Aquatic and Training Director

About the role

The Whatcom Family Y is seeking an enthusiastic and visionary Aquatics & Training Director to lead one of their most impactful program areas. This role involves directing and overseeing the development and operations of youth and adult aquatic programming, including swim lessons, swim team, lifeguarding classes, or other water-based activities as assigned. The Aquatics and Training Director is also responsible for developing and managing budgets, supervising staff and volunteers, and fostering relationships with families and community organizations to promote program participation and safety.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the development, operations, and growth of assigned program areas.
• Supports day-to-day operations (eg. participant communication, facility rentals, participant rosters/team management, etc.) and other program specific-assigned duties.
• Develops and monitors the program budget to meet fiscal objectives; compiles program statistics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in the programs; schedules and maintains the needed facilities; and creates and schedules the activities or events.
• Assesses programs to align with community needs to include supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed.
• Aids in the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Ensures programs and services are culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate for participants while encouraging an inclusive environment that welcomes a diverse array of the community.
• Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and directs staff and volunteers as needed.
• Reviews and evaluates performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and volunteers to achieve goals. Ensures certifications are current and complete for assigned staff and volunteers.
• Develops and implements an annual association-wide aquatics training plan that ensures consistent training, certification compliance, and operational excellence across all aquatic facilities while supporting employee growth, retention, and succession planning.
• Schedules and conducts required certifications and recertifications, including Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, and Y Swim Lesson Instructor certifications, as applicable.
• Maintains training records and certification documentation to ensure all staff meet the Y, state, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborates with other departments to create a comprehensive experience for participants, members and the community.
• Models relationship-building skills in all interactions; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with staff, parents and caregivers, and community to maximize program impact and drive overall outcomes; maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within the area of responsibility.
• Affirms compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate; ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
• Actively participates in fundraising efforts, program sponsorship opportunities and committees as assigned.
• Follows organization’s policies and procedures regarding protecting youth from abuse; including screening and selection, training and supervision, and responding to allegations.
• Communicates to all staff and volunteers the organization’s commitment to protect youth from abuse.
• Fulfills mandated reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in aquatic programming or facility management, with a proven track record of leadership and program management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Education, or related field preferred.
• Current Y or American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification, Y Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer, and CPR/AED/First Aid instructor certification or ability to obtain.
• One year or more of supervising experience including paid and volunteer position.
• Minimum age of 21 years or older.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and teams effectively.
• Passionate about serving youth and families, with a commitment to the YMCA mission.
• Understanding of positive youth development principles and experience in sports program implementation.
• Strong knowledge of YMCA aquatics standards, risk management, and emergency procedures.
• Strong communication skills with youth and adults is essential.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Completion of the Pool Operators Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Completion of Y program-specific training.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in aquatic programming or facility management, with a proven track record of leadership and program management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Education, or related field preferred.
• Current Y or American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification, Y Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer, and CPR/AED/First Aid instructor certification or ability to obtain.
• One year or more of supervising experience including paid and volunteer position.
• Minimum age of 21 years or older.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and teams effectively.
• Passionate about serving youth and families, with a commitment to the YMCA mission.
• Understanding of positive youth development principles and experience in sports program implementation.
• Strong knowledge of YMCA aquatics standards, risk management, and emergency procedures.
• Strong communication skills with youth and adults is essential.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Completion of the Pool Operators Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Completion of Y program-specific training.

Skills

• Passionate about water safety and youth development.
• Enjoys mentoring and developing future leaders.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Committed to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone belongs.
• Brought creativity, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Benefits

• A comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Y membership.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Retail plan with employer contributions.
• Professional development and certification support.
• Ledger growth opportunities within the YMCA movement.

Pay

Competitive salary.

Schedule

Flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the program and the community.