Associate director of sports & community programs

Description

Department: Programs
Reports To: VP of Operations/ COO (Executive Leadership as Assigned)
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $40,000 - $43,000 annually

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Sports & Community Programs serves as a key operational leader supporting the YMCA's youth sports leagues, community events, and seasonal operations. This position plays a significant role in coordinating the YMCA's winter basketball programs, leading signature community events, and overseeing seasonal concessions and admissions staff during summer aquatics operations.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position requiring strong organizational skills, staff supervision, and the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities throughout the year while supporting the YMCA's mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

Sports & Community Programs

Support the planning, coordination, and daily operations of the YMCA's youth sports leagues and signature community events.

Youth Sports Programs

Serve as the primary operational assistant for the YMCA's winter basketball leagues, including scheduling, gym coordination, coach communication, staffing, and game-day operations. Assist with planning and operating Little Ballers (PK–K) basketball leagues during the fall and spring. Support volunteer coach onboarding, parent communication, sportsmanship, and participant engagement. Provide visible, hands-on leadership during practices, games, and other program activities.

Community Events

Serve as lead coordinator or co-lead for the YMCA's annual signature events, including:

• February: Daddy Daughter Dance
• March: Mother Son Nerf War
• April: Healthy Kids Day
• July: Tri in July
• November: Turkey Trot

Coordinate event planning, logistics, staff and volunteers, vendors, facility preparation, event execution, and post-event evaluation.

Summer Aquatics Operations

Provide operational oversight and support for seasonal pool concessions and admissions operations. Serve as the primary point of contact for concessions and front gate staff. Assist with seasonal recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and supervision. Ensure appropriate daily staffing, customer service, and operational coverage. Coordinate with aquatics leadership and maintenance staff. Support compliance with YMCA policies, cash-handling procedures, and safety expectations.

Staff Leadership & Operational Support

Assist with recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating part-time and seasonal employees. Provide on-site leadership, staff accountability, and support with conflict resolution. Assist with program registration, reporting, inventory, and expense tracking. Collaborate with YMCA departments to support efficient operations and positive member experiences. Perform additional program and operational responsibilities as assigned by executive leadership.

Mission & Member Experience

Demonstrate the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith. Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment for participants, families, staff, and volunteers. Represent the YMCA professionally throughout programs, events, and community activities.

Qualifications

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in youth sports, recreation, camps, or related programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead staff and volunteers.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Education, or a related field.
• YMCA, nonprofit, or community recreation experience.
• Experience coordinating events or managing seasonal programs.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification or ability to obtain.

Physical & Schedule Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods and lift or move equipment up to 50 lbs., with reasonable accommodation as applicable. Flexible schedule based on seasonal programs, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.

Why This Role Matters

The Associate Director of Sports & Community Programs plays an important role in delivering quality youth sports experiences, strengthening community engagement, and supporting YMCA operations throughout the year. This position helps ensure programs and events run efficiently while building positive relationships with members, families, volunteers, and staff.

Accepting applications until December 7, 2026