Aquatics Director

Aquatics Director

Position Type Full Time

Pay starting at $21.00 per hour and up based on experience

Become our next Aquatics Director - Building Safe Swimmers and Strong Teams! We are hiring a Director for both our Hammond and Gary branches.

Position Summary

At the YMCA, we believe strong communities are built through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As the Program Director, you will lead the daily operations, growth, and quality of assigned programs, with a primary focus on aquatics and member engagement. This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys developing people, creating exceptional participant experiences, managing operations, and ensuring safety and compliance. You will oversee program development, staff recruitment and supervision, budgeting, risk management, and community partnerships while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Program Directors:

• Build strong, engaged teams through hiring, training, coaching, and accountability.
• Create high-quality programs that meet community needs and achieve participation goals.
• Maintain a safe environment through risk management, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop meaningful relationships with members, participants, community partners, and volunteers.
• Manage budgets responsibly while supporting program growth and sustainability.
• Lead with the YMCA's mission, values, and cause-driven culture.

What You'll Be Doing

Leadership & Staff Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and supervise program staff.
• Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Establish department goals and measure team performance against key objectives.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture.

Program Management

• Develop, coordinate, market, and evaluate program offerings and services.
• Monitor participant satisfaction and implement improvements based on feedback.
• Support member engagement and retention initiatives.
• Ensure programs meet YMCA quality standards and community needs.

Safety & Risk Management

• Implement and maintain risk management practices.
• Conduct emergency drills, staff trainings, and preparedness assessments.
• Ensure staff certifications remain current.
• Maintain compliance with licensing, OSHA, and aquatics safety requirements.
• Monitor and maintain equipment through preventive maintenance schedules.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual department budgets.
• Monitor revenue and expenses, prepare variance reports, and provide accurate forecasts.
• Ensure programs operate within approved budgets while maintaining quality standards.

Community Engagement

• Build relationships with schools, agencies, community organizations, and program partners.
• Respond promptly and professionally to member and community inquiries.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Campaign.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete payroll, recordkeeping, reporting, scheduling, and other administrative duties.
• Attend and participate in required meetings, trainings, and association initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Aquatics-Specific Responsibilities

• Lead and model a high-quality swim lesson program.
• Maintain Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certifications (Instructor/Trainer certification preferred).
• Obtain and maintain Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification within 90 days of hire.
• Conduct monthly lifeguard in-service trainings.
• Maintain compliance documentation, including:
• Pool chemistry records
• Patron load records
• Staff certification tracking
• Emergency drill documentation
• OSHA compliance records

What You Should Know Before Applying

This is a highly visible leadership role that combines people management, customer service, program operations, and safety oversight.

You May Enjoy This Role If You:

• Enjoy mentoring and developing staff.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities.
• Are comfortable making decisions and solving problems independently.
• Have strong organizational and communication skills.
• Value community impact and mission-driven work.
• Enjoy balancing administrative responsibilities with direct program involvement.

Challenges of the Role

• Managing multiple priorities, schedules, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Responding to unexpected staffing, facility, or participant issues.
• Working occasional evenings, weekends, and special events based on program needs.
• Maintaining high safety standards while delivering exceptional member experiences.
• Balancing budget expectations with program growth and service quality.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Three years of related supervisory or program leadership experience.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software systems.
• Ability to effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certifications.
• Maintains current technical and industry knowledge.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and move throughout the workday.
• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain focus, alertness, and sound judgment in a busy environment.
• Ability to work in both office and aquatic settings.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

Our Benefits Include

• Health care medical coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 12% employer retirement contribution
• Complimentary YMCA family membership
• 50% discount on most YMCA programs
• Ongoing professional development and leadership development opportunities

We encourage our staff to take full advantage of YMCA programs and facilities to support their own health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.