Director of Sports & Fitness

ABOUT WEST END HOUSE

West End House is a vibrant community anchor and youth development organization rooted in Boston’s Allston-Brighton neighborhood and serving young people citywide. Since 1906, we have helped young people realize their full potential by providing high-quality programs, trusted relationships, and opportunities that support learning, creativity, wellness, leadership, and economic mobility.

Our work is grounded in our values: putting youth first, creating opportunity for all, strengthening community, advancing equity, and making more room for joy. Across seven interconnected focus areas, we create a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment where young people can build on their strengths, develop a sense of belonging, and thrive physically, emotionally, socially, and academically.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Sports & Fitness leads a comprehensive, youth-centered program that uses movement, recreation, athletics, fitness, and aquatics to help young people build confidence, skills, healthy habits, and meaningful relationships. This program leader sets the vision for the department; develops staff; ensures safe, high-quality daily programming; and expands opportunities based on youth voice, participation data, and community need.

As a member of the Program Impact Team, the Director partners closely with other program leaders to create a consistent, welcoming Club experience. The role supervises two full-time staff as well as part-time staff, teen employees, interns, and volunteers, and is accountable for the effective use of the gym, fitness center, pool, and related program resources.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Set strategy and deliver excellent programs

• Develop and implement a clear, outcomes-focused strategy for Sports & Fitness that aligns with WEH’s program model, annual priorities, and the interests and needs of young people.
• Build a balanced year-round schedule of daily fitness activities, sports leagues, skill-building clinics, aquatics programs, open recreation, and special events for youth at different ages and skill levels.
• Create structured opportunities for every young person to move and be active, working toward the goal of at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
• Lead seasonal intramural and travel leagues that reflect youth interests, emphasize positive coaching and belonging, and create pathways for skill development and leadership.
• Fully activate the fitness center through age-appropriate strength and conditioning, wellness education, and structured opportunities for teens.
• Oversee aquatics programming—including swim lessons, recreational swim, water safety, and swim team activities—in partnership with qualified aquatics staff.

Lead, coach, and develop the team

• Recruit, supervise, coach, and retain full-time and part-time staff, teen employees, interns, and volunteers who deliver safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programs.
• Set clear expectations, provide timely feedback and ongoing coaching, and support staff in achieving department goals.
• Build a collaborative, accountable team culture rooted in growth, equity, joy, and a shared commitment to young people.
• Model visible, relationship-centered leadership and contribute actively to Club-wide programming, and events.

Ensure safety, quality, and effective operations

• Ensure all activities comply with WEH policies, BGCA safety standards, licensing requirements, staff-to-youth ratios, and applicable aquatics and facility protocols.
• Maintain safe, welcoming, well-organized program spaces
• Manage schedules, participation systems, supplies, equipment, and budget responsibly, anticipating needs and resolving operational challenges.
• Partner with Facilities and Operations staff on gym, pool, and fitness center maintenance and operations

Use data, youth voice, and partnerships to strengthen impact

• Use participation, youth feedback, staff observations, and outcome data to assess performance, identify gaps, and continuously improve program quality.
• Create meaningful opportunities for young people to shape programming, build leadership skills, and see themselves reflected in the activities offered.
• Develop and steward partnerships with schools, youth-serving organizations, sports organizations, health institutions, funders, and corporate partners that expand access, expertise, and opportunities for youth.
• Communicate program goals, progress, challenges, and impact clearly to colleagues, families, partners, and other WEH stakeholders.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

There are many ways to build the skills needed for this role. We value lived experience and transferable expertise and encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification. Strong candidates will demonstrate most of the following:

• 5+ years of experience in youth sports, fitness, recreation, aquatics, or a related field, including experience designing and growing multifaceted programs.
• At least three years of successful people-management experience, including coaching staff, setting expectations, and building accountable teams.
• A strong commitment to positive youth development and the ability to build trusting, culturally responsive relationships with young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Knowledge of athletics, fitness, recreation, aquatics, league operations, and age-appropriate physical activity practices; depth in one or more areas and the ability to lead across the full portfolio.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, solve problems, and manage multiple programs and operational details in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort using data and feedback to make decisions, improve quality, and communicate impact.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with staff, youth, families, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Commitment to creating safe, equitable, inclusive, and joyful spaces for young people.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent professional, community, coaching, or lived experience will be considered.

West End House is committed to creating opportunity for all. We welcome candidates whose experiences and identities reflect the young people, families, and communities we serve.

• Retirement: Competitive pay and a generous employer contribution to a 401(a) plan, with no employee match required.
• Time off: 15–25 vacation days based on tenure, 16 paid holidays, and eight wellness days each year.
• Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Parental leave: Generous paid leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.