MAKE WAVES IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Lead great swim experiences, build strong teams, and create a safe, welcoming space for swimmers of all ages.
Job Description
Make a lasting impact by leading safe, high‑quality aquatic programs that strengthen our community. The Aquatics Director oversees all aspects of the YMCA’s aquatics operations, including staff leadership, program development, safety standards, and member experience. This full‑time role is responsible for managing lifeguards and swim instructors, ensuring exceptional safety and compliance, and creating engaging programs for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The ideal candidate is a mission‑driven leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, builds strong teams, and is committed to helping individuals and families grow through water‑based wellness and education.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related field OR equivalent experience.
- One to two years’ related experience preferred.
- Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification. Oxygen Administration certification required within 30 days of hire.
- Must be able to demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with individual’s certification standards.
- Obtain Certified Pool Operation (CPR) certification within 6 months of hire.
Essential Functions
- Provide leadership and oversight for all aquatics programs and services, ensuring they meet community needs, YMCA standards, and organizational objectives.
- Direct the daily operation of aquatic facilities, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and YMCA health, safety, and risk management regulations. Maintain accurate records of pool chemistry, inspections, maintenance, and safety procedures.
- Oversee the maintenance, cleanliness, and overall condition of all aquatic areas, including pools, whirlpools, deck areas, equipment, and related systems. Coordinate routine maintenance, deep cleaning, preventative maintenance schedules, seasonal shutdowns, repairs, and reopening procedures. Work closely with the maintenance department, vendors, and contractors to ensure the aquatic areas remain safe, functional, and compliant with all applicable regulations.
- Develop and manage the aquatic facility schedule, including swim lessons, water fitness classes, lifeguard coverage, swim team practices, competitions, and special events.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, train, develop, schedule, supervise, and evaluate aquatic staff and volunteers. Maintain staff certification records and implement strategies to promote employee engagement, retention, and professional growth.
- Schedule RSPs, Lifeguarding, Swim Lessons, CPR, First Aid, AED, and other required certification training for staff.
- Design, implement, and expand aquatic programs that support community needs and align with the YMCA's strategic goals and mission.
- Assist with the promotion and marketing of aquatics programs, including registration processes, member communications, and scholarship application review and administration.
- Collaborate with YMCA leadership and peers to develop innovative programming, improve service quality, pursue grant opportunities, and ensure consistency across the association.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with community organizations, schools, health agencies, and other partners to strengthen community engagement and program impact.
- Develop, manage, and monitor department budgets to achieve fiscal goals while maintaining high-quality programs and services.
- Coordinate facility usage and resources to support aquatic programs, special events, rentals, and association-wide initiatives.
- Support YMCA fundraising campaigns, annual giving efforts, community events, and special projects.
Collect, analyze, and report program participation, financial performance, and outcome data to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for growth.
- Understand your role as a mandated reporter for elder and child abuse. Report and respond to situations in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate and uphold the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and growth mindset in all aspects of your work.
Required Certifications
Current YMCA Lifeguarding or Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification.