Aquatics Program Director | Durham YMCA

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:


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.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Leadership

• 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.

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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:


The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primarily office and program settings with frequent interaction in gyms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces.
• Moderate noise levels; may be louder during youth or community activities.
• Regular use of computer, phone, and other office technology.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40 lbs.
• Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Flexible schedule required - may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel between branches or sites.
• Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to reliable transportation.
• A clean driving record is required to meet YMCA insurance standards.
• Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events is required.
• Must reside in the YMCA of the Triangle service area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and surrounding areas).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.