Director of Aquatics

Lead a Program That Builds Skills, Confidence, and Community.

JAM Center is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced leader to serve as our next Director of Aquatics.

The Director of Aquatics provides leadership for JAM Swim School and aquatics operations at the JAM Center. This person will oversee a talented team of lifeguards and swim instructors, maintain safe and welcoming pool operations, strengthen existing programs, and develop new opportunities that meet the needs of our community.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can move comfortably between developing programs, coaching staff, managing schedules, teaching when needed, and ensuring that every person who enters our aquatics facility receives an exceptional experience.

At JAM, our work is rooted in the belief that we are Together, So Much More. We are looking for a director who will bring that mission to life through strong leadership, meaningful relationships, and safe, high-quality aquatics programming. JAM Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting people where they are and walking with them toward who they're becoming. We are rooted in human development, principles, and lifelong learning.

What You’ll Do

Lead Aquatics Operations

• Oversee the safe and effective daily operation of the JAM Center aquatics facility.
• Coordinate pool schedules, staffing, swim lessons, programs, rentals, and special events.
• Monitor pool conditions, follow established maintenance procedures, and promptly report or address concerns.
• Maintain compliance with applicable safety standards, certifications, policies, and regulations.
• Identify and address potential hazards to protect staff, members, participants, and guests.
• Maintain and strengthen departmental policies, procedures, and emergency protocols in collaboration with the Chief Wellness Officer.

Guide JAM Swim School and Aquatics Programming

• Serve as the curriculum leader for JAM Swim School with support from the swim instructor team.
• Ensure that swim instruction is safe, developmentally appropriate, consistent, and engaging.
• Evaluate current programs and develop new aquatics opportunities in response to community needs.
• Build greater depth, participation, and progression across JAM’s aquatics programs.
• Teach swim lessons, water fitness classes, and other aquatics programs as needed.
• Support the promotion and growth of JAM Swim School throughout the community.

Develop and Support the Aquatics Team

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and support lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatics maintenance staff.
• Establish clear expectations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development.
• Lead regular staff training and in-service skill development.
• Create a team culture grounded in safety, responsibility, communication, and care.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and coverage for all pool operating hours and programs.

Strengthen Community Connections

• Build relationships and partnerships that advance the JAM Center’s mission and expand access to aquatics programming.
• Collaborate with other JAM departments to support membership growth, engagement, and retention.
• Represent the JAM Center professionally within the organization and throughout the community.
• Participate in organizational events, fundraising efforts, meetings, training, and strategic initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to lead people, manage competing priorities, and follow through on responsibilities.
• Strong communication, organization, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to outstanding customer service and inclusive community programming.
• Ability to work a schedule that meets the operational needs of the aquatics department.
• Comfort working in and around water.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in aquatics, recreation, health and exercise science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience in aquatics programming, swim instruction, lifeguarding, or facility operations.
• Current Lifeguard certification.
• Current Lifeguard Instructor certification.
• Experience developing programs, managing staff schedules, or leading a swim school.

Candidates who bring strong leadership and relevant experience but do not meet every preferred qualification are still encouraged to apply.

The Person Who Will Thrive in This Role

Our ideal Director of Aquatics is:

• A confident and compassionate leader who enjoys developing others.
• Proactive, dependable, and comfortable taking ownership.
• Attentive to both safety details and the larger participant experience.
• Excited to improve established programs and create new opportunities.
• Able to communicate clearly with children, families, staff, members, and community partners.
• Ready to jump in and help wherever needed, including getting in the pool!

Our Commitment to Service:

Outstanding customer service is central to the JAM Center experience. Every employee is expected to be an active listener and to be knowledgeable, friendly, professional, helpful, ethical, and willing to go the extra mile.

Our team members model caring, honesty, respect, integrity, and responsibility within the JAM Center and throughout the community.

Physical and Work Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

This position requires the ability to:

• Perform the skills required for Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR, and departmental in-service training.
• Complete water rescues, including assisting a person from the bottom of the pool and out of the water.
• Remain comfortable working in and around water.
• Lift and carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 45 pounds.
• Stand, walk, sit, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, push, and pull as required.
• Work for extended periods in an indoor aquatics environment maintained at approximately 84 degrees with high humidity.
• Navigate wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces.
• Occasionally respond to emergency conditions that may involve heat, cold, wind, or rain.

Join the JAM Team

This is an opportunity to lead a meaningful community program, develop a strong aquatics team, and help people of all ages become safer, healthier, and more confident in the water.

If you’re ready to bring your leadership, creativity, and passion for aquatics to the JAM Center, we would love to hear from you.

Salary: $18-25 per hour dependent upon experience

Benefits: Health Insurance, 401k with employer match, free membership, programming discounts, Trishare discount employer discount on Early Education (Infant through before and after-care for K-5), employer paid professional development and certifications, and more!