Job Description

Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively impacts the lives of children in your community. At the Summit Area YMCA, our sports programs help youth build confidence, learn new skills, and develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

The Summit Area YMCA is seeking an enthusiastic and dependable Tennis Instructor to lead youth tennis classes at our Berkeley Heights YMCA. This position supports a seasonal tennis program beginning in the spring (May–June), taking a break over the summer, and restarting in the fall. Classes are scheduled one weekday afternoon from 4:00–6:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.

You May Be the Right Fit If You…

• Enjoy working with children and creating a positive, encouraging learning environment
• Have experience playing, coaching, or teaching tennis (youth instruction preferred)
• Are comfortable leading group instruction and adapting lessons for varying skill levels
• Bring energy, patience, and enthusiasm to every class
• Believe sports should be fun, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate
• Are dependable and able to commit to a consistent schedule
• Take safety, supervision, and child well-being seriously
• Want to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven organization

Key Responsibilities

• Lead youth tennis classes in a safe, fun, and age-appropriate environment
• Teach tennis fundamentals including strokes, footwork, rules, and sportsmanship
• Plan and deliver structured, engaging lessons that support skill development and confidence
• Actively supervise participants at all times to ensure safety and positive behavior
• Promote teamwork, respect, cooperation, and fair play
• Use positive reinforcement and redirection to manage participant behavior
• Follow YMCA supervision, safety, and child protection standards at all times
• Set up, use, store, and maintain tennis equipment and program spaces
• Take accurate attendance and complete required rosters and documentation
• Communicate professionally with parents/guardians, participants, and YMCA staff
• Report injuries, incidents, or concerns promptly to the Sports Director
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings
• Model YMCA values, professionalism, and enthusiasm throughout each class

Salary & Benefits:

This position is part time with an opportunity to work up to 25 hours each week. The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $22.00/hour, but is based on experience. The Summit Area YMCA offers generous employee benefits. Part-time benefits include a free YMCA membership, discounts on Y family membership, and an 12% contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Requirements

• Experience teaching, coaching, or playing the tennis
• Experience working with children in a structured setting (sports programs, camps, schools, recreation programs, etc.).
• Ability to teach fundamental skills and concepts to youth of varying ages and skill levels.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to actively supervise groups of children and maintain a safe environment.
• Enthusiastic, patient, and positive demeanor.
• Ability to follow established safety guidelines and program procedures.
• Valid CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, or ability to obtain within 3 months.

About the Summit Area YMCA:

We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.