Senior Program Director - Competitive Athletics & Aquatics

YMCA
Salary
$95,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Our mission and values shape our culture as we intentionally strengthen communities with purpose every day.
Job Description

The YMCA of Greenwich is seeking a strategic, team-oriented leader to serve as Senior Program Director – Competitive Athletics & Aquatics. Reporting to the Vice-President of Operations, this position provides high-level oversight of our premier aquatic facility—featuring two pools, including an Olympic-sized pool—and leads efforts to grow and strengthen a diverse portfolio of programs.

This role is responsible for leading and developing high-performing teams, supporting and mentoring coaches, expanding community partnerships, and enhancing program offerings across competitive and recreational areas. The Senior Director will drive innovation, ensure operational excellence, and foster a culture of quality, inclusion, and impact. A key focus of this role is building a strong staff development pipeline, ensuring all team members have the tools, training, and support to succeed and grow professionally. While experience with aquatic sports could be helpful, it is not required—this position prioritizes leadership, team development, and program growth. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit organization committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • A minimum of 6 years of aquatic leadership experience with multiple pool management preferred.
  • Must have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in the area of highly competitive aquatic or other youth programs.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
  • Current YMCA or Red Cross certifications in First Aid, CPR /AED and Lifeguard/Swim Instructor required or acquired in the first 6 months.
  • Strong computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Office products.
  • Demonstrates exceptional time management abilities, capable of managing various tasks concurrently and meet challenging timelines.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA
Essential Functions

Program Leadership & Member Experience

  • Develop and implement a broad range of mission-aligned aquatics programs, including swim lessons, lap/recreational swimming, and competitive teams, ensuring quality, safety, and member engagement.
  • Serve as a strategic partner to competitive aquatics coaches, providing leadership, operational support, and program oversight and development to ensure alignment with YMCA values and achievement of performance and development goals.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration to support program growth and innovation across all aquatic offerings, with a focus on creating transformative and inclusive member experiences.
  • Monitor participant and family satisfaction through regular engagement, resolving concerns promptly and professionally to build a strong sense of community.

Competitive Aquatics Program Oversight

  • Provide operational leadership and direct support to competitive swim, water polo and dive teams, working with coaches to ensure high standards of athlete safety, development, and performance.
  • Oversee scheduling of pool time for practices, meets, and events in coordination with coaches, staff, and facility operations to optimize usage and member access.
  • Ensure all competitive program activities are executed in accordance with YMCA policies, USA aquatic regulations, and applicable risk management practices.

Team Supervision & Development

  • Recruit, hire, train, all direct reports which include non-competitive aquatics leaders, pool manager and competitive team head coaches.
  • Design and implement a year-round professional development and certification program that supports staff growth and compliance, including American Red Cross and YMCA training standards.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide coaching to staff to ensure a consistently high level of service and safety across all aquatic programs.

Safety & Risk Management

  • Serve as the primary leader for aquatic safety and risk management across all programs, ensuring compliance with local health regulations, YMCA safety standards, and emergency procedures.
  • Lead regular in-service trainings, safety drills, and audits to uphold the highest standards of prevention and emergency preparedness.
  • Maintain accurate safety documentation, including incident reports, lifeguard certifications, and training logs.

Facility & Operational Excellence

  • Ensure all pools and aquatics facilities are clean, safe, and in proper working order through daily walkthroughs and close coordination with Facilities and Housekeeping teams.
  • Troubleshoot facility issues and oversee repairs to ensure continuous, safe operation of aquatic spaces.

Budget & Financial Accountability

  • Develop and manage a $3 million dollar aquatic department budget, aligning resources with strategic priorities and ensuring responsible stewardship of association funds.
  • Monitor revenue and expense trends, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure financial goals are met or exceeded.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration & Event Support

  • Collaborate with Marketing, Membership, Youth Programs, and Development to promote programs, engage new audiences, and support special initiatives.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of special aquatic events, swim meets, and community initiatives that support the YMCA’s mission and strategic goals.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice-President of Operations