Assistant Program Director - Child Watch|Aquatics

Overview

The YMCA of Greenville is a dynamic and rapidly growing association that seeks to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Assistant Program Director supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Assistant Program Director of Child Watch & Aquatics oversees daily program operations, staffing, and safety protocols to ensure high-quality, engaging, and safe aquatic and childcare programming. This role ensures high-quality program delivery, staff supervision, member engagement, and safety compliance while fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and mission-driven environment for children and families.

As a key member of the Life Center Y leadership team, the Assistant Program Director will oversee program development, staff training, budget management, and community partnerships. This position requires strong leadership, organization, and relationship-building skills to create meaningful experiences that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Not only will you be part of amazing mission driven work, we offer the following Full Time benefits:

• Work Today, Get Paid Today!!! Instant access to your earned wages before payday.
• 12% Retirement Contribution, once fully vested
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan
• Separate Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Medical Benefits
• Company Paid Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 11 Company Paid Holidays
• Household Membership to the YMCA of Greenville
• 50% Discount on Programs, including Childcare, Sports, Personal Training, and Aquatics.

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.

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.

*Compensation will be determined commensurate qualifications and experience.*

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Development

• Schedule lifeguards and swim instructors efficiently.
• Assist supervisor with annual reviews, coaching sessions, and corrective actions when necessary.
• Provide staff orientation, ongoing support, and supervision.
• Coordinate and oversee event operations, including community swim, swim lessons, swim team, and camp activities.
• Train new lifeguard staff on YMCA culture and member relationship-building.
• Oversee daily operations of childcare programs, including scheduling and staffing.
• Coordinate and implement age-appropriate activities and curriculum for Child Watch programs.
• Ensure compliance with licensing and YMCA standards for all childcare activities.
• Provide ongoing training and support for childcare staff, including conflict resolution and behavior management.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their child's experience and address any concerns promptly.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, ensuring a positive and professional work culture.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Aquatics, Child Watch, and staff.
• Ensure staff certifications (CPR, Lifeguarding, Childcare, etc.) are current and in compliance with YMCA and state requirements.
• Develop and lead ongoing training and professional development opportunities for staff.

Communication & Engagement

• Foster strong relationships with members, parents, and community partners to promote programs and encourage participation.
• Facilitate regular communication with childcare families through newsletters, e-mails, and meetings
• Handle parent/member concerns promptly and professionally, ensuring a positive experience for all families.
• Coordinate private swim lessons and maintain effective communication with swim instructors and participants.
• Actively engage with the community to expand partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations that benefit YMCA youth programs.
• Create marketing strategies in partnership with the Membership & Communications team to promote youth programming.

Safety & Risk Management

• Perform and document regular drop drills and aquatic quick checks; provide additional training as needed.
• Inspect and maintain emergency and pool equipment; manage inventory of first aid and training supplies.
• Fully understand and enforce all aquatic policies and emergency procedures.
• Provide coverage as needed for staffing shortages or lifeguard breaks.
• Conduct routine safety audits and inspections within Childwatch areas to ensure a safe environment.

Financial & Operational Management

• Act as department leader, providing direction, coordination, and oversight.
• Spend approximately 50% of scheduled hours in direct service roles (lifeguard, gate attendant, swim instructor, childcare provider).
• Engage actively in membership retention through excellent customer service and relationship-building.
• Participate in annual budget preparation and responsible stewardship of resources.
• Monitor revenue and expenses, making necessary adjustments to maintain program viability.
• Identify opportunities for grants, sponsorships, and fundraising to support program growth.
• Maintain program supplies, equipment, and facility readiness to ensure a high-quality experience for participants.

Other Expectations:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend/complete required abuse risk management training
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
  • Maintenance Employees-ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
  • Front Desk Personnel- ensure consumers are properly signed in and out, ensure only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc. 
• Follow employees and volunteers screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with consumers.
• Require employees and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
• Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using the organization’s progressive disciplinary procedures.
• Respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Communicate to all employees and volunteers the organization’s commitment to protect their consumer from abuse.
• Report essential abuse risk management information to the board of directors.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Recreation, Youth Development, Education, Sports Management, or a related field With 2 years of experience in program management, childcare, aquatics, or youth programming. Equivalency in degree ad experience will be accepted.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams, with a focus on coaching and mentorship.
• Certifications (or willingness to obtain within 60 days):
• CPR/AED & First Aid (Required)
• Lifeguard Certification (Required or willingness to obtain for aquatics oversight)
• Strong knowledge of youth development principles, safety regulations, and program best practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets, track expenses, and ensure financial sustainability.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and program management software.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed. Must be over the age of 21.
• Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
• Incumbent must complete mandatory training of New Staff Orientation, BBP/Child Abuse Prevention and CPR/1st Aid/AED trainings within 30 days of employment.

*Compensation will be determined commensurate qualifications and experience.*