Association Director of Aquatics

YMCA
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Job Description

The Association Director of Aquatics provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for aquatics programs across more than five YMCA branches with an outdoor waterpark, and opportunities for continued expansion. 

Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, this position is responsible for ensuring consistent safety standards, high-quality programming, strong financial performance, and exceptional experiences for members and participants. 

As a key member of the association's leadership team, you'll work closely with branch executives, district aquatics leaders, and other departments to strengthen operations, develop future leaders, expand community partnerships, and ensure our aquatics programs continue to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field required. 
  • Minimum of five years of aquatics management experience required. 
  • Experience overseeing operations across multiple locations preferred. 

Certifications:

  • Current Lifeguard certification required. 
  • Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification required. 
  • YMCA Swim Instructor V.6 certification required. 
  • Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and YMCA Swim Instructor V.6 Trainer or Faculty certifications strongly preferred. 
  • Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification required or must be obtained within 90 days. 
  • YMCA Team Leader or Multi-Team/Branch Leader certification preferred. 

Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Ability to lead independently while building productive relationships across teams and departments. 
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software systems. 
  • Ability to respond effectively to safety concerns and emergency situations. 
  • Willingness to travel regularly between YMCA locations and work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 
Essential Functions
  • Lead Association-Wide Aquatics Operations: Provide strategic direction and oversight across multiple YMCA locations, ensuring safe, consistent, and high-quality aquatics programs. 
  • Develop and Inspire Leaders: Supervise and mentor district aquatics leadership, strengthen staff development, build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 
  • Champion Safety and Compliance: Partner with Risk Management and Facilities teams to maintain safety standards, conduct audits, oversee certifications, and ensure operational readiness. 
  • Drive Program Growth and Innovation: Evaluate existing programs, identify opportunities for expansion, and implement strategies that increase participation, satisfaction, and retention. 
  • Strengthen Workforce Development: Lead initiatives to recruit, train, certify, and retain qualified lifeguards, swim instructors, and future aquatics leaders. 
  • Manage Financial Performance: Oversee aquatics budgets, monitor expenses and financial trends, and use performance data to guide decisions and improve operational efficiency. 
  • Build Community Connections: Develop partnerships, support grant opportunities, and collaborate on marketing initiatives that expand access to aquatics programs. 
  • Support Training and Professional Development: Coordinate certification courses, in-service training, and leadership development opportunities to maintain a skilled and prepared workforce. 
  • Advance the YMCA Mission: Support the Annual Campaign, engage volunteers, and share stories that demonstrate the positive impact of YMCA programs throughout our communities.

Benefits 

At Crossroads YMCA, we believe in supporting the people who make our mission possible. 

Our benefits include: 

  • Free individual YMCA membership. 
  • Discounts on YMCA programs. 
  • Voluntary 403(b) retirement savings plan. 
  • Training and professional development opportunities. 
  • Career growth and advancement opportunities. 

Additional benefits may be available based on employment classification and eligibility. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Must be able to achieve and maintain the required certifications.
  • Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
  • Frequently reach with hands and arms; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, and equipment; and communicate effectively through speaking and hearing.
  • Perform physical activities including sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and swimming, as required to fulfill job responsibilities.
  • Meet strength and lifting requirements of regularly lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
  • Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception required.
  • Must be able to perform job duties on the pool deck or in chlorinated and humid conditions throughout the workday.   
  • Must have reliable transportation to travel between YMCA branch locations as needed to fulfill job responsibilities.
  • Exposed to outdoor elements at times.
  • Always maintain a neat and professional appearance.