Description
Under the direction of the Fitness Director/Coordinator/Administrator and in accordance with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Specialty Trainer – Level 4 is a veteran fitness professional responsible for
delivering advanced instruction in a designated specialty area (e.g., TRX, Pilates Reformer). This role includes mentorship of lower-tier trainers, leadership in specialty program development, and delivery of YMCA continuing education workshops. Trainers at this level serve as subject matter experts, fostering excellence in service delivery and professional growth.
Culture Statement
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.
We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Essential Functions
• Design and implement personalized fitness programs for clients using a designated specialty
discipline (e.g., TRX, Pilates Reformer), teaching a minimum of two sessions per week.
• Mentor Tier 1–3 Specialty Trainers, providing coaching, feedback, and guidance to strengthen
overall program delivery and staff development.
• Serve as a YMCA of Greater Charlotte Continuing Education Provider, leading at least one
approved workshop annually.
• Act as a subject matter expert in the assigned specialty area, guiding program development and
innovation across branches.
• Assist clients in safely performing exercises, including spotting and hands-on cueing where
appropriate.
• Promote specialty services and engage members to drive awareness, participation, and retention.
• Track attendance, manage administrative tasks, and report safety concerns or equipment needs
to leadership.
• Maintain knowledge of current industry trends and best practices through certifications,
workshops, and continuing education.
• Attend team meetings, contribute to strategic fitness initiatives, and support YMCA fundraising
campaigns (e.g., Annual Giving).
• Uphold professional conduct, uniform standards, and serve as a model of YMCA core values.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.
Required Qualifications
• Completion of a comprehensive specialty training program with applicable equipment
certifications.
• Minimum of 10 years of personal training experience (averaging 2+ hours/week), or a four-year
degree in a health-related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Personal Training or Group Exercise certification preferred.
• All mandatory YMCA of Greater Charlotte trainings must be completed by the required deadline.
• Demonstrated expertise in fitness program design, specialty instruction, and coaching for varied
populations.
• Proven ability to lead peer development and conduct professional training sessions.
• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Outgoing and motivational personality with a passion for wellness and service.
• Flexible availability including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and YMCA systems.
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced qualifications are required including but not limited to: At least 10 years of personal training experience, averaging 2 hours of coaching per week or more, OR a 4 year degree in health or a related field or the equivalent education/experience, OR Personal Training or Group Exercise certification preferred.
Working Conditions
• Ability to teach and coach during various hours, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, bend, lift, and move dynamically for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely “spot” participants and adjust equipment as needed.
• Visual and auditory capacity to respond to emergency situations quickly.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, exercise equipment, and communicable diseases.
• Ability to view or input data for extended periods using computer or digital tools.
Competencies
1 FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role
2 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
3 DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
4 COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
Requirements
New Les Mills Ceremony formats, Strength Clinics, and Pilates Reformer