Preschool Sports Specialist

OUR CULTURE:

Guiding Principles describe our behaviors to support our organization’s work throughout its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in goals, strategies, and leadership. Our Guiding Principles are as follows: We CULTIVATE-We grow staff and volunteer leaders who will be stewards of the Y mission, resources, and opportunities. We OWN-We think long-term and act on behalf of the organization, beyond our own team. We WELCOME-We are inclusive of all people and all communities. We SERVE-We provide timely and excellent service to members, volunteers, community, and each other. We LEARN - We are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. We UNITE-We work together to achieve big goals and speak as one voice. We RESPECT-We treat others with kindness and speak positively about other people in all situations. We PLAY-We celebrate, appreciate, and have fun!

The YMCA of Great Grand Rapids utilizes a Membership By Design framework, which is a member involvement and community building model for YMCAs across the country. All staff members—front-line, management, full- and part-time—and volunteers have a role to play in member engagement. These responsibilities can be broken into six steps:

1. Enrollment: Staff and volunteers encourage potential members to enroll in programs and activities that meet their needs.
2. Satisfaction: Staff and volunteers ask members continually about their satisfaction with a program or activity, track responses, listen to suggestions, and respond promptly in a manner consistent with the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
3. Relationship Building: Staff and volunteers are open, friendly, and approachable to all YMCA members and participants. Staff and volunteers initiate interaction with and between members.
4. Education and Conversion: Staff and volunteers know about and share their knowledge of the YMCA, its programs, its policies, its mission, its values, and how it benefits members and the community.
5. Volunteerism and Leadership: Staff and volunteers create opportunities for members to volunteer in their areas of interest, and they ask members to do so whenever appropriate.
6. Ownership: Staff and volunteers encourage members to “own” the YMCA, using words such as “we,” “us,” and “our association” (and actions that match those words) to include members as well as staff and volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Pre-K Sports Specialist will support and deliver high-quality, age-appropriate sports and physical activity programming for children ages 3–6 across all branches. This position plays a key role in introducing young children to movement, teamwork, and healthy habits through fun, engaging activities. The ideal candidate will have expertise in early childhood development, a strong background in youth sports or physical education, and the flexibility to travel between YMCA sites. This position may include occasional evening or weekend shifts based on program needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and lead developmentally appropriate sports and movement classes for children ages 3–6.
• Serve as a Pre-K subject matter expert in gross motor skills and early sports instruction across all branches.
• Travel to multiple YMCA locations to deliver programs, support staff, and ensure consistency in quality.
• Use creative, play-based methods to introduce basic sports skills and encourage physical literacy.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and positive environment that promotes confidence, teamwork, and fun.
• Support and mentor part-time instructors and volunteers working in early childhood sports programs.
• Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers regarding child progress, schedules, and program goals.
• Maintain and transport equipment as needed between sites, ensuring it is clean, safe, and age appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Sports Director on scheduling, curriculum enhancements, and program improvements.
• Represent the YMCA’s core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—in all interactions.

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

COMPENSATION

$13.02 - $16.27 ; Part-Time, Non Exempt (up to 25 hours per week)

BENEFITS:

• Free YMCA Individual Membership
• 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here.
• 403(b) retirement savings account
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family
• Community Discounts, and more!

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with young children (ages 3–6) in a sports, recreation, or early childhood setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate physical education strategies.
• Passion for teaching physical activity and introducing children to sports in a non-competitive, engaging way.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently across multiple locations.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework in Early Childhood Education, Physical Education, or related fields preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
• Blood Borne Pathogen training
• CPR Certification required within the first 60 days
• First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL:

10 - 20% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.