Wellness Director (On Site) at YMCA of the Lowcountry – Ridgeland, South Carolina

Salary: Minimum $44,000 - Maximum $50,000

Type: Full-Time – Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours Per Week (Flexible Schedule)

Organization Overview

At the YMCA of the Lowcountry, we are more than an organization — we are a cause. Together, we strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our staff are at the heart of this mission, creating safe, welcoming environments where children grow, families thrive, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Department Overview

The Wellness Department plays a pivotal role in advancing the YMCA’s mission of healthy living by creating inclusive, safe, and engaging environments that support physical well-being for members of all ages and abilities. Through fitness centers, group exercise classes, personal training, and community health initiatives, the department fosters lifelong wellness habits.

Benefits You’ll Receive

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with an employee premium share of $49.19 per pay period.
• $10,000 Life Insurance benefit paid in full by the YMCA.
• 12% employer-funded retirement contribution (eligible after 2 years of service).
• Complimentary nationwide YMCA membership for you and your household.
• 50% discount on YMCA programs, including childcare, aquatics, youth sports, and swim lessons.
• Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance.

What You’ll Do:

Program Development & Community Impact

• Develop, implement, and evaluate wellness programs that promote physical health and healthy lifestyles for members of all ages and abilities.
• Monitor program effectiveness and member engagement; analyze outcomes and implement improvements to maximize impact.
• Organize and lead health and wellness events, challenges, and community initiatives.
• Stay current on industry trends, certifications, and best practices in fitness and wellness programming.

Training & Program Oversight

• Ensure wellness programs align with the YMCA mission, safety standards, and operational goals.
• Provide training, guidance, and ongoing support to staff, volunteers, and members participating in wellness programs.
• Ensure full departmental compliance with Praesidium standards, including background screenings, training completion, documentation, and corrective action as needed.
• Maintain compliance with YMCA policies, Praesidium risk management standards, and certification requirements.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise wellness staff including personal trainers and group exercise instructors.
• Coach and mentor staff to deliver high-quality member experiences and professional growth.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented wellness culture.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Physical Education, or a related field (required).
• Current nationally recognized fitness certification (ACE, NASM, or equivalent).
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working within a wellness or fitness department.
• Proven leadership, organizational, and administrative skills with experience in supervising and developing staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and connect with individuals from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

The YMCA of the Lowcountry is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.