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The Director will lead one of the most transformative chapters in the history of the Wichita Falls Y as we launch our new Aquatics Center.
Job Description
We are looking for an outstanding Aquatics Director that will lead one of the most transformative chapters in the history of the YMCA of Wichita Falls. With the launch of a newly developed Aquatics Center and oversight of the historic Downtown pool, this leader will not simply manage a pool they will establish the standards, culture, and systems that define aquatic excellence for years to come.
The Vicki and Jim McCoy Aquatics Center is a 22,000-square-foot expansion featuring a ten-lane, competition-ready pool and a secondary multi-use pool designed for swim lessons, aquatic fitness, family activities, and community events. With modern ventilation and energy-efficient systems, spectator seating, direct locker room access, and youth-focused play features, the facility is built to safely serve hundreds of participants and spectators while providing a lasting community asset for generations to come. This role will shape a safe, innovative, and mission-driven aquatics department that expands water safety, strengthens drowning prevention, grows impactful programming, and ensures every child, family, and member experiences belonging and opportunity through the power of water. The individual selected for this position will help write the next chapter of the YMCA’s legacy and leave a lasting mark on the community we serve.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in recreation, sports management, education, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
Minimum 2–4 years of aquatics leadership experience; YMCA experience preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead aquatic operations including water chemistry, pool systems, safety audits, and incident response.
Proven ability to hire, train, develop, supervise, and evaluate staff.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, families, and community partners.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends depending on program needs.
Essential Functions
1. Leads all aquatic operations including pools, splash features, therapy areas, and special-use water environments, ensuring compliance with state/local health codes and YMCA standards.
2. Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates lifeguards, swim instructors, water fitness staff, and coordinators. Provides continual coaching and performance development.
3. Ensures water safety and risk management by overseeing chemical balance, daily logs, mechanical systems, filtration, and emergency action plans.
4. Develops and directs high-quality aquatics programs including swim lessons, water fitness, Safety Around Water, lifeguard certification, and community partnerships.
5. Provides strong leadership presence on the pool deck and in all aquatics environments, ensuring staff engagement, attentiveness, and accountability.
6. Develops, manages, and monitors the aquatics budget in alignment with YMCA financial targets. Recommends adjustments to meet revenue and expense expectations.
7. Creates and manages staff schedules ensuring proper ratios, consistent coverage, and operational readiness for all programs and open-swim hours.
8. Ensures excellent member experience by maintaining clean, safe, organized aquatics areas and responding promptly to member concerns.
9. Supports marketing and communication efforts to promote aquatics programs and center updates.
10. Develops long-range plans for program expansion, staff development, equipment replacement, and capital improvement in harmony with YMCA goals.
11. Collaborates with community partners, schools, and agencies to strengthen program impact and build relationships.
12. Ensures adherence to association training requirements, certifications, and continuing education for all aquatics staff.
13. Participates in YMCA special events and community initiatives as assigned.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Influence: Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals.
Developing Others: Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Project Management: Ensures execution of plans.
Decision Making: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions.
Quality Results: Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Change Capacity: Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change.
Required Certifications
Current Lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid certifications required (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) required (or ability to obtain within 90 days)
Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)
Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification preferred; required within 90 days of hire.