Make a difference through movement. Lead, inspire, and innovate.
Job Description
The Summit Area YMCA is looking for a passionate and dynamic Group Exercise Director to lead our thriving group fitness program across two branches.
The Group Exercise Director is a vital leader within the Summit Area YMCA’s Health & Wellness team, responsible for shaping the vision and execution of group fitness programming across our Summit and Berkeley Heights branches. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Health & Wellness, this position is more than just managing schedules — it’s about building a strong, inclusive community through movement. You’ll lead and support a diverse team of instructors across both locations, ensure high-quality program delivery, and develop innovative classes that reflect member interests and evolving industry trends. From overseeing daily operations and leveraging data to refine offerings, to stepping in to teach when needed, you’ll be both strategic and hands-on. If you’re passionate about wellness and ready to make a meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the group exercise team to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and motivating classes.
• Create, refine, and innovate group exercise offerings to meet evolving member interests and trends in the fitness industry.
• Maintain current certifications for all taught classes and ensure instructors have appropriate credentials.
• Utilize YMCA systems and technology to manage schedules, track participation, communicate changes, and analyze performance metrics.
• Monitor class attendance and usage data, and recommend schedule changes or class additions based on trends.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates to the website, app, and other member communication tools.
• Respond to instructor absences or class issues via text, email, or phone, including sub coverage as needed.
• Oversee all administrative duties related to group exercise operations, including payroll, staff rotations, equipment tracking, and reporting.
• Conduct weekly equipment and facility checks to ensure safety and readiness.
• Coordinate equipment purchases with Sr. Director of Health & Wellness.
• Plan and implement wellness challenges, seasonal program launches, and staff workshops.
• Promote a member-first approach and serve as a YMCA ambassador for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Maintain knowledge of YMCA programs, policies, and procedures, and model the YMCA core values.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Executive Leadership
• As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that the Y is the nation’s leading non-profit committed to strengthening the community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that diversity and inclusion are core to the Summit Area YMCA mission. The SAY is open and inclusive of all people regardless of their ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic background and we must all strive courageously against any discriminatory behavior and will always abide by the Summit Area YMCA’s Diversity & Inclusion policy as explained in the Employee Handbook