Aquatic Director

Aquatics Director

The Alexandria Area YMCA is seeking an Aquatics Director to join our leadership team and lead the day-to-day operations of our aquatics department. This position oversees aquatics staff, programming, safety, and facility operations while creating a positive experience for members, participants, and employees. The ideal candidate is an experienced aquatics professional who enjoys developing staff, building strong community relationships, and creating safe, high-quality programs for all ages.

The Aquatics Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of aquatics staff, programming, and operations at the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is integral to this role.

Position Details

· Position: Full-Time, Exempt

· Pay: $46,000 - $66,000 annually

Why Join the Alexandria Area YMCA?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community while leading a team of aquatics professionals. The Aquatics Director plays an important role in providing safe, welcoming, and engaging experiences for children, families, and adults throughout our community.

Essential Functions

• Lead, implement, and manage high-quality aquatic programs that align with community needs and uphold YMCA standards of quality, safety, and care. Expand programs as outlined in strategic plans.
• Lead the recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, supervision, and performance evaluation of aquatics staff. Develop and motivate employees to achieve department and organizational goals while ensuring all staff certifications and required records are current and complete.
• Assist in the development and management of the department budget.
• Complete all required department safety and quality documentation and drills within required timelines. Be an active participant of the Safety Committee.
• Conduct internal safety training for lifeguards and swim instructors.
• Maintain program statistics to assess effectiveness and participation levels.
• Schedule pool facilities.
• Build strong relationships with members, participants, employees, and community partners while promptly addressing questions, concerns, and complaints.
• Provide occasional coverage for swimming lessons or lifeguard shifts as needed to maintain appropriate pool coverage and support the aquatics team.
• Assist with the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Support YMCA fundraising activities and special events.

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays Plus Birthday PTO
• Free YMCA Family Membership
• Discounts on YMCA Programs
• Health Savings Plan
• 401(a) and 403(b) Retirement Plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans
• Mental Health Benefits, including free mental health sessions
• Professional Development
• Work-Life Balance

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Health Science, Recreation, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Current National Lifeguarding Certification or completion within 60 days of hire.
• Current WSI Certification or completion within 60 days of hire.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an aquatics-related field, preferably in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products and computer skills.
• Completion of Certified Pool Operator training within 60 days of hire.

Physical Demands

• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Frequent exposure to a humid environment.
• Flexible availability for irregular shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Regular use of a computer and communication devices.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities including close and distance vision.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job functions and supervise activities.
• Alertness to noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment.
• Continuous awareness of surroundings to ensure participant safety.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively.
• Use of hands and arms, reaching required.
• Standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling as needed.

EEO Statement

The Alexandria Area YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.