Oahe Family YMCA | Pierre, South Dakota
Full-Time | Salaried Position

Lead Fitness. Build Community. Make an Impact.

The Oahe Family YMCA is seeking an energetic, organized, and people-focused Fitness Director to lead our growing health and wellness programs. This is an exciting opportunity for a fitness professional who is passionate about helping others live healthier lives while building relationships and strengthening a vibrant community.

As the Fitness Director, you will play a key leadership role in coordinating and supporting a team of dedicated fitness professionals who help hundreds of members improve their health, wellness, and quality of life every week.

About the Oahe Family YMCA

The Oahe Family YMCA is much more than a fitness facility—we are a community hub dedicated to strengthening spirit, mind, and body for all. We proudly serve Pierre, Fort Pierre, and the surrounding region through programs that support healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.

At the Oahe Family YMCA, you will find:

• A welcoming and supportive work culture
• An engaged membership base that values health and wellness
• Opportunities to innovate and grow fitness programming
• Dedicated staff and volunteers committed to the Y mission
• The satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in people's lives every day

Our fitness department is a cornerstone of member engagement, offering approximately 50 group fitness classes each week and a growing personal training program. We are looking for a leader who can inspire staff, ensure program excellence, and help expand participation in healthy lifestyle programs.

Position Summary

The Fitness Director is responsible for the administration, supervision, and growth of the YMCA's fitness programs. This position oversees approximately 20 group fitness instructors and 5 personal trainers, ensuring exceptional member experiences through quality programming, staff development, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will be a visible leader who fosters a welcoming environment, maintains high standards of safety and professionalism, and supports the YMCA's mission and values.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Development

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate group fitness instructors and personal trainers.
• Provide leadership and support to approximately 25 fitness staff members.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven team culture.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications and professional standards.

Program Management

• Coordinate and oversee approximately 50 group fitness classes each week.
• Develop and maintain instructor schedules and class coverage.
• Monitor program quality and member satisfaction.
• Evaluate fitness trends and introduce innovative programming opportunities.
• Manage and grow personal training services.

Member Engagement

• Build positive relationships with YMCA members.
• Assist members in achieving wellness goals.
• Promote participation in fitness programs and healthy lifestyle initiatives.
• Address member concerns and provide excellent customer service.

Operations

• Oversee fitness center operations that include two studios, three weight rooms, two gymnasiums, and a cardio floor.
• Monitor and facilitate equipment replacement needs.
• Maintain safety standards and risk management procedures.
• Track program participation and assist with budgeting and goal-setting.
• Collaborate with other YMCA departments to enhance member experiences.

Program Development and Implementation

• Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based chronic disease prevention programs, including but not limited to:
  • Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)
  • Healthy Weight Programs
  • Livestrong at the YMCA (Cancer Survivorship)
  • Parkinson's Wellness and Recovery
  • Hypertension Management Programs
• Ensure programs are aligned with YMCA standards, grant requirements, and community health needs.

Why Pierre, South Dakota?

If you're considering relocating, Pierre offers a quality of life that is hard to find elsewhere.

As South Dakota's capital city, Pierre provides:

• A safe, family-friendly community
• Excellent schools and community services
• Minimal commute times and low traffic
• Affordable housing compared to many metropolitan areas
• Outstanding hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and outdoor recreation
• Beautiful scenery along the Missouri River and Lake Oahe
• A strong sense of community and small-town hospitality

Residents enjoy easy access to world-class outdoor recreation while still benefiting from the amenities of a regional center. Whether you enjoy fishing at Lake Oahe, kayaking on the Missouri River, hiking local trails, or attending community events, Pierre offers an exceptional work-life balance.

Compensation & Benefits

The Oahe Family YMCA offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of our employees.

Benefits include:

• Employer-paid health insurance
• Employer-paid dental insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• 8% employer contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund (no employee match required)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Complimentary YMCA family membership
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
• The opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization that makes a positive impact every day

At the Oahe Family YMCA, we believe that investing in our employees allows them to better serve our members and community. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment where staff can thrive both professionally and personally.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are a motivated fitness professional who enjoys leadership, program development, and building strong relationships, we encourage you to apply.

Join the Oahe Family YMCA and help create a healthier, stronger community—one member at a time.

Oahe Family YMCA
Pierre, South Dakota
The YMCA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization.

Resumes and applications accepted until August 19th. Virtual first-round interviews will be held as applications are received with the last interviews held on August 20th and 21st. In-person second-round interviews will be held August 25th and 26th.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience supervising fitness staff and volunteers.
• Group fitness and/or personal training certification from a nationally recognized organization.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with fitness program development and scheduling.
• Passion for community health and wellness.

Physical & Professional Requirements

The Fitness Director position requires a combination of physical capability, strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and people-focused environment.

The successful candidate must be able to:

• Perform routine physical activities including climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods as needed.
• Lift, carry, and move equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Demonstrate sufficient visual acuity, hearing, and communication abilities to safely supervise programs, observe participant activity, and perform detailed administrative tasks.
• Effectively communicate with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners through both verbal and written communication.
• Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and awareness in both program operations and administrative functions.
• Take initiative, work independently when needed, and proactively identify opportunities to improve programs and member experiences.
• Build meaningful relationships with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team while providing leadership, accountability, and support to fitness staff.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule that reflects the needs of the YMCA, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support staff, programs, events, and member engagement.
• Model the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions with members, participants, staff, and the community.

This position is ideal for a motivated professional who enjoys working with people, leading teams, and making a positive impact on the health and well-being of the community.