Aquatic Director

About the role

The Rahway Branch of The Gateway Family YMCA, located in Rahway, New Jersey, is a full-service facility serving over 3,200 members. We are seeking a passionate Aquatic Director to lead our Aquatic Department, fostering a safe, effective, and thriving environment. The ideal candidate is mission-driven, embodies YMCA values, and has proven experience developing staff and programs.

The Rahway Branch pool is family-friendly, featuring 6 lanes (25 yards) heated to 85 degrees. Key programming includes:

• Y Swim Lessons (Child, Youth, Adult, Child Care, and Summer Camp)
• Water Fitness and Arthritis classes
• Community Rentals
• Private Swim Lessons
• Birthday Parties
• Rapids Swim Team
• Recreational Swim

Responsibilities

• Promote and incorporate YMCA’s four core values and character development model into all program activities.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule, and direct personnel and volunteers; evaluate staff performance and develop strategies to motivate and achieve goals.
• Conduct monthly staff meetings and scheduled in-service trainings.
• Establish new program activities and expand programs in alignment with the strategic plan.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Develop and monitor the program budget to meet fiscal objectives.
• Monitor daily pool operations to adhere to state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations.
• Oversee direct service of aquatic staff, including scheduling, class organization, and ensuring adequate coverage; act as a substitute if needed.
• Coordinate facility use for program activities and events; secure and schedule pool facilities.
• Oversee the Rapids Swim Team and all competitive aquatic programs.
• Maintain accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance.
• Conduct and ensure proper maintenance of pools.
• Maintain accurate records of staff certifications.
• Conduct lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, and CPR trainings.
• Create and schedule swim classes, water fitness classes, and swim team practices and meets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience leading an Aquatic Department within the YMCA, community pool, or health club sector.
• Current YMCA Lifeguard (or equivalent) certification.
• Current CPR-PRO certification.
• Current First Aid certification.
• Current Automatic External Defibrillation (AED) certification.
• Current Oxygen Management certification.
• Current YSL (or equivalent) certification.
• CPO certification preferred.
• YSL Trainer and Y Lifeguard Trainer certifications obtained within one year of hire date.