Sports Experience Director at Dow Bay Area Family YMCA – Bay City, Michigan

Job Title: Sports Experience Director

Reports to: CXO

Status: Full Time/Exempt, Eligible for Full Time Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short Term Disability, Flex Spending, YMCA Retirement Fund, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Time, Paid Holidays, and FREE YMCA Household Membership

Compensation: $45,000

Work Schedule: Primary hours will be Monday–Friday with flexibility required for at least one evening per week and Saturdays during youth sports leagues and to support Sports department and YMCA activities and special events.

Work location: In Person

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sports Experience Director is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader responsible for driving the growth and long-term success of the Sports Department at the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA. This role champions the Y’s mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility—while strategically expanding program offerings and increasing participation.

The Sports Experience Director leads all youth and adult sports leagues, clinics, and camps with a continuous improvement approach, identifying opportunities, elevating program quality, and ensuring an exceptional member and participant experience. This position ensures programs are safe, inclusive, engaging, and aligned with YMCA standards and community needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategic Growth

• Serves as a member of the CXO’s Member Experience Team, contributing to organizational strategy and vision.
• Directs, expands, and innovates sports programming in alignment with community demand, emerging trends, and the YMCA’s strategic plan.
• Actively identifies growth opportunities—new offerings, seasonal offerings, leagues, and partnerships.
• Uses data, feedback, and evaluation to improve program quality and scale participation continuously.

Team Development & Culture

• Recruits, hires, supervises, and develops Sports Department staff, interns, co-ops, contractors, and volunteers.
• Leads with empathy and professionalism, demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups.

Program Excellence & Member Experience

• Ensures all programs provide a safe, positive, inclusive, and engaging environment for participants.
• Responds promptly to member, parent, and community concerns while modeling the Y’s core values.
• Oversees scheduling of practices, games, officials, clinics, and camps; manage program logistics from uniforms to awards.
• Willing and available to work evening and weekend hours as needed when programs are running to ensure a high-quality experience for participants.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Work with the CXO to build and maintain meaningful collaborations with local organizations, schools, municipalities, and community partners to expand program reach.
• Actively participates in fundraising events and community initiatives.

Financial & Operational Performance

• Oversee all departmental operations with an emphasis on growth and fiscal responsibility.
• Leads budget development, expense monitoring, purchasing, collections, and revenue forecasting.
• Ensures the department meets or exceeds financial targets through strong enrollment, smart resource allocation, and efficient operations.
• Manages field and facility scheduling; maintains equipment, supplies, and facility readiness.

Innovation & Industry Awareness

• Stays current on youth and adult sports trends through research, networking, conferences, and visits to other facilities.
• Introduces modern, relevant programming that enhances member satisfaction and drives new participation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Three to five years of leadership experience; YMCA experience preferred.
• Proven success in developing, implementing, and evaluating sports programs.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with the ability to engage families, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Successful completion of background check.