Financial Management:

• Develop and/or support successful grant applications for evidence based health and wellness programs.

• Prepare, administer and monitor budgets related to Health & Wellness programs throughout the year to assure revenue and expense goals are achieved.

• Assist with branch and association financial development activities, including Annual Campaign, United Way, special events, fundraisers and other development initiatives.

Strategic Leadership:

• Provide overall leadership, direction and strategic oversight for the Health and Wellness department across the YMCA association.
• Develop and implement annual goals, objectives, operating plans, strategies, and performance measures for the Health and Wellness department in alignment with the YMCAs mission, strategic priorities and operating plans.
• Implement evidence based health community programs, to include health care membership.

• Collaborate with branch and association leadership to support organizational goals and priorities. 
• Perform quality work within established deadlines, expectations, and organizational standards.

Community and Partnerships:

• Grow and oversee Health and Wellness programming at all new facilities. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, businesses, schools, senior organizations, universities and other strategic partners.
• Promote the YMCA as a trusted community resource for healthy living, wellness and preventative health. 
• Participate in community events, health fairs, workshops, outreach initiatives, and other activities that increase awareness of YMCA Health and Wellness services.

Administration:

• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other appropriate individuals.
• Respond promptly and professionally to member, participant, agency and community inquiries, concerns and complaints.
• Actively participate in internal and external designated meetings, training session and special events, in a professional manner.
• Serve as Cause Driven Leader on Duty (CDLOD) as scheduled.

Facility and Risk Management:

• Ensure all Health and Wellness programs, services, and facilities operate in accordance with YMCA policies, Risk Management standards, safety requirements, industry standards and applicable regulations.
• Conduct or ensure regular inspections of fitness spaces, equipment and program areas.
• Work with VP of Facilities, VP of Healthy Living and all vendors to ensure proper equipment is being sourced, maintained and consistent with industry standards.
• Provide leadership during emergency situations, serving as a resource to staff during emergency response; confirming appropriate emergency procedures are followed by staff.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health or physical education with coursework that exhibits background in anatomy, kinesiology, human physiology and wellness or senior program development.  Additional focus on human services, social services, recreation, business or equivalent preferred.
• Two or more years of staff and program management experience, preferably in a YMCA or other not-for-profit agency.  Four years of experience in a management role in the operation of a wellness/fitness center is also required. A master’s degree may be substituted for the experience.
• Passionate belief in the Y’s cause of nurturing the potential of all youth, supporting healthy living for all people and finding ways to help and support our community.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Strong communication, networking and collaboration skills
• Excellent team builder and team player, ability to work in a self-directed fashion.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills, capable of working effectively with board members, staff members, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of health & wellness and customer service, instruction practice, group and program creation and facilitation, community outreach, and budget and fiscal management
• Must meet YMCA Transportation Policy requirements and be deemed insurable.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

He/she must have the ability to demonstrate understanding of program development and management; effective and efficient time management; demonstrate capacity for managing and leading people; excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and coaching skills, and organizational skills; ability to exemplify a “Y-Voice” that demonstrates determination, genuine concern, welcoming attitude, hopefulness and a nurturing spirit.

Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that their own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization; maintain a work ethic that holds a high standard to organizational accountability.

CERTIFICATES/TRAININGS:                                                                                                                  

• Completion of YMCA Multi-Team Leader certification within 2 years
• Blood borne Pathogen Training
• CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen Administration Certification
• Code of Conduct Training
• Personal Trainer Certification
• Fitness Specialist Qualified