Aquatics Program Director

Water at the Y is more than a pool—it’s growth, health & connection. Join us as Aquatics Director to lead, inspire & serve.
Job Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Develops, organizes and implements high quality, member-focused YMCA aquatic programs.

Qualifications

1.    Preferred Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent.

2.    Three or more years related experience preferred; for example, as an aquatics coordinator, manager or supervisor.

3.    Minimum age 21.

4.    Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Essential Functions

1.    Directs and supervises program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.

2.    Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers as needed.  Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete.

3.    Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations.

4.    Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance.

5.    Conducts lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, and CPR trainings; facilitates required in-service training to ensure compliance with local, state, federal, and YMCA of the USA standards; and maintains accurate training and certification records.

6.    Creates and schedules swim classes, water fitness classes, and swim team practices 
and meets.

7.    Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.

8.    Develops and monitors program budget to meet fiscal objectives.

9.    Assists in YMCA fund raising activities and special events.

10.  Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Responds to 
all member and community inquiries and complaints in timely manner.

11.  Ensures adequate coverage for swimming lessons and lifeguard shifts by either personally providing support or arranging qualified staff. Responsibilities include facilitating lifeguard breaks, maintaining continuous pool supervision, and serving as on-call support to uphold safety and program quality. 

12.  Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation 
in program. 

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with 
a commitment to changing lives.  Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships 
to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness:  Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance.  Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Required Certifications

1.    Requirements within 30 days of hire include: completion of: Child Abuse Prevention for Supervisory Staff; CPR; First Aid; AED; Bloodborne Pathogens. 

2.    Completion plan of YMCA and Aquatic program-specific and trainer certifications developed in the first 3 months of hire: CPO- Certified Pool Operator, Lifeguard Instructor/Trainer, Swim Lesson Instructor/Trainer, Adaptive Swim Instructor (Angelfish), and Lifeguard Supervisor Training.