Association Aquatics Director

YMCA
Salary
$50,000.00
$60,000.00
Resumes Accepted Until
Resume Contact
CEO
Mackenzie Pickerrell
[email protected]

1 YMCA Way
Greensburg, 47240
United States

Make waves with purpose! We're hiring an Association Aquatics Director to lead programs, safety, and impact across our Y branches.
Job Description

The Association Aquatics Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all aquatic programs and facilities at the Decatur Shelby County YMCA. This full-time, exempt position is responsible for ensuring high-quality, mission-aligned aquatics experiences that meet the needs of the community. The Director leads risk management and safety compliance, develops innovative programming, manages budgets, and supervises aquatic staff across both branch locations. Serving as the association’s subject matter expert in aquatic safety and training, the Aquatics Director plays a vital role in advancing the Y’s impact through excellence in service, staff development, and community engagement.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum 2 years of successful aquatic experience
  • At least 2 years of experience supervising and developing staff

Certifications (Required at time of hire)

  • Lifeguard Certification
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Certifications (Must Obtain Within 90 Days of Hire)

Preferred Certifications (or must obtain within 1 year)

  • Swim Instructor Certification
  • Lifeguard Instructor Certification
  • Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
  • Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer
  • YMCA Aquatic Supervisor or Team Leader Certification
  • Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or equivalent

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong leadership and team-building abilities
  • In-depth knowledge of aquatic safety, risk management, and facility operations
  • Ability to manage budgets, staffing, and program development
  • Effective communication skills and ability to engage diverse populations
  • Demonstrated alignment with the YMCA’s core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

Provide vision and direction for all aquatic programming across the association.
Ensure alignment of aquatics offerings with YMCA mission, values, and community needs.

Program & Facility Oversight

Manage daily operations of aquatic facilities at both branches.
Ensure high-quality delivery of swim lessons, lifeguarding, water fitness, and other programs.
Maintain proper chemical balance and overall pool safety.

Risk Management & Safety Compliance

Serve as the subject matter expert in aquatic safety.
Ensure compliance with YMCA standards and all state/local health regulations.
Oversee and implement emergency procedures, safety protocols, and regular drills.

Staff Leadership & Development

Supervise Associate Aquatics Directors and aquatic staff across locations.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, certification, evaluation, and retention efforts.
Provide coaching and mentorship to build a strong, capable team.

Training & Certification

Conduct or coordinate lifeguarding, CPR, first aid, swim instruction, and other safety trainings.
Maintain certification records and ensure ongoing staff compliance.

Budget & Administrative Management

Develop and manage aquatics budget; monitor payroll and expense tracking.
Ensure accurate reporting for certifications and risk documentation.

Program Innovation & Community Engagement

Collaborate with branch leaders to create new, relevant aquatics programs.
Build and maintain community partnerships to expand reach and impact.
Promote program awareness and participation across the association.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement
Values the YMCA’s mission and purpose; demonstrates a personal commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Inclusion: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and beliefs. Creates a welcoming and equitable environment.

Collaboration
Develops Others: Recruits, coaches, and supports staff to achieve excellence and sustain high performance.
Teamwork: Builds strong teams by cultivating trust, accountability, and shared purpose across branches and departments.
Communication: Communicates clearly and consistently with staff, leadership, and community partners. Listens actively and responds with empathy.


Operational Effectiveness
Decision-Making: Makes sound judgments based on data, experience, and YMCA standards.
Project Management: Oversees multiple program areas, staff teams, and compliance activities with strong attention to detail and organization.
Safety & Risk Management: Champions a culture of safety and ensures adherence to all regulations and protocols.

Personal Growth
Innovation: Embraces change, leads new initiatives, and seeks ways to grow and improve programs.
Emotional Maturity: Maintains self-awareness and professionalism, especially in high-stakes or emergency situations.
Resilience: Demonstrates confidence and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Required Certifications

Certifications (Required at time of hire)

  • Lifeguard Certification
  • Swim Instructor Certification
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Certifications (Must Obtain Within 90 Days of Hire)
  • Lifeguard Instructor Certification

Preferred Certifications (or must obtain within 1 year)

  • Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
  • Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer
  • YMCA Aquatic Supervisor or Team Leader Certification
  • Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or equivalent