Aquatics Experience Director

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced manager to lead our Aquatics department. In this role, you'll oversee daily operations, support and develop staff, ensure safe, high-quality programs, and create positive experiences for members and participants. Previous aquatics experience is a plus but not required. We provide comprehensive training and certification support for candidates with proven experience leading teams, managing operations, and building strong, people-centered workplaces.

You will think, communicate, and behave as a cause-driven leader and role model for other staff and members regarding desired staff behaviors and healthy living practices.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise program activities to meet community needs and fulfill YMCA objectives.
• Establish new program activities and expand programs within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule, and direct personnel as needed. Review and evaluate staff performance, and develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
• Ensure records of staff certifications are current and complete, along with all in-service standards being met.
• Monitor and maintain daily pool operations and chemical levels to adhere to all state, local, and YMCA of the USA health and safety regulations.
• Conduct certification courses in American Red Cross programs and teach in-services in accordance with association policies and standards.
• Secure and schedule pool facilities. Maintain accurate records of pool chemical levels.
• Work with the Executive Director on Aquatics budget creation and management. Maintain inventory and recommend purchases as needed.
• Assist in branch special events and demonstrate strong listening skills to learn member interests and connect them with programs and experiences that meet their needs.
• Respond to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the branch executive director to ensure the safe and responsible operation of the Y, including rotating responsibilities for overall facility supervision and program coverage.
• Actively participate in branch philanthropy efforts, special events, meetings, and training sessions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (preferred) in recreation, aquatics, social sciences, or a related field, and two years of experience working in an aquatics environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Passionate belief in the Y’s cause of nurturing the potential of all youth, supporting healthy living for all people, and finding ways to help and support our neighbors.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Proven track record of developing authentic relationships with others.
• Ability to foster a collaborative team approach to solving challenging situations.

Qualifications

• YMCA Team Leader certification; if not certified, must obtain certification within 12 months. Team leader certification requires: Principles and Practices; Introduction to Volunteerism; Introduction to Leading Others; Introduction to Fiscal Management; Leadership competency assessment; Team Leader Certification Test.
• Training Requirements:
  • Immediately upon hire: Lifeguarding certification (ARC); American Red Cross First Aid & CPR for Professional Rescuer; AED, O2, and state-mandated concussion training.
  • Within 6 months of hire: LGI (ARC).
  • Within 1 year of hire: Become YSL Instructor.
• YMCA Global Leadership Certification: If not certified, must obtain certification within 12 months.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.