Associate Executive Director Sports

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Executive Director (AED) of Sports provides centralized oversight of association-wide sports programming, encompassing youth and adult leagues across all YMCA branches. This role leads the sports leadership team to ensure strategic alignment, program quality, and operational consistency. The AED is responsible for staff supervision, enrollment growth, budget performance, and advancing inclusive, mission-driven sports programming that reflects YMCA values and standards.

Reporting to the Vice President of Programs & Risk, the AED also plays a key role in ensuring safety, risk management, and innovation in all sports initiatives. A primary responsibility of this role is to drive growth in participation, program reach, and community impact across all sports offerings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

* Develop and oversee sports programming and day-to-day operations for youth and adult leagues.

* Recruit, train, and supervise coaches, referees, and program staff; ensure compliance with YMCA program and facility standards.

* Develop & manage sports budgets, enrollment targets, and financial performance across assigned branches, using program data to monitor trends, report outcomes, and support continuous improvement.

* Support cross-departmental collaboration with Membership, Marketing, and Community Engagement to promote and align sports initiatives. Build and maintain community partnerships with schools, leagues, and local organizations.

* Ensure safety, risk mitigation, and facility readiness for all sports programs and events.

* Lead members, parents, and community engagement efforts to build positive program experiences and satisfaction.

* Driving volunteer engagement and foster high satisfaction among participants, families, and staff.

* Lead innovation and special projects that expand access, improve quality, or address emerging community needs.

* Ensure ongoing compliance with YMCA standards for program quality, staff conduct, and participant experience.

* Serve as a member of the YUSA Sports Group and represent the YMCA in professional and peer networks.

YMCA COMPETENCIES - MULTI-TEAM LEADER LEVEL

Mission Advancement

* Models the Y's core values and ensures programs reflect the YMCA's commitment to equity, inclusion, and youth development.

Collaboration

* Build strong relationships across branches and departments to align programming and drive enrollment.

Operational Effectiveness

* Ensures compliance with program, safety, and financial standards; uses data and feedback to improve outcomes.

Quality Results

* leads with accountability for performance, participant satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Innovation

* Supports development of new sports offerings and initiatives to expand access and community relevance.

QUALIFICATIONS

* 7+ years of experience in youth/adult sports programming, recreation, or community leadership.

* Experience supervising staff, managing program budgets, and meeting enrollment targets.

* Knowledge of YMCA program and safety standards or comparable recreation/youth sport environments.

* Strong relationship-building skills with schools, leagues, and community organizations.

* Demonstrated success in leading multi-site or association-wide programs.

* CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 60 days).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

* Must be able to set up sports equipment and conduct walkthroughs of indoor and outdoor facilities.

* Evening and weekend work is expected for game days, practices, and community events.