Director of Aquatic Operations

YMCA
Salary
$75,000.00
$80,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice.
Job Description

The Director of Aquatic Operations provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and daily management for all aquatic facilities, programs, staff, and partnerships at the YMCA of Montclair. This role ensures safe, high‑quality, mission‑driven aquatic experiences across multiple pool facilities while advancing the YMCA’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

 

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Education, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
  • 5–7 years of progressive aquatic leadership experience, including:
    • Managing multiple aquatic facilities
    • Overseeing diverse aquatic programs (swim lessons, water fitness, lifeguard training, rentals)
    • Supervising and scheduling aquatic staff and lifeguards

Demonstrated experience in:

  • Staff supervision, coaching, and performance management
  • Operational leadership and problem‑solving
  • Aquatic risk management and pool operations
  • Managing department budgets and financial performance
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills

 

Essential Functions

Aquatic Operations & Facility Management

  • Oversee daily operations of two or more aquatic facilities, ensuring safe, clean, and efficient operation
  • Develop and manage comprehensive pool schedules (lap swim, recreational swim, group and private lessons, team usage, rentals, and special events)
  • Ensure compliance with health department regulations, YMCA standards, state bathing code, OSHA, and aquatic best practices
  • Coordinate pool maintenance needs in partnership with facilities/maintenance staff
  • Monitor pool chemistry, safety equipment, and operational readiness
  • Develop and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and ensure all aquatic staff are properly trained and prepared
  • Conduct regular facility inspections and risk management audits

Program Development & Member Experience

Oversee all aquatic programming, including:

  • Group swim lessons
  • Private and semi‑private lessons
  • Water fitness classes
  • Lifeguard training and certification programs
  • Community aquatic events and specialty programs
  • Evaluate program performance and implement improvements based on participation trends, member feedback, and organizational goals
  • Expand aquatic offerings to meet community needs and increase participation and retention
  • Ensure exceptional customer service and member engagement in all aquatic areas
  • Promote inclusive aquatic opportunities for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds

Staffing, Training & Leadership

Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, develop, and evaluate aquatic staff, including:

  • Lifeguards
  • Swim instructors
  • Deck supervisors
  • Coordinators and head guards
  • Assistant aquatic leaders
  • Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and operational efficiency
  • Maintain staffing levels that meet safety standards and program demand
  • Lead regular staff meetings, in‑service trainings, and ongoing education
  • Foster a positive team culture focused on accountability, inclusion, safety, and professional growth
  • Support employee engagement and retention within the aquatic department

Budgeting & Financial Management

  • Develop and manage the aquatic department operating budget
  • Monitor revenue and expenses related to:
    • Group and private swim lessons
    • Water fitness and specialty programs
    • Aquatic rentals and partnerships
    • Certifications and training programs
    • Analyze financial performance and adjust programming, pricing, or staffing as needed
    • Support membership growth and retention through consistently high‑quality aquatic experiences
    • Identify opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue enhancement

Partnerships, Rentals & Community Engagement

  • Develop and maintain community partnerships with schools, municipalities, healthcare organizations, swim teams, camps, and community groups
  • Coordinate and oversee pool rentals and facility usage agreements
  • Ensure all partnership and rental activities align with organizational policies, insurance requirements, and safety standards
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for aquatic partners and rental groups

Risk Management, Safety & Abuse Prevention

  • Attend staff meetings and required Abuse Risk Management training; adhere to procedures for managing high‑risk activities and supervising members and participants
  • Follow employee and volunteer screening requirements and use screening instruments to assess abuse risk
  • Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk, professional boundaries, and policy adherence
  • Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using YMCA disciplinary procedures and mandated reporting requirements
  • Communicate and model the YMCA’s commitment to child protection and abuse prevention
  • Maintain current knowledge of aquatic safety standards and industry best practices
  • Ensure all aquatic staff certifications remain current
  • Lead incident reporting, documentation, and follow‑up
  • Ensure compliance with:
    • OSHA standards
    • State bathing code regulations
    • Child abuse prevention policies
    • YMCA aquatic standards
    • Local health department requirements

 

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
  • Participate in branch leadership meetings and association‑wide initiatives
  • Collaborate with membership, wellness, youth development, facilities, and camp departments to support cross‑departmental goals
  • Support association‑wide events, fundraising initiatives, and strategic priorities
  • Promote the YMCA mission and values within the aquatic department and the broader community

 

Required Certifications

Must obtain and maintain the following (YMCA or American Red Cross preferred):

  • CPO – Certified Pool Operator
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer
  • AED certification
  • First Aid certification
  • Lifeguard Certification

Preferred certifications:

  • Lifeguard Instructor certification
  • Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer certification