Director of Health and Wellness

Are you energetic, collaborative and passionate about helping people and community achieve healthier lifestyles?  We would love to meet you!
Job Description

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.

Qualifications
  • 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.
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.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Advancing the Mission:  
• Engaging Community – Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s 
work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit 
• Philanthropy – Secures resources and support to advance the Y’s work 


Building Relationships:  
• Communication & Influence – Listens and expresses self effectively in a way that 
engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause 


Leading Operations:  
• Innovation – Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that 
improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community 
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making – Makes informed decisions based on logic, data 
and sound judgement 
• Program/Project Management – Ensures program or project goals are met and intended 
impact occurs 


Developing and Inspiring People:  
• 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
  • 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