What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aquatics Director position at YMCA of the USA?
Dive into an exciting leadership role as our Aquatics Director!
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Association Aquatics Director and in alignment with the YMCA’s mission, the Aquatics Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and growth of YMCA aquatic programs at various locations: Director located at Thomas E. Hannah YMCA is responsible for the staffing T.K. Gregg Community Center Pools, and the Director located at Middle Tyger is responsible for staff and programming at the seasonal pool at Willis Road YMCA. This position requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement to ensure the success of aquatic activities and staff development while maintaining high safety and operational standards.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Aquatics, education, sports management, recreation, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in pool management, lifeguarding, supervision, or related fields.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Knowledge and comfort working within: Google platforms, Excel, Word and other document sharing systems
Knowledge of aquatics regulations and best practices in youth serving aquatics facilities.
Current Lifeguard certification. Ability to acquire: Lifeguard instructor, Swim Lesson Instructor and eventually Instructor Trainer levels of certification with national agencies. (travel may be involved)
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as safety regulations and program needs require.
Essential Functions
Program Development & Operations
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Association Aquatics Director and in alignment with the YMCA’s mission, the Aquatics Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and growth of YMCA aquatic programs at various locations: Director located at Thomas E. Hannah YMCA is responsible for the staffing T.K. Gregg Community Center Pools, and the Director located at Middle Tyger is responsible for staff and programming at the seasonal pool at Willis Road YMCA. This position requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement to ensure the success of aquatic activities and staff development while maintaining high safety and operational standards.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Aquatics, education, sports management, recreation, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in pool management, lifeguarding, supervision, or related fields.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Knowledge and comfort working within: Google platforms, Excel, Word and other document sharing systems
Knowledge of aquatics regulations and best practices in youth serving aquatics facilities.
Current Lifeguard certification. Ability to acquire: Lifeguard instructor, Swim Lesson Instructor and eventually Instructor Trainer levels of certification with national agencies. (travel may be involved)
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as safety regulations and program needs require.
Essential Functions
Program Development & Operations
- Plan, implement and oversee aquatic programs, including swimming lessons, lifeguard training, water fitness classes, and community outreach initiatives & special events.
- Ensure programs meet YMCA standards, participant needs, and industry best practices.
- Expand partnerships with schools, camps, and organizations to enhance off-site programming.
- Evaluate program effectiveness, implement improvements, and track participation metrics.
- Ensure all on-site and off-site pools comply with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
- Maintain up-to-date certifications for self and staff, including CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard training.
- Conduct regular safety drills, pool inspections, and equipment checks to ensure operational readiness.
- Implement emergency action plans and oversee risk management procedures.
- Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatics personnel.
- Instruct certification courses such as: Lifeugarding, CPR for YMCA Staff, Swim Lesson Instructor, coaches safety training etc.
- Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance evaluations.
- Foster a positive, safety-focused team culture that prioritizes excellence in customer service.
- Attend professional development courses and staff meetings to enhance skills and program impact.
- Ensure clean, well-maintained pools, equipment, and locker rooms at all locations.
- Oversee pool chemical levels, mechanical systems, and collaborate with maintenance teams on necessary repairs.
- Manage off-site pool agreements, ensuring proper staffing, programming, and compliance.
- Promote aquatic programs to increase participation and community impact.
- Act as a liaison between the YMCA and external organizations utilizing off-site pools.
- Represent the YMCA at local events, fostering relationships to support growth and outreach.
- Develop and manage the aquatics department budget, tracking expenses and revenue.
- Maintain accurate records of registrations, certifications, incident reports, and facility maintenance logs.
- Ensure timely payroll processing and efficient staff scheduling.
- Program Management - Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
- Developing Self & Others - Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
- Collaboration - Creates sustainable relationships within the Y, partnering branches and with other organizations in service to the community.
- Critical Thinking & Decision Making - Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.
- Change Leadership - Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community.
