Sr. Program Director of Sports & Arena

BE PART OF SOMETHING GREAT

Job Description

The YMCA is more than a gym—it’s a movement, a community, and a place where sports change lives. We’re looking for an energetic, passionate leader who thrives on teamwork, loves engaging with the community, and believes in the power of sports to inspire and unite. If you’re ready to create life-changing experiences for kids, families, and adults through high-quality sports programming, this is the role for you!

As the Sr. Program Director of Sports & Indoor Arena you will lead the development and execution of dynamic youth and adult sports programs that foster teamwork, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits. Whether it’s a classic game of basketball, an exciting soccer match, or an innovative new sports offering, your programs will create positive, lasting experiences for participants and their families. Through well-organized leagues, clinics, and special events, you will bring people together and strengthen the foundation of our community.

Indoor Arena responsibilities oversee a 40,000 sq. ft. arena with 2 turf fields. This role will support member satisfaction by assuring a clean, safe and attractive facility. This position requires face-to-face leadership and involves mornings, evenings, and weekend responsibilities depending on the season.

Leadership is at the core of this role. You will recruit, train, and support a dedicated team of part-time staff, coaches, referees, and volunteers, ensuring they have the tools and motivation to create a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. Your ability to mentor and develop others will shape the future of our sports programs while reinforcing the Y’s commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Beyond the field and court, you will build strong relationships with schools, community organizations, and sponsors to expand programming and increase resources. Your role will also include active participation in the Annual Campaign, where you will help secure funding, engage donors, and grow sponsorships that make our programs accessible to all.

Facility upkeep and safety will also be key responsibilities. You’ll ensure that all program locations are well-maintained, clean, and ready for game time, providing participants with the best possible experience. As a hands-on, high-energy leader, you’ll be fully engaged in the daily operations with a schedule that includes mornings, evenings, and weekends—because that’s when the magic happens!

If you’re ready to be part of a dynamic, cause-driven leadership team and help shape the future of sports in our community, we’d love to have you on board. Join us in making a difference—one game, one team, and one player at a time!

Qualifications

KNOW HOW/REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, but if you have the experience, passion, and skills to lead and grow impactful sports programs, we want to hear from you!
  
  

Skills That Set You Apart

• A Leader with Strong Values – You lead with integrity, inclusivity, and a passion for making a difference.
• A Clear and Confident Communicator – Whether you're rallying your team, engaging with parents, or coordinating with community partners, your words inspire action.
• Tech-Savvy & Forward-Thinking – You embrace technology to enhance operations, communication, and program efficiency.
• Reliable & Ready to Go – You have dependable transportation and the flexibility to work evenings and weekends—because that’s when the magic happens in our program areas!
  
  

Key Competencies For Success

• Mission-Driven Leadership – You understand that sports are more than just games; they’re a tool for building character, strengthening communities, and fostering inclusivity.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building – You thrive on working with people, forming strong partnerships, and creating a welcoming environment for all.
• Innovation & Operational Excellence – You think outside the box to create high-quality, engaging sports programs that run smoothly and efficiently.
• Personal Growth & Adaptability – You embrace challenges, lead with emotional maturity, and are always looking for ways to grow, improve, and make a bigger impact.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Standing for long periods
• Ability to hear
• Ability to see
• Ability to speak
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to transport equipment to/from various sites
  
  

Effect On End Result

• The YMCA is viewed as a community leader in the area of youth sports and youth programming.
• The lives of the youth in your programs are forever changed for the better because of the caring nature shown by the staff and volunteers towards them.
• Youth will have improved health, skill development and sportsmanship
• Growth and impact in the number of people we serve are consistently improving based on the excellent experiences they have at the YMCA.
• Community organizations actively seek out partnerships & collaborations with the YMCA because of the genuine relationships that have been built.
• Program enrollment maintains growth while maintaining the same excellent experience for all participants.
• Curriculum in both the programs and volunteer trainings is continuously evaluated and improved.
• Satisfaction survey results are continuously evaluated and improved while remaining a leader in our association.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Live the Y’s Mission Every Day! Be a role model for our core values—welcoming, genuine, nurturing, hopeful, and determined—while creating an inclusive and inspiring environment for everyone.
• Lead Where the Action Happens! Be present and engaged during weeknight and weekend sports programs & arena programming/rentals, ensuring a strong leadership presence when it matters most. The energy is high, the games are exciting, and you’ll be right in the middle of it all!
• Expand Our Reach! Build and maintain strong partnerships throughout Oldham County and surrounding areas to secure program space, attract arena rentals, and grow our impact in the community.
• Inspire and Lead a Winning Team! Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a dynamic team of 15-20 part-time staff, including site supervisors, officials, and coordinators. Your leadership will set the tone for excellence in every program.
• Champion Our Volunteer Coaches! Recruit, train, and support dedicated volunteers who play a key role in shaping young athletes’ experiences. Their passion and commitment start with your leadership!
• Deliver Top-Notch Experiences! Ensure all sports programs are fun, safe, and well-organized while upholding the YMCA’s mission and values in every interaction.
• Be a Financial Playmaker! Oversee budgets, control costs, and develop efficient, high-quality programs that are financially self-sustaining within the association.
• Bring the Community Together! Actively seek out partnerships and collaborations with local organizations to strengthen our presence and expand program offerings.
• Keep Our Facilities Game-Day Ready! Make sure all athletic fields, the indoor arena, and program locations are clean, safe, and welcoming, ensuring the best possible experience for players and families.
• Champion the Y’s Cause! Help participants, families, and the community understand and embrace the YMCA’s charitable mission by playing an active role in the Annual Campaign.
• Make an Impact Every Day! Embrace the opportunity to serve, grow, and innovate. Every decision you make and every interaction you have contributes to a stronger, healthier community.
• And More! Be ready to jump in wherever needed to support the success of our programs and the Y’s mission.