Job Description

The Program Coordinator of Movement, Dance & Music is a hands-on, direct-service role that develops curriculum, teaches classes, and grows participation in the YMCA’s movement, dance, and music programs for children, teens, and adults. Most of this position’s hours are spent in the studio leading classes.

The Program Coordinator creates joyful, expressive, and skill-building experiences where participants of all ages and abilities build confidence and creativity. The role supports part-time instructors and volunteers, produces showcases and performances, and ensures programs run safely and in accordance with YMCA standards and risk management policies.

Requirements

Role and Responsibilities

• Teach engaging, well-organized movement, dance, and music classes each week that build participant skills, confidence, creativity, coordination, and self-expression.
• Develop and deliver progressive, age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans with clear session goals, warm-ups, skill development, and cool-downs or closing activities.
• Lead a variety of movement programs, including creative movement, kids’ yoga, tumbling basics, and body-awareness classes that develop coordination, balance, flexibility, and gross motor skills.
• Teach dance styles such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary, incorporating technique, terminology, musicality, choreography, and age-appropriate skill progression.
• Lead early childhood music and movement, rhythm and percussion, singing, and group music classes that support rhythm, listening, creativity, and early music literacy.
• Adapt instruction, activities, and curriculum to meet the needs of participants of varying ages, abilities, developmental levels, and experience.
• Incorporate the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility into all classes and interactions.
• Track participant progress and communicate accomplishments, areas for growth, and next steps with families.
• Continuously evaluate and refresh curriculum based on participant progress, family feedback, instructor input, and program needs.
• Maintain a shared library of lesson plans, choreography, music playlists, activity guides, and other instructional resources to promote consistency across programs and instructors.
• Plan and coordinate seasonal showcases, recitals, and informal performances, including choreography, music selection, rehearsals, costumes, props, sound, space needs, and event-day logistics.
• Communicate performance expectations, schedules, and details clearly with participants and families while managing resources within established budgets.
• Identify and support community performance opportunities, including local festivals and YMCA events, that provide meaningful experiences for participants and increase program visibility.
• Support program growth by creating a welcoming, high-quality experience that encourages enrollment, participation, and retention.
• Recommend new classes, dance styles, age groups, levels, camps, workshops, and special events based on participant and member interests, community needs, and emerging trends.
• Assist with outreach and promotional activities, including free trial classes, open studio events, family dance or music events, and other program initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and membership teams to develop program descriptions, promotional materials, flyers, social media content, and other communications.
• Monitor enrollment, attendance, waitlists, participant feedback, and other program data, and communicate trends, opportunities, and recommendations to the Program Director.
• Coordinate class and studio schedules with the Program Director and other departments to ensure effective use of space and resources.
• Train, mentor, and support part-time instructors and volunteers, modeling strong curriculum delivery, classroom management, safety practices, and positive teaching techniques.
• Maintain accurate class rosters, attendance records, participant information, and other program documentation within the registration system.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain studios and program spaces, including sound equipment, instruments, props, and other supplies; monitor inventory and communicate equipment or supply needs.
• Select age-appropriate music and ensure music use complies with YMCA policies and guidelines.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, risk management standards, and child protection requirements.
• Use appropriate warm-ups, progressions, spotting techniques, equipment, and teaching practices to promote participant safety and prevent injury.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe studios, floors, equipment, and program areas.
• Respond appropriately to injuries and emergencies, complete required incident documentation, and follow established emergency action plans.
• Create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment where every participant feels safe, encouraged, respected, and comfortable expressing themselves.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of YMCA programs and the overall member experience.