Program Director - Aquatics

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Aquatics Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the YMCA’s Aquatics Department. This role oversees all aquatic programming, including swim lessons, lifeguard operations, and water safety initiatives, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, mission-driven programs that serve the needs of the community. The Director is accountable for strategic program development, staff recruitment and training, safety compliance, member engagement, and budget management. Working collaboratively with YMCA leadership and community partners, the Aquatics Director creates a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for members, while fostering a strong culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the department. 

CORE EXPECTATIONS: 

1. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT 

Directs and supervises program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations including maintaining safety ratios of guards.   

1. STAFF ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT 

Recruits, hires, trains, manages, develops, coaches, schedules, and directs staff and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete. Conducts safety, certification, and service training for staff. 

1. MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT 

Builds relationships with and among members, responds to inquiries and solves problems.  Creates a safe and supportive community environment, assists in recruiting and engaging new members, and connects members to the YMCA’s cause.   

1. BUDGET & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

Plans and manages department budgets as approved in a fiscally responsible manner.  Responsible for timely and accurate payroll for the department. 

1. FACILITY MANAGEMENT 

Works with appropriate branch staff to provide program facilities for members that are safe, clean, adequately equipped, well maintained, and attractive. Conducts and ensures proper maintenance of pools. Secures and schedules pool facilities. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance.  Part of YMCA Professional Director’s team that provides supervision on regular rotational basis on nights and/or weekends.   

1. VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT 

Builds and develops volunteer capacity, sharing the social responsibility. 

1. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & SUPPORT 

Assists in YMCA fund-raising activities/events and engages in collaborative relationships with community organizations to strengthen support and build community. 

YMCA COMPETENCIES - TEAM LEADER 

Mission and Community Oriented – Models and teaches YMCA values, inclusion activities, strategies and initiatives; ensures high-level service. Provide volunteers with orientation, training, development and recognition. 

People Oriented – Effectively communicate with audiences of all levels; listen for understanding when dealing with conflict; provide staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support. 

Results Oriented – Provides guidance for launching programs and framework for making decisions. Develops plans and manages best practices through team engagement and holds staff accountable for high quality results. Effectively manages budgets and cultivates relationships to support fundraising. 

Personal Development – Effectively addresses sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Facilitate change and models adaptability and awareness of its impact. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree from four-year College or University preferred 

• 3-5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Lifeguard Instructor Certification (LGT) within the first year of empl