Group Exercise Director

YMCA
Salary
$55,000.00
$65,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Make a difference through movement. Lead, inspire, and innovate.
Job Description

The Summit Area YMCA is looking for a passionate and dynamic Group Exercise Director to lead our thriving group fitness program across two branches.

The Group Exercise Director is a vital leader within the Summit Area YMCA’s Health & Wellness team, responsible for shaping the vision and execution of group fitness programming across our Summit and Berkeley Heights branches. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Health & Wellness, this position is more than just managing schedules — it's about building a strong, inclusive community through movement. You’ll lead and support a diverse team of instructors across both locations, ensure high-quality program delivery, and develop innovative classes that reflect member interests and evolving industry trends. From overseeing daily operations and leveraging data to refine offerings, to stepping in to teach when needed, you'll be both strategic and hands-on. If you’re passionate about wellness and ready to make a meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.

You may be the right person if you…

  • Thrive on leading teams and building strong connections.
  • Stay ahead of fitness trends and love creating fresh, exciting class formats.
  • Use technology and data to enhance programming and improve participation.
  • Are certified in multiple group fitness formats and can jump in when needed.
  • Bring energy, creativity, and professionalism to everything you do.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Health & Wellness, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience in group fitness leadership.
  • Minimum 2 years in a supervisory group fitness or wellness leadership role.
  • Current group exercise certification from ACSM, NETA, ACE, ISSA, AFAA
  • Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and safe fitness instruction.
  • Familiarity with scheduling software and fitness data analysis tools.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds, as well as physical and mental abilities.
  • Bi-Lingual a plus.

 

Essential Functions
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire the group exercise team to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and motivating classes.
  • Create, refine, and innovate group exercise offerings to meet evolving member interests and trends in the fitness industry.
  • Maintain current certifications for all taught classes and ensure instructors have appropriate credentials.
  • Utilize YMCA systems and technology to manage schedules, track participation, communicate changes, and analyze performance metrics.
  • Monitor class attendance and usage data, and recommend schedule changes or class additions based on trends.
  • Ensure timely and accurate updates to the website, app, and other member communication tools.
  • Respond to instructor absences or class issues via text, email, or phone, including sub coverage as needed.
  • Oversee all administrative duties related to group exercise operations, including payroll, staff rotations, equipment tracking, and reporting.
  • Conduct weekly equipment and facility checks to ensure safety and readiness.
  • Coordinate equipment purchases with Sr. Director of Health & Wellness.
  • Plan and implement wellness challenges, seasonal program launches, and staff workshops.
  • Promote a member-first approach and serve as a YMCA ambassador for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Maintain knowledge of YMCA programs, policies, and procedures, and model the YMCA core values.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Executive Leadership
  • As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that the Y is the nation’s leading non-profit committed to strengthening the community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
  • As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that diversity and inclusion are core to the Summit Area YMCA mission. The SAY is open and inclusive of all people regardless of their ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic background and we must all strive courageously against any discriminatory behavior and will always abide by the Summit Area YMCA’s Diversity & Inclusion policy as explained in the Employee Handbook.

 

 

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Functional Expertise: Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment

Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community

Critical Thinking and Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgement

Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential

Required Certifications

Salary & Benefits

This full-time, exempt-level position generally works Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The Salary range for this position is $55,000 – $65,000 annually, based on experience.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays, Free YMCA family membership, discounts on YMCA programs and services (including childcare), Ongoing professional training and development and a 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility.

 

About the Summit Area YMCA:

We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.