Fitness Director - Ellicott City (Dancel)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Fitness Director provides leadership and strategic oversight for all fitness-related programs and services within the Family Center, including fitness floor operations, personal training, small group training, group exercise, and water fitness. This position is responsible for creating exceptional member experiences, developing and leading high-performing teams, driving participation and revenue growth, and ensuring safe, clean, and engaging wellness environments.

The Fitness Director leads the development and execution of innovative wellness programs that support member retention, community health, and the Y's mission. Through data-driven decision-making, associate development, and operational excellence, this role ensures fitness programs meet the evolving needs of members while achieving established performance goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Member Experience & Engagement

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging wellness environment that promotes member satisfaction, participation, and retention.

• Develop strategies that increase member engagement through personal training, small group training, group exercise, water fitness, and wellness coaching services.

• Build relationships with members and utilize feedback to continuously improve programs, services, and the overall member experience.

• Partner with membership and center leadership teams to support member onboarding, retention initiatives, and wellness engagement opportunities.

Program & Business Growth

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of fitness, wellness, and chronic disease prevention programs.

• Develop innovative programs and services that respond to community needs and support Y strategic priorities.

• Drive revenue growth through personal training, small group training, specialty programs, and wellness offerings.

• Analyze participation, retention, and financial performance data to identify opportunities for growth and operational improvement.

• Establish goals and action plans to increase program participation, member engagement, and service utilization.

Associate Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, develop, and supervise fitness coaches, personal trainers, group exercise instructors, and water fitness instructors.

• Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities to support associate growth and engagement.

• Conduct performance evaluations and address performance concerns in a timely and constructive manner.

• Ensure all associates maintain required certifications and complete mandatory Y training and compliance requirements.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, inclusion, and service excellence.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily operations of the fitness center, personal training program, group exercise program, water fitness offerings, and wellness initiatives.

• Ensure facilities, equipment, and wellness spaces are safe, clean, well-maintained, and fully operational.

• Manage departmental budgets, payroll, scheduling, purchasing, and resource allocation.

• Monitor compliance with Y policies, risk management practices, and industry standards.

• Utilize operational and participation data to inform decisions, improve efficiency, and maximize program impact.

• Maintain accurate records, reports, certifications, attendance data, and program documentation.

Marketing & Community Partnerships

• Partner with the Marketing Department to promote programs and services through digital, social media, and in-center communication channels.

• Support the development of community partnerships that enhance wellness programming and expand the Y's impact.

• Collaborate with healthcare organizations, schools, and community partners to support wellness initiatives and chronic disease prevention programs.

• Recruit and develop qualified instructors and trainers to support both virtual and in-person programming.

Metrics & Performance Accountability

• Monitor and achieve performance goals related to:

• • Personal training revenue and client growth

  • Personal training client retention and loyalty

  • Small group training participation

  • Group exercise participation and utilization

  • Wellness appointment completion (FitQuest)

  • Overall fitness program participation

  • Member engagement and retention outcomes

  • Associate certification compliance

  • Budget performance and payroll management.
    

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health Promotion, Recreation Management, or related field preferred.

• Current nationally recognized Personal Training certification (ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA, or equivalent) required.

• Minimum of three to five years of progressive leadership experience in fitness, wellness, recreation, or health promotion programs.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing performance, and developing associates.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience managing budgets, payroll, scheduling, and program performance metrics.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Dayforce, ClubConnect, and other business management systems preferred.

• Current CPR/AED/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within the required timeframe.
  

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to walk, stand, climb, kneel, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.
  
  

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; must be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

• Must be able to perform physical duties of supervised positions when necessary.
  
  

• Must meet all physical certification and training requirements of the Y.
  
  

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks including (but not limited to) CPS, criminal, drug and alcohol testing, and motor vehicle records check.