Membership and Program Director

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Membership & Program Director ensures the branch operates efficiently and safely in alignment with YMCA standards while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Membership, Aquatics, Health & Wellness, and Sports Departments at the Gloucester County YMCA. This role leads staff development and performance, program quality, and membership growth while ensuring a welcoming, inclusive environment and the delivery of exceptional member experiences with measurable community impact.

The Membership & Program Director strengthens member engagement and program effectiveness by utilizing data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and community connection, and plays a key leadership role in advancing the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.

Branch Leadership & Operations

• Assist the Executive Director in ensuring the branch operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with YMCA standards, policies, and strategic goals.
• Participate actively in team meetings, planning efforts, and cross-functional or departmental initiatives.
• Model YMCA values and leadership competencies while fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and service.
• Support the association and programs, along with other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Staff Leadership & Performance Management

• Provide leadership, oversight, and development for assigned departments, ensuring staff are well-trained, supported, and meeting performance expectations.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop staff and volunteers within assigned areas.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support ongoing professional development.
• Lead staff meetings and communication to ensure alignment, clarity, and consistency across programs and services.

Program Strategy, Quality & Growth

• Provide strategic oversight for all assigned programs, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, relevance, and impact.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate cause-driven programs that advance Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
• Lead aquatics programming in alignment with YMCA standards, positioning the Gloucester County YMCA as a leader in water safety.
• Provide leadership for health-based initiatives, group exercise, and other program areas to support community health and membership engagement.
• Drive overall branch program growth, participation, and revenue in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Membership Engagement & Experience

• Provide leadership oversight for membership engagement strategies, onboarding, and retention efforts.
• Ensure systems and staff practices support a welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality member experience.
• Monitor membership trends, participation data, and engagement metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Champion service excellence and continuous improvement across all member-facing operations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure all programs and operations adhere to YMCA safety standards, risk management policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead response, documentation, and follow-up related to incidents and accidents.
• Maintain appropriate records, reports, and documentation to support evaluation, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

Financial & Administrative Leadership

• Assist in the development and management of departmental budgets; monitor performance and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Oversee payroll approvals and scheduling practices in accordance with YMCA guidelines.
• Use data and reporting tools to evaluate program effectiveness, staffing efficiency, and financial performance.
• Maintain operational records and provide reports to the Executive Director, committees, and volunteer leadership as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in YMCA or comparable membership-based, aquatics, or community-focused organizations.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple program areas, supervising staff, and supporting branch-level operations.
• Aquatics leadership experience with current YMCA Aquatics Director-level certifications (or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe), including Lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, and AFO or CPO.
• Proven ability to develop staff, manage programs, and drive membership engagement and program growth.
• Strong operational judgment, communication skills, and the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
• Commitment to YMCA values and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Familiarity with Daxko or similar YMCA management systems.

• Free Childcare, Camp, and other programs
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays annually
• Professional Development Assistance
• Health Benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 12% Funded Employer Retirement Plan (Once Eligible)