Job Description

The YMCA is more than a gym—it's a movement, a community, and a place where sports change lives. We're looking for an energetic, passionate leader who thrives on teamwork, loves engaging with the community, and believes in the power of sports to inspire and unite. If you're ready to create life-changing experiences for kids, families, and adults through high-quality sports programming, this is the role for you!

As the Sports Program Director, you will lead the development and execution of dynamic youth and adult sports programs that foster teamwork, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits. Whether it's a classic game of basketball, an exciting soccer match, or an innovative new sports offering, your programs will create positive, lasting experiences for participants and their families. Through well-organized leagues, clinics, and special events, you will bring people together and strengthen the foundation of our community.

Leadership is at the core of this role. You will recruit, train, and support a dedicated team of part-time staff, coaches, referees, and volunteers, ensuring they have the tools and motivation to create a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. Your ability to mentor and develop others will shape the future of our sports programs while reinforcing the Y's commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Beyond the field and court, you will build strong relationships with schools, community organizations, and sponsors to expand programming and increase resources. Your role will also include active participation in the Annual Campaign, where you will help secure funding, engage donors, and grow sponsorships that make our programs accessible to all.

Facility upkeep and safety will also be key responsibilities. You'll ensure that all program locations are well-maintained, clean, and ready for game time, providing participants with the best possible experience. As a hands-on, high-energy leader, you'll be fully engaged in the daily operations, with a schedule that includes mornings, evenings, and weekends—because that's when the magic happens!

If you're ready to be part of a dynamic, cause-driven leadership team and help shape the future of sports in our community, we'd love to have you on board. Join us in making a difference—one game, one team, and one player at a time!

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Live the Y's Mission Every Day! Be a role model for our core values—welcoming, genuine, nurturing, hopeful, and determined—while creating an inclusive and inspiring environment for everyone.
• Lead Where the Action Happens! Be present and engaged during weeknight and weekend sports programs, ensuring a strong leadership presence when it matters most.
• Expand Our Reach! Build and maintain strong partnerships throughout the Greater Louisville area to secure program space and grow our impact in the community.
• Inspire and Lead a Winning Team! Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a dynamic team of 15+ part-time staff, including site supervisors, officials, and coordinators.
• Champion Our Volunteer Coaches! Recruit, train, and support dedicated volunteers who play a key role in shaping young athletes' experiences.
• Deliver Top-Notch Experiences! Ensure all sports programs are fun, safe, and well-organized while upholding the YMCAs mission and values.
• Be a Financial Playmaker! Oversee budgets, control costs, and develop efficient, high-quality programs that are financially self-sustaining.
• Bring the Community Together! Actively seek out partnerships and collaborations with local organizations to strengthen our presence and expand program offerings.
• Keep Our Facilities Game-Day Ready! Make sure all athletic fields and program locations are clean, safe, and welcoming.
• Champion the Y's Cause! Help participants, families, and the community understand and embrace the YMCAs charitable mission.
• Make an Impact Every Day! Embrace the opportunity to serve, grow, and innovate.

EFFECT ON END RESULT

• The YMCA is viewed as a community leader in the area of youth sports and youth programming.
• The lives of the youth in your programs are forever changed for the better because of the caring nature shown by the staff and volunteers.
• Youth will have improved health, skill development, and sportsmanship.
• Growth and impact in the number of people we serve are consistently improving.
• Community organizations actively seek out partnerships & collaborations with the YMCA.
• Program enrollment maintains growth while maintaining the same excellent experience for all participants.
• Curriculum in both the programs and volunteer trainings is continuously evaluated and improved.
• Satisfaction survey results are continuously evaluated and improved.

KNOW HOW/REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's Degree is preferred, but experience, passion, and skills can substitute.

Skills That Set You Apart

• A Leader with Strong Values
• A Clear and Confident Communicator
• Tech-Savvy & Forward-Thinking
• Reliable & Ready to Go

Key Competencies for Success

• Mission-Driven Leadership
• Collaboration & Relationship Building
• Innovation & Operational Excellence
• Personal Growth & Adaptability

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing for long periods
• Ability to hear
• Ability to see
• Ability to speak
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to transport equipment to/from various sites
• Residence within a 15 minute driving distance to game & practice sites

The YMCA of Greater Louisville is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.

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