Aquatics Director

Branch locations: Kernersville Family YMCA and Stokes Family YMCA

The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is currently recruiting for two Aquatic Director positions in our association. The Aquatics Director is responsible for the organization and execution of all aquatic programming including swim lessons, lifeguards and water fitness. This position supervises all aquatics staff and leads all aquatic programs at the branch.


The Aquatics Director implements programming for members of all ages and abilities, growing their passion and capabilities in the water with the goal of becoming life-long swimmers. Our Kernersville location has 2 indoor pools that are open year round, and a splash pad and outdoor pool that is opened from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Our Stokes Family YMCA has one indoor pool.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage a yearly budget for all related departments to meet fiscal objectives.
• Provide direct supervision to aquatic staff.
• Identify staff and volunteers needs; recruit, hire, train, coach and evaluate staff and volunteers
• Assist in the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Organize and schedule program registrations.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and participation in programs.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other community organizations.
• Coordinate use of aquatic facilities for members, program activities and events.
• Establish and expand programs within the community in accordance with the Association and branch strategic plans.
• Assist in branch fund raising activities and special events.
• Respond to member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
• Identify staffing and training needs; recruit, hire, train, coach and evaluate staff.
• Provide Swim Instructor and Water Fitness instructor in-service training for programming, customer service, and safety procedures on a quarterly schedule.
• Provide Lifeguard in-service training for lifesaving skills, customer service, and safety procedures on a monthly schedule.
• Review and maintain payroll for department staff.
• Work with the Executive Director of Aquatics and Human Resources to handle employee relations and discipline, with documentation, involving aquatics staff and patrons.
• Work with leadership and the Marketing Department to develop marketing strategy and campaign material for Aquatics (including articles, brochures, postcards, program guide entries, audience identification, etc).
• Continuously seek program modifications to meet the needs of the community such as HomeSchool Swim Lessons, Special Needs Lessons, Second Grade Swim, etc.
• Utilize excellent customer service skills and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members, vendors, and the community.
• Organize and/or conduct YMCA Lifeguard and ASHI courses for internal and external customers.
• Work with aquatics staff to help ensure they are up to date on required certifications, at all times, and take the lead on all legally required training.
• Be available to fill in as a lifeguard or swim instructor as needed.
• Work with aquatic and branch staff to organize the monthly lifeguard and pool schedules and make them available each month by the last week of the previous month.
• Provide leadership and direction in the development and implementation of short and long range strategic plans.
• Follow the quality standards of the Aquatics Department as specified by the Aquatic AOC.
• Function as Risk Manager for the branch, organize leadership roles, branch strategies and training on the branch Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and ensure that all departments incorporate safety training into their in-services.
• Assist in the development and execution fundraising events for the Aquatics Department such as United Way and Annual Impact Fund.
• Promote and incorporate the YMCA five core values and character development model into all program activities.

Marginal Responsibilities

• Attend required meetings and trainings
• Assist with special events, both branch and association-wide
• Serve as Manager On Duty when needed
• Complete WPRs for employees

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises aquatics staff and volunteers.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; reviewing and approving timesheets; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; monitoring and updating all required staff certifications; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

We Take Care of Our People
We're passionate about fostering health and wellness for all, and we have a comprehensive benefits package that has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize your well-being.

• Health Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, to ensure the well-being of our employees.
• Retirement Savings Plan: We offer a 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility, empowering employees to plan for their future.
• Paid Time Off: Work-life integration is important to us, which is why we provide up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Additional Perks: Employee household membership to facilities operated by the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina and discounts on programs throughout the association.

• A passion for aquatics, minimum of 21 years old with YMCA or other aquatic management experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred (examples include sports management, exercise science, etc.)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate with people in a positive but firm manner and possess mature judgment, sound decision-making, and be a team player capable of developing and maintaining relationships with all participants, staff, and the general public.
• Pursues continual personal and professional development.
• Is innovative and maintains knowledge of the latest research and developments in aquatics.
• Must possess strong swimming skills and successfully complete the required Lifeguard certification within the first six months of employment. The required skills assessment will be administered by the YMCA.

Certification and Training

Child Abuse Prevention for Supervisory Staff; Bloodborne Pathogens; Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting Awareness; other required training
CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen
YMCA lifeguard or equivalent (YMCA lifeguard required within 30 days of employment. Swim Lesson: YSL V7 Instructor; Certified Pool Operator (CPO).

Physical Demands

• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.

• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility
• Meet strength and lifting requirements.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.