Aquatics Director

Job Title: Aquatics Director 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Branch Executive

Full-Time Benefits:

• Retirement accounts (You can contribute at any time, but the Y will contribute 12% after two years of service with 1,000 hours in each of the two years)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Plans 
• Access to a MNsure Navigator
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts available
• Long and Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y
• Discounts on programs, summer camps, YMCA Camp Miller
• Paid time off (About 120 hours/ year and starting with 40 hours)
• Paid parental leave
• Subscription to the Calm app
• Bereavement leave
• Paid holidays
• Team member referral program
• Employee engagement and appreciation activities
• Growth and development opportunities 
• Free parking
• Leadership certification and related training offered and encouraged

Summary/Objective 

The Aquatics Director oversees aquatics staff, programming, and operations. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Additionally, the Director maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals.   

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Essential Functions 

• Directs and supervises program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands programs within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.  
• Oversees aquatics staff and volunteers including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, in-services, scheduling, reviews, and evaluations of performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve department and Y goals. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete.  
• Develops and monitors program budget to meet or exceed fiscal objectives. Develops new programs to create additional revenue streams. 
• Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises aquatics staff including lifeguards and swim instructors.  Oversees staff development, culture, and engagement. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete. 
• Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations.  Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance. 
• Oversees day-to-day operations of Aquatics programming including swim lessons, facility rentals, and the Northern Swim Team. 
• Assists in developing and monitoring budget to meet or exceed fiscal goals.  
• Steps in to cover swimming lessons or lifeguard shifts as needed.  Helps give lifeguard breaks, ensures proper coverage of pool, and provides “on-call” support as needed. 
• Oversees internal and external safety training including CPR, first aid, AED, blood borne pathogen, and aquatics-specific training.  
• Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations.  
• Conducts and ensures proper maintenance of pools. Secures and schedules pool facilities. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance.  
• Conducts lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, and CPR in-services and training.  
• Oversees aquatics programming including swimming lessons, water fitness, and swim team. 
• Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.  
• Assists in YMCA fundraising activities and special events.  
• Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.  
• Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in aquatics programming. 
• Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity.

YMCA Competencies 

• Values: Accept and demonstrate the Y’s values 
• Community: Desire to serve others and fulfill community needs 
• Inclusion: Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions 
• Relationships: Build rapport and relate well with others 
• Developing Others: Take the initiative to assist in developing others 
• Decision-Making: Make sound judgments, and transfer learning from one situation to another 
• Change Capacity: Demonstrate an openness to change, and seek opportunities in the change process. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

The Aquatics Director will supervise lifeguards, swim coaches, swim instructors, and other aquatic department staff. 

Work Environment 

The Aquatics Director will work in and near the pool area. This may include teaching swim lessons, participating as a lifeguard, and supervising swimmers and guests on the pool deck. The Aquatics Director will also work in an office, using a desk, computer, and other office supplies to ensure compliance and direction of the aquatics department. 

Physical Demands

The Aquatics Director will require sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities. 

While performing the duties of this job, the Aquatics Director is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is frequently very active and often requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The Aquatics Director must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.   

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position. Days and hours vary based on the needs of the department and the Y. 

Travel 

Travel will be necessary to other office locations for the Duluth Area YMCA and local non-YMCA meetings, events, and trainings. Generally, travel will be required once per week and may be required to other Ys in the state for training purposes. 

Required Education and Experience 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Aquatics programming.  
• Experience in a supervisory role. 
• Certifications: Certified lifeguard including CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Basic First Aid. Higher levels of certification are accepted. Lifeguard Supervisor Training required upon hire.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products and computer skills. 
• Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment.

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Master’s degree in a field related to aquatics, fitness, recreation, or related degree program 
• Experience managing a department budget and meeting budgetary goals and objectives 

AAP/EEO Statement 

The Duluth Area Family YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• What is a valid email address to be contacted for scheduling an interview?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $41,000 - $45,000