Job Description

Job DetailsLevel: Entry

Job Location: Duncan YMCA - Arvada, CO 80004

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $57,784.00 - $59,000.00 Salary/yearTurn Your Love of Sports Into Community Impact

Sports have a way of bringing people together. A great coach, a welcoming team, a first basket, an unexpected friendship—or simply having a place where you know you belong—can make a lasting difference.

At the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, we're looking for a Sports Manager who wants to create more of those moments.

This isn't just about schedules, scoreboards and game days. You'll lead the people and programs that create safe, fun and welcoming sports experiences for kids, adults and families across our community.

What You'll Get to Do

You'll be part coach, part leader, part relationship-builder and part game-day problem solver.

You'll

• Lead and grow YMCA sports programs that are fun, safe, inclusive and well-run.
• Hire, coach and develop an awesome team of sports staff, officials, supervisors and volunteers.
• Help volunteer coaches succeed—not just at teaching the game, but at creating a great experience for every participant.
• Build relationships with schools, families and community partners to bring YMCA sports to more people.
• Look for creative ways to grow programs and remove barriers to participation.
• Keep an eye on enrollment, budgets and program results so great programs can continue to grow.
• Make sure safety and child protection remain at the center of everything we do.
• Be present where the action happens—which sometimes means evenings, weekends, gyms, fields and plenty of whistles.

Most importantly, you'll help create a sports culture where every participant has an opportunity to achieve, connect and belong.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You love sports—but you care even more about people.

You're someone who can organize a season, develop a team, talk with a concerned parent, build a community partnership and solve an unexpected game-day challenge without losing sight of why the work matters.

You bring experience in sports, recreation, athletics or similar programming, along with experience leading employees or volunteers. You're comfortable juggling priorities, communicating with different audiences and building relationships with people from across our community.

A degree in recreation, sports management, physical education, business, nonprofit management or a related field is welcome, but relevant experience matters, too.

Experience managing budgets, growing programs, developing staff and volunteers, or working across multiple sports is a plus.

Why the Y?

For 150 years, the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver has been more than a place—we're part of a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all.

Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together.

That means we're looking for people who want to do more than manage programs. We want leaders who demonstrate caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and who help create places where employees, volunteers, members and participants feel valued and connected.

You'll have the opportunity to develop people, strengthen programs, build community relationships and help shape what YMCA sports can become.

Come help us elevate lives and rise together.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position requires flexibility to support sports programs and organizational needs. Work schedules typically include afternoon, evenings and weekends but may include early mornings and occasional holidays. Schedule requirements may vary based on program seasons, events and operational needs.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sports Manager provides leadership and operational oversight for YMCA sports programs, creating safe, high-quality and inclusive experiences for youth, families, members and participants. This position is responsible for program quality and growth, staff and volunteer development, participant experience, community relationships, financial performance, and adherence to YMCA policies and safety standards.

The Sports Manager leads staff and volunteers in delivering programs that reflect the YMCA's mission and values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Through strong relationships, consistent program delivery and responsive service, this position helps participants feel welcomed, supported and connected to the YMCA while expanding access to quality sports opportunities throughout the communities we serve.

OUR PATH

For 150 years, the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver has been more than a place—it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all. Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together. Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement, we elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Leadership & Quality

• Manage the planning, implementation and evaluation of assigned sports programs in alignment with YMCA sports models, standards, philosophies and sport-specific rules.
• Ensure programs provide safe, welcoming, developmentally appropriate and high-quality experiences for participants and families.
• Monitor participant experience, enrollment, retention, feedback and program outcomes, and implement improvements based on identified needs and opportunities.
• Identify and develop new programs, services and delivery approaches in response to community needs, participation trends and organizational priorities.
• Coordinate schedules, facilities, equipment and other operational resources necessary for successful program delivery.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, coach and develop assigned sports staff, which may include coordinators, supervisors, officials, scorekeepers and other seasonal or part-time team members.
• Establish clear expectations, provide ongoing feedback and support employee performance and professional development.
• Recruit, train, support and recognize volunteer coaches, ensuring they understand YMCA sports philosophy, coaching expectations, safety practices and program standards.
• Ensure assigned employees and volunteers complete required training, certifications, screening and other organizational requirements within established timelines.
• Foster a workplace culture where employees and volunteers are treated with caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and have opportunities to contribute, develop and succeed.

Participant & Community Engagement

• Build positive relationships with participants, families, members and community partners and respond to questions, concerns and feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Develop relationships with schools, community organizations and other partners to increase awareness, participation and access to YMCA sports programs.
• Identify opportunities to reduce barriers to participation and expand access to YMCA programs across the communities served.
• Represent the YMCA at community events, school activities, program promotions and other outreach opportunities as appropriate.
• Collaborate across YMCA locations and departments to strengthen the participant experience and connect individuals and families with additional YMCA programs and services.

Financial & Program Performance

• Partner with organizational leadership to develop, monitor and achieve program enrollment, revenue, expense and net-income goals.
• Monitor program performance and use participation, financial and participant-feedback data to recommend adjustments and improvements.
• Manage assigned resources responsibly and within approved budgets.
• Support the development of partnerships, sponsorships, grants and other opportunities that strengthen program sustainability and community impact.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain a safe environment for participants, employees, volunteers and guests by following and enforcing YMCA safety, supervision, emergency-response and risk-management practices.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, sports standards, facility procedures, personnel practices and applicable laws and regulations.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, injuries and emergencies and ensure required documentation, notification and follow-up are completed.
• Maintain appropriate supervision practices and actively support the YMCA's child abuse prevention and risk-management standards.
• Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, policy violations, safety concerns or other reportable incidents in accordance with YMCA policy and applicable law.

Organizational Leadership

• Develop collaborative working relationships with Association, branch and program teams and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.
• Participate in meetings, trainings and organizational activities appropriate to the position.
• Support broader member and community engagement efforts consistent with organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are reasonably related to the position and organizational needs.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Active Listening
• Engaging Community
• Inclusion
• Relationship Building

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described below represent those typically encountered while performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Work is performed in office, gymnasium, athletic-field and other indoor and outdoor program environments.
• The position regularly involves communicating with participants, employees, volunteers and community members and may require standing, walking, sitting, reaching and moving throughout program areas.
• The position may require moving, setting up or transporting sports equipment and supplies weighing up to 50
• pounds, with assistance or appropriate equipment when needed.
• The employee may be exposed to moderate to high noise levels, changing weather conditions and seasonal temperatures while supporting programs.
• The position requires the ability to observe program activities and respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies, with or without reasonable accommodation.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENT

The YMCA is committed to providing safe environments for children and vulnerable individuals. Employees are expected to actively support the YMCA's abuse prevention practices and comply with applicable screening, training, supervision, reporting and risk-management requirements.

Employees must immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, boundary violations, policy violations or other safety concerns in accordance with YMCA policy and applicable law. Employees are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and contribute to a culture in which the safety and well-being of participants are shared responsibilities.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on any status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The YMCA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees as required by applicable law.

DISCLAIMER

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to contain an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or qualifications.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver may modify responsibilities and assignments as organizational and operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.

Employment with the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is at will, meaning either the employee or the YMCA may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law.

Qualifications & Benefits

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting youth or adult sports, recreation, athletics or related programs.
• Experience supervising, coaching or providing leadership to employees and/or volunteers.
• Ability to organize multiple programs, schedules and priorities while meeting established deadlines and service expectations.
• Strong interpersonal, customer-service, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with individuals and communities representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to use technology and standard business applications necessary to manage programs, communication, scheduling, registration and reporting.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, respond appropriately to challenging situations and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to meet YMCA screening, training and child-safety requirements.
• Preferred
• Bachelor's degree in recreation management, sports management, physical education, business, nonprofit management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in sports, recreation or related program management.
• Experience recruiting, training and developing employees or volunteers.
• Experience managing program budgets, enrollment, revenue or other performance measures.
• Knowledge of multiple youth or adult sports and organized sports programming.
• Required certifications, including CPR/AED, First Aid or other safety certifications applicable to the position, must be obtained and maintained within YMCA-established timelines.

BENEFITS

• Health and Vision Care
• Dental
• Generous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
• Paid Time off
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Free Membership
• Program Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program