Aquatics Director

About the role

The Aquatics Director leads the Emilson Branch Aquatics Department, reporting to the Associate Executive Director. The role oversees five bodies of water (two indoor pools, two outdoor pools, a whirlpool) and associated support spaces, directs a leadership team of three full‑time staff and a large part‑time team of lifeguards, swim instructors, supervisors, and other aquatics personnel, and is responsible for department leadership, operations, safety, staffing, programming, financial performance, and continued development.

Responsibilities

• Program management & development: provide overall leadership and strategic direction; develop, evaluate, and grow high‑quality aquatics programs based on community needs, registration trends, YMCA goals, staffing, facility capacity, and financial performance; maintain year‑round planning for program sessions, registration, staffing, schedules, and seasonal operations; regularly review registrations, waitlists, program capacity, and enrollment opportunities; ensure accurate and timely program setup, rosters, schedules, member‑facing materials, and internal communication; collaborate with staff responsible for swim lessons, private lessons, Red Cross programming, and other program areas; maintain ownership of Outdoor Aquatic Center operations and work with Camp leadership on facility use, staffing, scheduling, safety, readiness, and communication.
• Staff leadership, development & accountability: recruit, hire, train, supervise, develop, coach, evaluate, and retain full‑time and part‑time aquatics staff; lead and develop the aquatics leadership team (including Assistant Aquatics Director) by establishing clear responsibilities, coordinating priorities, supporting problem‑solving, and maintaining shared awareness; conduct regular one‑on‑one meetings, provide ongoing coaching, feedback, professional development, and performance support; ensure appropriate onboarding, training, and continued development opportunities; delegate operational, administrative, program, and leadership responsibilities while retaining director‑level oversight; develop full‑time staff and supervisors to take meaningful ownership; review staff performance regularly and address concerns promptly in partnership with branch leadership and HR; participate in aquatics staff meetings, monthly in‑services, leadership meetings, and professional development; ensure required staff certifications and training remain current.
• Aquatics operations, safety & facility management: oversee safe and effective operation of two indoor pools, two outdoor pools, the whirlpool, pump rooms, sauna, steam room, decks, and related aquatics spaces; ensure facilities operate per applicable state, local, Red Cross, YMCA, and South Shore YMCA health and safety standards; work with Facilities and branch leadership to keep spaces safe, clean, adequately equipped, well maintained, and welcoming; ensure routine operational, maintenance, water‑quality, opening/closing, inspection, and documentation requirements are completed accurately and consistently; maintain regular visibility throughout aquatics areas and uphold high standards for staffing, safety, cleanliness, equipment, and facility readiness; work with Facilities to identify and address mechanical, maintenance, repair, and safety concerns and communicate significant issues appropriately; provide leadership in Emergency Action Plans, emergency procedures, drills, staff preparedness, and incident response; ensure facilities are appropriately secured, scheduled, equipped, and prepared for programming, member use, training, and special events; participate as a member of the YMCA Professional Director team and provide branch supervision on a rotational basis, including nights and/or weekends as needed.
• Scheduling & department coverage: develop and maintain staffing schedules that support safe, efficient, and effective aquatics operations (lifeguarding, supervision, swim instruction, programming, opening/closing responsibilities, seasonal operations); regularly review and adjust staffing based on program needs, enrollment, facility use, seasonal changes, staff availability, certifications, and payroll considerations; identify and address schedule gaps and upcoming coverage needs proactively; ensure appropriate leadership and communication structure during scheduled absences; schedule flexibility is required and may include weekdays, early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Member & participant experience: build positive relationships with members, participants, families, and staff; respond to questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner; ensure member and participant communication is accurate, proactive, and timely, especially when programs, schedules, facilities, or operations change; respond to member concerns and ensure appropriate follow‑through to resolution; work collaboratively with Membership and other branch departments to provide a consistent member experience and communicate aquatics programs and registration opportunities; support an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for individuals and families of all backgrounds and abilities; maintain a professional presence consistent with South Shore YMCA values and expectations.
• Budget & financial management: develop and manage the aquatics department budget in a fiscally responsible manner; monitor revenue, payroll, expenses, registrations, program performance, and financial projections and make staffing and programming decisions accordingly; ensure department payroll is reviewed, accurate, and approved on time, including follow‑up on timecard discrepancies; develop and monitor budgets for uniforms, equipment, certifications, program supplies, and other department needs; work with the Associate Executive Director to establish enrollment, revenue, expense, and payroll goals and provide regular updates on department performance; identify opportunities to grow programming and revenue while maintaining appropriate staffing, quality, and safety standards.
• Communication, branch & association leadership: maintain timely, professional, and proactive communication with staff, members, participants, branch leadership, and association partners; maintain consistent communication with the Associate Executive Director regarding department performance, staffing, safety, facilities, enrollment, budget, and significant operational needs; complete required reports, audits, administrative responsibilities, and follow‑up accurately and on time and maintain organized department records and systems; serve as an active member of the Emilson Branch Director team and contribute to branch planning, initiatives, events, fundraising, and community engagement; collaborate with aquatics leadership across the South Shore YMCA to support consistent safety standards, training, programming, staff development, and operational practices; build collaborative relationships across departments and within the community that support aquatics programming and the YMCA’s mission, including volunteer engagement where appropriate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in recreation, sports management, education, business, or a related field preferred but not required; significant relevant experience in aquatics, recreation, operations, or people leadership may be considered in place of formal education.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of progressive aquatics, recreation, operations, or related leadership experience strongly preferred; significant leadership experience highly valued.
• Demonstrated experience supervising,