Aquatics Program Director

YMCA
Salary
$43,888.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
The Durham YMCA  is seeking to hire an aquatics director! 
Job Description

The Aquatics Program Director is responsible for leading and growing programs that reflect the YMCA’s mission and serve community needs. This role includes supervising and developing part-time staff and volunteers, managing program operations and budgets, and ensuring a positive and high-quality experience for participants. The Program Director also builds partnerships with community organizations and supports outreach, marketing, and fundraising initiatives to strengthen engagement and impact. 

Qualifications
  • Degree in related field preferred and 1+ year of related experience.
  • Passion for building community and fostering meaningful relationships through programs and services.
  • Experience supporting program delivery and staff development in a team-based environment.
  • Ability to coordinate staff, programs, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting.
  • Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions.
  • Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
  • Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred, but not required. 
Essential Functions
  • Maintain consistent daily presence in programs to support quality, safety, and staff oversight, following association-specific expectations for direct service coverage and onsite visitation.
  • Launch new programs and grow existing ones in alignment with strategic goals and participant interests.
  • Coordinate facility use and logistics to support smooth program delivery and engaging events.
  • Manage daily participant records by using program software to track attendance and verify and track essential information. 

Staff Development 

  • Recruit, train, schedule, and support part-time staff and volunteers to build a strong, inclusive team. 
  • Provide regular feedback and coaching to help staff grow and succeed.
  • Motivate your team to meet goals and create a positive, mission-driven work culture. 

Community Engagement & Outreach 

  • Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to strengthen program impact and visibility. 
    Support outreach, marketing, and registration efforts to promote programs and ensure access for all. 

Fiscal Stewardship 

  • Develop and manage program budgets to meet financial goals and use resources responsibly.
  • Contribute to the YMCA Annual Campaign by leading volunteer teams, supporting fundraising events, and achieving an individual fundraising goal that advances the branch’s overall target. 

Aquatics Program Experience 

  • Build strong relationships with members, families, and staff through positive, responsive communication.
  • Address questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
  • Track program data to evaluate success, improve experiences, and celebrate progress.
  • Supervise lifeguards and aquatics staff and ensure all staff maintain up-to-date certifications and are equipped to deliver safe, high-quality programs.
  • Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet program and organizational needs.
  • Oversee daily pool operations to ensure compliance with all YMCA, state, and local health and safety regulations.
  • Ensure proper pool maintenance and accurate documentation of chemical levels and facility upkeep.
  • Conduct regular rescue-ready audits to support risk management and staff preparedness.
  • Maintain current Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license and stay attuned to all aspects of pool operations.
  • Obtain and maintain required certifications within 30 days of hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, Administering
  • Emergency Oxygen, Lifeguard Certification, and Certified Pool Operator (CPO).

Additional Responsibilities 

  • Take on other duties as assigned to support the YMCA’s mission and evolving priorities.
  • Completion of all required annual trainings related to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned.
  • This job description may be modified when appropriate by Human Resources. 
Required Certifications

Obtain and maintain required certifications within 30 days of hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, Lifeguard Certification, and Certified Pool Operator (CPO).