Aquatics Director

YMCA
Salary
$72,000.00
$82,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Make a Difference Beyond the Water. Lead with Purpose.
Job Description

At the Darien YMCA, we believe in strengthening our community through programs, services, and relationships that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We are looking for an experienced, energetic, and mission-driven Aquatics Director to lead our aquatics department and create safe, engaging, and inclusive experiences for members of all ages and abilities.

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations (VPO) the Aquatics Director provides leadership and oversight of the daily operations and strategic development of the department, including swim instruction, water fitness, lifeguarding, staff training, summer waterfront and sailing activities, and aquatic safety. This leadership role combines a passion for aquatics with strong people management, operational oversight, and program development skills.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who develops talented teams, prioritizes safety, builds meaningful relationships, and finds opportunities to expand programs that help our community thrive.

Qualifications

What You Bring

  • A bachelor's degree in physical education, a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • At least five years of experience in the aquatics field.
  • At least three years of experience in aquatics or related program management.
  • At least three years of supervisory experience in an aquatics facility.
  • Current First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard certifications, along with required pool operator and other relevant training certifications or ablity to obtain.
  • Demonstrated success in hiring, training, supervising, motivating, and evaluating staff.
  • Strong leadership, administrative, organizational, time management, budgeting, and financial management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency with relevant software applications and the ability to exercise sound independent judgment, make effective decisions, and maintain confidentiality.
  • A commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, member service, and a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Essential Functions

What You'll Do

  • Lead and Develop a Strong Team
  • Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and develop all aquatics staff and volunteers.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations to support staff growth, accountability, build a motivated, accountable team who deliver high-quality service.
  • Ensure staff maintain required certifications, complete required trainings, and maintain accurate records of permits and licenses.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture grounded in the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
  • Oversee Aquatics Programs and Operations
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming aquatic environment in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as YMCA standards and best practices.
  • Oversee daily pool operations, including facility scheduling, pool maintenance, chemical monitoring, and accurate recordkeeping.
  • Ensure appropriate safety procedures, equipment, certifications, and emergency preparedness practices are consistently maintained.
  • Conduct and coordinate lifeguard, swim instruction, water fitness, CPR, and first aid training, as appropriate to qualifications and operational needs.
  • Direct the planning, scheduling, delivery, and evaluation of all Aquatics programs.
  • Plan and oversee waterfront, sailing, and related activities, ensuring appropriate staffing, equipment, certifications, and safety procedures.
  • Develop new programs and expand offerings in alignment with YMCA strategic and operating plans.
  • Monitor participation, compile program statistics, evaluate effectiveness, and respond promptly to participant inquiries and concerns.
  • Support program marketing and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.
    Manage Programs and Drive Growth
  • Oversee the planning, scheduling, delivery, and evaluation of swim lessons, water fitness classes, lifeguarding programs, and related aquatic activities and events.
  • Develop new programs and identify opportunities to expand participation and better serve the needs of the community.
  • Monitor enrollment, participation, program quality, and member feedback to evaluate effectiveness and guide improvements.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to member questions, concerns, and complaints.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and community organizations to strengthen relationships, promote programs, and advance the YMCA's mission.
  • Manage Budgets and Department Performance
  • Develop and monitor the aquatics department budget, manage labor expenses and support fiscal objectives.
  • Establish performance goals, monitor results, and implement strategies to improve program quality and operational effectiveness.
  • Exercise sound independent judgment and decision-making authority to support effective department operations.
  • Review and approve biweekly payroll, ensuring accurate reporting of hours worked and appropriate labor cost management.
  • Serve as a member of the YMCA's leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, cross-department collaboration, and overall branch success.
  • Participate in leadership meetings, organizational events, and relevant board or committee meetings as assigned.
  • Pursue ongoing professional development and model the YMCA's commitment to learning, inclusion, and service.
Required Certifications
  • Current First Aid
  • CPR
  • Lifeguard certification
  • Pool operator
  • Other relevant training certifications or ablity to obtain