Aquatics Director

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Aquatics Director leads center aquatics staff members in all member connection and retention initiatives related to aquatics programs and services. The Director manages the day-to-day operations of all aquatic programs and facilities, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality programming, and exceptional member experience.

This position provides direct leadership for swim lessons, lifeguarding, aquatic fitness, swim team, and other water-based programs; directly supervising and developing aquatics staff to deliver the highest quality service in small to mid-sized centers. The Aquatics Director is responsible for aquatic-related financial management, regulatory compliance, relationship building, staff supervision and development, volunteer engagement, and serving as a YMCA advocate within the community.

A strong focus is placed on ensuring a safe aquatic environment, driving a superior member experience, and enhancing member connection and engagement, leading to increased satisfaction and retention. This position employs a continuous improvement model to meet and/or exceed safety standards, program quality expectations, and budgeted revenue and expense goals.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, starting with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop, implement, and schedule high-quality aquatic programming, including swim lessons, lifeguarding and CPR courses, aquatic fitness classes, and other water-based activities, ensuring all programs are delivered to meet or exceed YMCA standards.
2. Lead efforts to expand and innovate Aquatic programming by creating new offerings and enhancing existing programs. Monitor program effectiveness, participation, and member satisfaction, and make improvements to meet community needs.
3. Create a member-engaged culture and model relationship-building skills in all interactions. Build effective, authentic relationships with members; help members connect with each other and the YMCA; enhance the member experience by being alert, friendly, and responsive to participants in and around the aquatic facility.
4. Answer questions from members to support them in achieving their goals related to aquatic programs and water safety; maintain working knowledge of aquatics trends, safety standards, and best practices to provide effective information and support.
5. Develop and implement strategies to meet or exceed fiscal objectives, including budgeting, cost control, and revenue generation.
6. Assist in marketing and distribution of aquatics program-related information.
7. Promote a diverse workforce; recruit, hire, train, certify, develop, schedule, and direct aquatics staff and volunteers as needed. Ensure all lifeguards are properly trained, certified, and scheduled to maintain safe and compliant department.
8. Ensures the safety, readiness, and effective operation of all aquatics facilities by maintaining properly stocked first aid kits and up-to-date AEDs, overseeing pool maintenance and water quality, securing pool facilities, maintaining accurate chemical and maintenance records, and conducting lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, and CPR training for staff and the public
9. Review and evaluate staff performance; develop strategies to motivate aquatics staff and achieve program, safety, and service goals.
10. Develop and monitor staff member development plans and training opportunities that promote career growth within the Y and aquatics field. Provide collaborative leadership and guidance to peers through association-wide aquatics discussions, best-practice sharing, and aquatics industry research.
11. Advocate for association-wide practices and serve as a resource for innovative ways to grow the membership experience, membership base, and best practices through aquatics.
12. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, schools, and partners to support aquatic programming and water safety initiatives.
13. Promote and integrate the YMCA mission in all aquatic programs and interactions by fostering youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serve as a role model for staff and participants, ensuring that programs and activities support personal growth, inclusivity, and engagement. Encourage community involvement and build meaningful connections that strengthen the YMCA’s presence and impact in the local community.
14. Serves as a Staff Liaison for the Annual Campaign and leading a team. Supports fundraising and philanthropy activities by actively cultivating and supporting the recruitment and retention of campaigners, new and reoccurring donors, and sponsorships for activities.
15. Serve as a collaborative leader of the branch team and act as Leader on Duty (LOD) weekly and on rotating weekends.
16. Complete all job-related, supervisory, safety, and certification trainings as required. Ensure compliance with all local, state, federal and YUSA aquatic safety regulations.
17. Follow YMCA policies and procedures and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
18. Carry out additional responsibilities and assignments deemed necessary by the Executive Director or senior leadership.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement : Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness : Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth : Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness
to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. The following training courses are required before beginning work: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention; Managing Your Exposure Bloodborne Pathogens; Preventing Member and Guest Slips, Trips, and Falls; Sexual Harassment Prevention for Employees.
2. Current certification from an accredited organization in Lifeguarding, Swim Lesson Instructor, or other nationally recognized aquatics certification.
3. Within 90 days of hire: CPR/AED/FA (or equivalent lifeguard-level certification).
4. Excellent oral communication skills with a proven track record of developing authentic relationships with members, staff, and community partners.
5. YMCA business software training; Daxko, SGA, and ADP; within 60 days of employment.
6. At least 2 years of experience in aquatics programming, lifeguarding, swim instruction, or aquatic facility operations required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in recreation, sports management, or equivalent work experience.

• YMCA or ARC Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification, or completion within 90 days of hire.

• Experience managing small to mid-sized aquatic facilities, swim teams, or aquatic fitness programs.

• Advanced certifications such as YMCA Aquatic Leadership, Certified Pool Operator (CPO), or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO).

• Previous experience in program budgeting and staff development in aquatics.

• Knowledge of local and state aquatics safety regulations and compliance standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

The employee must be able to swim as required for the position and support in-water activities, including water-based group fitness programs, progressive-level swim lesson instruction, and lifeguard in-services and course oversight. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, sit, reach with hands and arms, grasp, stand, walk, hear, speak, and demonstrate finger dexterity and visual acuity. The employee must also be able to lift up to 50 pounds and push and pull equipment as needed. This position requires a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend hours.

The YMCA is an equal opportunity employment company. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, or arrest record. As an employer, we will try to reasonably accommodate employees with religious beliefs.