Associate VP of Aquatics-The YMCA of the Triangle

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Healthy Living and in cooperation with YMCA staff, the Associate VP of Aquatics ensures branches deliver a safe and high-quality aquatics experience that is designed to meet the unique programming and health and well-being goals of aquatics participants that the YMCA of the Triangle serves. The position will partner and collaborate with Risk, Operations, Branch and Overnight Camp Aquatics Directors across the Association. This role will influence and lead the development of new safety strategies, policies, and practices for the Association. Additionally, the position will guide leadership development and program growth, providing direct leadership to the Jr. Lifeguard and Swim for Life/Safety Around Water (SAW) program. In addition, they will act as the business line leader for member engagement, retention, and growth in Aquatics Programming. They will be responsible for managing such functions in accordance with the stated mission and policies established by the administrative staff, governing committees, and Board of Directors of the YMCA of the Triangle.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for developing, leading, and supporting the YMCA of the Triangle’s Aquatics Programs in collaboration and partnership with Overnight Camp Directors, Aquatics Directors, and branch leadership.

• Provides leadership and supports the work of the Aquatics Team and ensures Aquatics Program Guidelines are up to date.

• Provides direct leadership to the development and implementation of swim safety strategies, policies, initiatives, and programs into YMCA operations.

• Provides vision and leadership for YOTA Competitive Swimming program and staff.

• Works with key stakeholders to develop a long-range plan to ensure long-term sustainability of current and future YOTA Swim programs.

• Provides direct operational leadership to the Jr. Lifeguard and Swim for Life/YMCA Safety Around Water (SAW) program to promote drowning prevention.

• Monitors and tracks all data related to aquatics across the association including facility usage reports, program participation numbers and quality/experience of participants.

• Explores ways, through data-driven decisions, to enhance and promote the quality of the association’s aquatics programs with a focus on membership growth and retention.

• Supports recruitment, selection, and onboarding of Aquatics Directors across multiple dimensions of diversity, supporting branches to acquire and develop high-quality talent/leadership.

• In collaboration with Association and branch staff, ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete.

• Actively audits safety and programs for quality, coaching opportunities, and enhanced program delivery – present at branches during branch peak hours, which include mornings, evenings and key weekends.

• Develops, designs, and leads association-wide trainings and collaborates to ensure the quality and implementation of branch in-service training.

• Collaborates with the Financial Development department and Grants Team to research and write grants to increase funding for swim programs.

• Ensures all pool operations adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations.

• Designs and leads an onboarding and mentoring system for Aquatics Directors.

• Ensures brand compliance within Association standards through marketing and communication efforts.

• Works in partnership with marketing & communications department to create tailored marketing collateral for aquatics for both internal and external audiences.

• Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within all areas of responsibility.

• Models relationship-building in all interactions/classes Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with branch leadership teams and aquatics staff.

• Collaborates with Properties and Facilities Team regarding pool operations management and provides input with new aquatics sites and renovations.

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Ensures programs and services meet community needs to include supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and 5-8 years of related aquatics experience.

• Proven success in leading the administration, management, supervision, program development/ planning of an aquatics/swim department or related program department.

• Proven and demonstrated knowledge and understanding of current aquatics programming and industry trends.

• Current Lifeguard Certification.

• Current certification as a Certified Pool Operator.

• Current or ability to obtain upon hire YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification.

• Hold or be willing to obtain Basic Life Support, Basic First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen within the first 30 days of employment.

• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Proven track record in developing aquatics programming as well as reviewing and enhancing existing programs that are both fiscally viable and effective.

• Ability to relate, work and interact with diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

• Multi-lingual desired but not required.

• Highly driven and results-oriented with a positive outlook and a commitment to quality.

• Superior organizational and planning skills with the ability to critically assess performance.

• Proficient in Microsoft Platforms (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) with a demonstrated aptitude and proficiency for basic computer skills and third-party platforms.

• Must have a total commitment to the mission and purpose of the YMCA and uphold its values and ethics.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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 regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.