Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in its students, faculty, and staff. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is the foundational core of community-building that supports the school’s mission and empowers all community members to be their whole selves and thrive-- especially those who historically have been and continue to be marginalized because of their cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, national, gender, sexual, spiritual, or socioeconomic identities and their physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Riverdale enrolls about 1,200 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes. Approximately 44% of our student body identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. At Riverdale we recognize that the work of DEIB is iterative and requires a consistent commitment. Ideal candidates display that commitment in their work and/or in their approach to teaching and learning. 

The Aquatics Manager is responsible for ensuring the provision of a safe, high-quality, and fair education-based aquatics program that caters to various skill levels and competitive abilities. This includes teaching physical education classes for middle school students, managing the budget for the aquatics program, and making recommendations for the purchase of necessary equipment, materials, and supplies. The Aquatics Director also coaches one of the interscholastic swim teams, oversees and schedules lifeguards, assists in the hiring process for water polo and swim team coaches, and is accountable for the development, implementation, coordination, and overall supervision of safety and emergency response protocols, risk management initiatives, and pool maintenance.

Administrative Leadership

• Collaborating with the Assistant Director of Athletics for Coaching and Operations to recruit coaches for all interscholastic swim teams and other programs, which may also involve hiring lifeguards.
• Manage middle school and high school Meet Manager database, including Hytek and Colorado Time System.
• Encourage the development of partnerships with local community organizations to utilize the aquatics center.
• Manage, organize, and modify the rental schedule for the aquatic center.
• Provide support in the creation and oversight of the annual budget.
• Engage in the role of Athletic Administrator on Duty.

• Experience in teaching aquatics to middle- and upper-school-aged students.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and collaborating with other team members to develop a swim curriculum for middle and upper school students.
• Develop an elective-based curriculum for upper school students that may include selective options, such as aquatic strength training (rehab with ATC), lifeguard certification (mini-course), and water polo.
• Develop innovative programming for “Learn to Swim” for Riverdale lower school students (Manhattan College collaboration) and/or Bronx Community.
• Ensure that coaches and physical education professionals possess and obtain the Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification (or an equivalent certification).

• Perform regular safety inspections of pools and equipment, ensuring NYS quality and safety standards are met in the operation of pool and swim instruction.
• Maintain pool equipment and work with the facilities department to maintain the aquatics center properly.
• Collaborate closely in a leadership role, providing support to students as a co-teacher while devising adaptations for swimming techniques to aid in student learning.
• Proficient understanding of swimming pool filters, mechanical systems, and the application of chemicals for swimming pool maintenance and water chemistry.
• Conduct routine safety inspections of pools and equipment to ensure compliance with New York State quality and safety regulations for pool operation and swimming training.

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Lifeguard Certification and ability to certify lifeguard staff
• Certified Pool Operator Certificate

Required Skills/Abilities:Minimum of ten years of relevant work experience that ideally includes serving as an Aquatics Manager, pool manager, or supervising lifeguards. Ability to work flexible schedules to include evenings, weekends, and special events as needed. Experience with the maintenance and upkeep of a pool facility. Familiarity with aquatic mechanical, filtration, and sanitation systems. Thorough knowledge and application of swimming and water safety skills. Ability to respond quickly during emergency situations. Ability to actively collaborate with all school constituencies and problem-solve independently and in a team environment.

Education

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter. If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us. For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical: Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance. In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.

Retirement: Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA. The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.