Aquatic Director (Full-Time)

Description

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Program Operations and in partnership with other Aquatics Director, this role plays a key part in the overall success of the Aquatics Program. Every effort will be made to operate a first-rate Aquatic Program which will focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The incumbent will assist with the operation and administration of all the aquatic programs at the facility and within the community.

Essential Functions

• Champion exceptional member service, modeling a safe, welcoming, and inclusive aquatic environment that brings the YMCA’s mission—youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility—to life.
• Support the strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement of aquatic programs and community partnerships, ensuring high-quality experiences aligned with YMCA standards and best practices.
• Lead all aspects of the staff lifecycle—recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, development, evaluation, and retention—for Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, and Aquatic staff, while cultivating a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Design and manage comprehensive staff schedules to ensure optimal coverage across all aquatic programs, open swim, lessons, and special events, proactively addressing gaps to maintain seamless operations.
• Collaborate with Aquatics leadership to ensure consistent full-time deck supervision during peak evening hours (4:00–7:30 PM), upholding safety standards, enhancing member engagement, and ensuring program quality.
• Coordinate and lead monthly in-service trainings for Swim Instructors and Lifeguards, reinforcing safety protocols, risk management practices, and instructional excellence.
• Achieve and maintain CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor certifications within six months; actively lead staff certification courses to ensure ongoing compliance and readiness.
• Obtain and maintain YMCA Swim Instructor Trainer (SI) and Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certifications within six months; drive internal training capacity through staff certifications and re-certifications.
• Drive program innovation and growth by leading the development, evaluation, and optimization of aquatic offerings, including curriculum design and schedule alignment to meet member needs and increase participation.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of all pool schedules across digital platforms and member-facing communications.
• Enforce rigorous compliance with all safety and regulatory standards, including YMCA policies and Department of Public Health requirements; conduct regular audits and proactively mitigate risks.
• Support budget development and financial management for the aquatic department, contributing to fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.
• Integrate YMCA character development principles into all programs, staff training, and member interactions.
• Maintain clear, consistent, and proactive communication with members and staff regarding schedules, policies, program updates, and safety expectations.
• Serve as a leader in the Annual Campaign and branch events, actively supporting fundraising efforts that expand access and community impact.
• Engage in Aquatic Task Force and branch/association meetings, contributing to strategic planning and operational excellence.
• Oversee the cleanliness, safety, and overall presentation of all aquatic facilities, ensuring a high-quality member experience.
• Support branch operations and mission delivery by performing additional duties as needed.
  
  

Qulaifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (required in some cases) with at least 3 years of supervisory experience, or 7 years of progressively responsible experience
• Requires current or obtained certifications in Lifeguarding, Swim Instruction, Pool Operation, Aquatic Facilities Management, and CPR (within 90 days of hire)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with strong initiative and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision
• Ability to manage multiple major projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong decision-making skills related to aquatic safety, daily operations, and non-routine employment matters
• Ability to assess facts and issues and make informed, non-routine decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong human relations abilities
• Proven supervisory skills with the ability to develop and foster cooperative relationships
• Ability to remain calm, objective, and respectful in high-pressure or sensitive situations (e.g., employee counseling, mediation, termination)
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage information accurately and maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  
  

Job Type: Full-Time (Exempt)

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 40hrs per week

Pay: $47,476 - $50,000 per year (based on experience and education). Plus generous PTO, access to YMCA facilities for all YMCA employees, Medical, Dental, Disability, Life, Vision, & Pet Insurance, and ability to participate 403b Retirement Savings Plan. Also, once fully vested, the YMCA will pay into a retirement account (403a) for you with an employer match!

If this sounds like something you are qualified to do and want to apply, please submit your online application today!

About Us

The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are a safe place for children, teens and vulnerable populations, and all staff, regardless of their role within the organization, are required to ensure the trust that families place in us is earned each and every day. Child protection is every employee’s job, and employees may not begin work until they are trained. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to strengthen our community, beginning with you.