Aquatics Director

Together, the YMCA of Rock River Valley and Dixon Family YMCA are seeking a cause-driven leader to serve as the Aquatics Director.

Job Description

The Aquatics Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and growth of YMCA aquatic programs at designated locations. This position is responsible for ensuring a safe, high-quality experience for all staff, volunteers, members, program participants, and guests. They will achieve this by creating a positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and adheres to strong safety practices in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This position will also lead a team to build positive relationships with staff, volunteers, members and program participants through effective listening and communication. They are committed to building connections within the YMCA and our community.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 21
• High school diploma or equivalent, required
• Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred; Minimum High School Diploma or GED, required
• YMCA Team Leader certification, preferred
• 3 years of experience in delivering high-quality aquatic programming, required
• 2 years of supervisory experience, preferred
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard certification or equivalent (must attain Red Cross Lifeguard certification within 90 days of hire)
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification or equivalent (must attain Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification within 180 days of hire)
• Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification or equivalent (must attain YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification within 120 days of hire)
• Current Basic Life Support (CPRO), First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications
• Successfully complete the Red Cross Lifeguard swim test and maintain certification level of physical and mental readiness
• Responsible for recertification before expiration
• Certification to attain within 180 days of hire: Certified Pool Operator
• Certification to attain within one (1) year of hire: Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
• Certification to attain within one (1) year of hire: YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer
• Strategic thinker, inspiring communicator, and inclusive leader
• Energized by building systems and relationships that make people stronger-inside and out
• Current Praesidium Academy training

Essential Functions

The YMCA seeks to provide a flexible, results-oriented work environment. To support the branches, programs, and people they serve, directors will be asked to spend a majority of their time on-site observing, supporting and leading. While occasional remote work may be permitted with prior approval from the supervisor, directors are required to maintain a consistent on-site presence and should not expect regular remote work arrangements.


Leadership & Staff Development

• Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Provide clear job expectations for all aquatic roles.
• Serves as a member of their branch, Aquatics Department and YMCA Leadership Team. Will attend all scheduled meetings, included, but not limited to, branch team meetings, operation meetings, and leadership meetings.
• Fosters a culture that builds trust and treats all team members and colleagues with respect; constructively and immediately deals with conflict; gains commitment and provides clarity; holds team members accountable and cultivates peer accountability; and achieves results to meet strategic and operational goals.
• Provides direct supervision to leads and frontline staff to ensure their professional development and success.
• Recognizes, develops, and strategizes department staffing needs, including but not limited to swim lesson instructors, lifeguards, and adaptive swim lessons instructors.
• Manages and supports through staffing, scheduling, payroll and programming. Follows all YMCA policies and industry-leading practices as well as local, state and federal regulations and laws.
• Creates, implements and documents an annual in-service calendar that meets or exceeds leading industry standards, YUSA standards and the association's general liability insurance recommendations. All in-services are to be led by YUSA Lifeguard Instructors.
• Seeks and provides regular feedback. This includes: meeting with all aquatic staff monthly; meeting with swim lesson team quarterly; meets with association aquatic peers monthly.
• Participates in quarterly program cabinet meetings to support the aquatic department in the areas of program development, staff training, program quality standards, recertification, audits and resource development.
• Participates in other committees as requested.
• Supports their Branch Executive Director through hosting and leading annual branch meeting.
• Collaborates with their Branch Executive Director in the hiring process of Aquatic leadership positions.
• Partners with association peers to develop Association Aquatics Staff Handbook, ensuring all policies and procedures are up to date annually.

Operations & Program Management

• Operational management of branch-specific assigned locations and programs, including birthday parties.
• Develops and implements quality control measures to ensure delivery of quality programs, integrated marketing approaches, smooth enrollment processes, coordination of recruitment strategies and regular reporting progress of core outcomes.
• Ensures quality programming and “best in class” member experience, expanding program offerings and developing new aquatic program opportunities.
• Responds promptly to member and participant concerns, typically within 24-48 hours, across phone, email, and other communication channels.
• Develops and implements strategies to build capacity and drive participation in designated program areas using participant usage, enrollment and feedback data.
• Responsible for meeting, and/or exceeding budgeted revenue while appropriately managing expenses.
• Participate and support staff, annual, and capital campaigns.
• Be visible, accessible, and responsive in aquatics areas.
• Ensures all communication materials, schedules, and promotions are accurate, updated, and brand compliant.
• Ensures accuracy of aquatics program information across all physical schedules, online schedules/applications, and internal systems.
• Responsible for following all Human Resource processes.

Facilities & Safety

• Partners with association maintenance team to ensure a safe and effective chemical maintenance program is active and in place.
• Maintains cleanliness in spaces involves ensuring that all areas are sanitary, tidy, organized, and free from clutter, creating a welcoming environment for all. After events, it is essential to systematically put items back in their designated places, restoring order and preparing the area for future use.
• Prepares staff to respond in the event of an emergency. This includes training on the facility Emergency Response Plan.
• Maintains the Aquatics Safety Plan and Partner Facility Safety Plans.
• Works directly with association peers to monitor and replenish medical supplies, oxygen tanks, and AEDs for assigned YMCA locations.
• Maintain and retain all records for pool maintenance, staff training and certifications, program member attendance and evaluation of employees and participant skills according to YMCA, local, state and federal rules, regulations and laws.

General Duties

• Ensure proper facility opening, closing and security.
• Serves as a member of YMCA Leadership Team and supports the overall objectives of the YMCA, sharing in Manager on Duty responsibilities.
• Ensures uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional.
• Ensures a strong emphasis on character development while fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse perspectives, promotes understanding and respect, and creating experiences where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
• Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
• Performs any other functions necessary for smooth and efficient operation.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Functional Expertise


Developing Self & Others


Communication & Influence


Program/Project Management

Required Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, required
• Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred; Minimum High School Diploma or GED, required
• YMCA Team Leader certification, preferred
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard certification or equivalent (must attain Red Cross Lifeguard certification within 90 days of hire)
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification or equivalent (must attain Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification within 180 days of hire)
• Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification or equivalent (must attain YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification within 120 days of hire)
• Current Basic Life Support (CPRO), First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications
• Successfully complete the Red Cross Lifeguard swim test and maintain certification level of physical and mental readiness
• Responsible for recertification before expiration
• Certification to attain within 180 days of hire: Certified Pool Operator
• Certification to attain within one (1) year of hire: Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
• Certification to attain within one (1) year of hire: YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer
• Current Praesidium Academy training

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