HF Programs Specialist GF

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

The Programs Specialist (Group Fitness) provides direct leadership in our initiatives to provide a superior experience to our members. Implementing our Member Insight Strategy and using our Membership Involvement Model, the Programs Specialist identifies initiatives to increase Membership on Roll, Retention, Satisfaction, and Philanthropic contributions in the membership plus areas, and assists with a specific project or portion of the department functions. A minimum of 50% of the position is spent using specialized skills in the development and delivery of choreography based classes (step, box-fit, low/high impact, yoga/pilates, and muscle conditioning classes).  

In this role, you will: 

• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate processes and systems to impact the experience of members in group fitness programs. Provide support to Director in developing or modifying choreography-based group fitness programs and events, set long-term and short-term goals in the area of expertise and focus that align with the strategic plan; research, monitor, and evaluate trends in choreography-based group fitness. 


• Deliver programs in a manner that meets the Mission, Vision, values, goals, and practices of the YMCA of Greater Toronto; ensure that YMCA Group Fitness best practices are followed. 


• Deliver Basic Theory and Group Fitness Components and assist in the apprenticeship of YMCA Fitness Leadership Program. 


• Recruit, coach, and develop a team of volunteers for pilot classes and focus groups that provide superior service and build relationships with program members, the conditioning room, and surrounding areas. 


• Build relationships with members and seek opportunities to share the YMCA story. Educate members and guests about the YMCA as a Charity. 


• Assist with scheduling and logistics of group fitness programs and events; assist Director in determining long-term and short-term goals for quantity, quality, and types of group fitness programs in alignment with the strategic plan. 


• Provide leadership and support as a member of the Centre's senior staff team. Act as an effective Service Leader and Acting Service Leader as required. 


• Participate in task groups, special assignments, and opportunities that further the Association's mission, vision, and strategic initiatives, including the Group Fitness Functional Group; connect with the community and external organizations, and other YMCAs to participate in a community of practice for group fitness program development, measurement, and design. 


• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values


• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services


• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

You bring:

• Diploma or Degree in Recreation Leadership, Kinesiology, Physical Education or equivalent experience 

• Must have a minimum of 2 years experience delivering group fitness programs 

• Previous experience in development and implementation of new programs an asset. 

• Demonstrated leadership skills developed through progressively responsible experience; ability to encourage, motivate staff and volunteers, acknowledge and appreciate contributions. 

• Current Standard First Aid/CPR required 

• Current WHMIS certification preferred 

• Proficiency with computer software including Excel, Outlook, etc. 

• Well developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers 

• Excellent written communication skills 

• Flexibility regarding assigned hours of work, including days, evenings and weekend. 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging 

Why work for the YMCA? 

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here. 

Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area. 

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs. 

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here. 

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.