Director of Fitness & Membership

Summary

The Director of Fitness and Membership is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and growth of all fitness and membership programs across two facilities. This role ensures alignment with the organization’s mission, financial growth, and outstanding member experiences. 

The Director of Fitness and Membership will lead the fitness department in developing innovative programs, cultivating talent, and delivering results that enhance community health and well-being. Ensure the J meets or exceeds financial goals while providing remarkable leadership in the areas of strategic implementation, sales, member relations, and facility operations. 

The Director of Fitness and Membership is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and execution of membership growth, retention, and engagement initiatives. This role ensures exceptional member experience, drives revenue through membership sales, and promotes the organization’s mission and values. The Director of Fitness and Membership collaborates with senior leadership to set goals and standards, leads a team of membership staff, and develops innovative programs to meet community and organizational needs.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong business acumen and analytical skills to develop a compelling value proposition, long-term strategic goals (three to five years), and sustainable financial growth strategies. Must be adept with projections, budgeting, and return on investment (ROI) analysis.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase participation and enhance programming to achieve fitness and wellness needs of members across all ages and fitness levels.
• Create and execute a strategic vision for fitness and membership offerings that supports and advances the J’s mission.
• Identify and leverage emerging fitness trends to design new initiatives, drive annual revenue growth, and increase market share.
• Oversee capital expenses, procurement of equipment and supplies within budget guidelines. 
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department and hold staff accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to integrate fitness and membership programming while championing agency-wide initiatives.
• Partner closely with Marketing to develop and execute marketing initiatives and associated budgets, monitoring their effectiveness and impact on revenue, participation, and communication goals.
• Develop strategic plans aimed at improving Net Promoter Scores (NPS) and elevating the overall member experience.
• Lead the recruitment and retention of top talent, establishing robust processes to attract, develop, coach, and hold staff accountable for achieving performance expectations.
• Invest and develop leaders by strengthening skills in business acumen, strategic thinking, financial growth, staff engagement, and retention practices.
• Champion a people-first culture that prioritizes teamwork, recognition, professionalism, and accountability, fostering an environment where staff can thrive and deliver their best work.
• Identify departmental best practices and develop operational standards that promote excellence and efficiency.
• Manage operations with a focus on excellence. Ensure standard procedures are followed, implemented, and continuously improved. (i.e. recordkeeping, physical inspections, maintenance, OSE, payroll, OSHA, etc.) 
• Ensure compliance with all applicable industry regulations and safety standards.
• Develop and communicate a clear vision of operational excellence for all facilities, programs, and services. Inspire and empower the team to achieve this vision consistently each day.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and radical hospitality are maintained throughout both J facilities, creating an exceptional member and guest experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in fitness, kinesiology, recreation management, business administration, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership in fitness and wellness, successful experience with managing large teams, multiple departments and facilities.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, and program development. Ability to analyze data, drive results, and make evidence-based decisions.
• Proven ability to drive sales results and gain market share.
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to inspire, develop, and retain high-performing teams. Must advocate for staff and achieve exceptional employee engagement.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and customer-service skills. Strong written and verbal communications skills are required.
• Deep knowledge of industry standards for safety, program quality, and member engagement.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Salesforce and UPACE experience are a plus.
• Current American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED for Professional Rescuer is required. 
• Must be able to bend, stoop, carry, and lift up to 50 lbs.