Athletic and Youth Program Director

About the Role

The Athletic and Youth Program Director is responsible for building, operating, and continuously improving the YMCA of Greenwich’s aquatic and youth programming portfolio. This leader acts as the Athletic Director for the YMCA’s competitive swim, dive, and water polo programs, partnering closely with head coaches to set program standards, drive team growth, and ensure every athlete has a clear and supported path to reach their full potential. The role also leads the full swim school operation—from traditional lessons to community-based offerings and competitive pathways—while overseeing youth extracurricular programming and partnerships. This position brings vision, operational discipline, and a passion for youth development through sport, along with organizational skills to build high-quality programs.

Responsibilities

• Competitive Athletics – Swim, Dive, and Water Polo
  • Serve as the Athletic Director for competitive swim, dive, and water polo programs, providing strategic oversight, program direction, and organizational support to coaching staff.
  • Partner with head coaches to set team goals, build program culture, establish athlete development standards, and align programs with YMCA values and mission.
  • Build systems to support coach effectiveness and athlete experience, including scheduling, meet logistics, family communication, and athlete recognition.
  • Ensure competitive programs are properly resourced, staffed, and positioned for growth, identifying opportunities to expand participation and strengthen community relationships.
  • Champion the development of the whole athlete, fostering growth in leadership, character, and life skills beyond the pool.
  • Maintain compliance with governing body requirements (USA Swimming, USA Diving, USA Water Polo) and ensure coaches hold current certifications.
• Youth Development Strategy & Program Quality
  • Own the strategic direction, daily operations, and continuous improvement of the swim school and community-based aquatic initiatives.
  • Establish and maintain program quality standards aligned with Red Cross WSI Swim Lesson curriculum and national best practices.
  • Design participant pathways for progression from foundational swim lessons to intermediate and competitive aquatics.
  • Analyze enrollment trends, session performance, and participant feedback to drive improvement and respond to community demand.
  • Develop and lead adaptive programming to serve as an inclusive entry point into YMCA programs.
  • Partner with Marketing to communicate the swim school’s value and support enrollment growth through storytelling and visibility.
• Youth Extracurricular Programming & Partnerships
  • Develop, manage, and grow the YMCA’s youth extracurricular portfolio, focusing on introductory and developmental programming for positive first experiences in athletics and enrichment.
  • Build and steward partnerships with schools, youth sports organizations, and community groups to expand access and co-develop programming.
  • Ensure all youth sports and extracurricular programs reflect the YMCA’s commitment to access, inclusion, and positive youth development.
• Management and Risk
  • Champion child abuse prevention, ensuring staff training, policy enforcement, and a culture of vigilance and reporting.
  • Ensure all aquatic and youth programs meet or exceed safety standards, regulatory requirements, and YMCA risk management guidelines.
  • Own the financial performance of the program portfolio, including budget development, revenue targets, expense management, and variance reporting.
  • Lead and develop a team of direct reports and coordinators, clarifying roles, expectations, and growth pathways.
  • Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality swim instructors, program coordinators, and support staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, recreation, physical education, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in aquatics, youth sports, or recreation program leadership.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-program portfolios and leading teams.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience building and managing budgets, driving enrollment revenue, and analyzing program performance.
• Deep knowledge of youth development principles, progressive skill-building curricula, and structured youth enrichment operations.
• Experience working with or overseeing competitive sports programs and coaching staff strongly preferred.
• Strong partnership development and community engagement skills.
• Excellent communication skills with participants, families, staff, and organizational leadership.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.
• Familiarity with USA Swimming, US Diving, or USA Water Polo governance preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Regular use of a computer for extended periods and communication via computer and phone/smart device.
• Frequent sitting, reaching, and movement around the work environment.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular hours.

Pay

$80,000/annual

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Generous vacation and paid holidays.