Aquatics Director - Marin Y

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities
Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture
At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary
The Aquatics Director is responsible for leading the delivery and oversight of aquatics programs and facility operations. In partnership with their supervisor, this role manages the growth and administration of swim lessons, aquatic fitness, lifeguard services, and swim team activities. Responsibilities include staff supervision, scheduling, training, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and organizational policies.
This position supports a safe, welcoming, and high-quality aquatic environment by providing leadership to the aquatics coordinator and team members, including instructors, lifeguards, and coaches. The Aquatics Director also facilitates staff development, leads the branch Safety Committee, and coordinates ongoing in-service trainings to promote readiness and consistency in safety practices.
Job Responsibilities
Program Management

• Plan, implement, and grow aquatics programs, including group and private swim lessons, swim team activities, and community-based initiatives such as Safety Around Water Week.
• Ensure all programs align with YMCA policies, best practices, and applicable safety regulations.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and development of aquatics team members, including lifeguards, swim instructors, and coaches.
• Provide regular performance feedback, support certification and training requirements, and foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet operational needs and assist with coverage when necessary.

Safety and Risk Management

• Promote and maintain a safe aquatics environment through adherence to established protocols and ongoing staff readiness.
• Ensure regular audits, staff certifications are up-to-date, and monthly Lifeguard and Swim Instructor in-services occur land meet association standards.
• Ensures completion of all required audits—including daily, weekly, and monthly checks—for equipment, capacity counts, emergency drills, compliance standards, monthly swim instructor observations, and execution of the Member Experience Commitment and Community standards in alignment with current expectations.

Community Engagement and Program Outreach

• Collaborate with schools, local organizations, and community groups to expand awareness and participation in aquatics programs.
• Assist with volunteer engagement efforts related to campaigns or events that support YMCA initiatives.

Operations and Budget Oversight

• Monitor and manage department budget to support program sustainability and revenue goals.
• Maintain current and accurate program schedules and promotional materials across all platforms, including web, print, and in-branch displays.

Member and Participant Experience

• Deliver high-quality service by responding to member feedback, resolving concerns, and identifying opportunities for continuous program improvement.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants and families.

Minimum Qualifications:

Certain required qualifications may be obtained within 90 days of hire, depending on the position’s needs and organizational requirements.
Requirements

• Twenty-one years of age or older
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or commensurate experience.
• 3-5 years in aquatics programming, including 2+ years of supervisory and budget management experience.
• American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguard certification.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) Certification.
• American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO)
• American Red Cross First Aid certification.
• American Red Cross Emergency Oxygen Administration certification.
• Pool operator certification (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance Certified Pool and Spa Operator or equivalent).
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer
• YMCA Lifeguard Supervisor Certification.
• Flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual skills in Spanish

Work Environment & Physical Demands
This position requires extended periods of sitting, standing, and movement based on operational needs. Tasks include sitting at a desk, using a computer, and walking around the pool area. Responsibilities also include lifting and handling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. The work environment is entirely indoors at the pool facility.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions, subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description
The Aquatics Director offers a compensation range of $73,000 - $80,000 per year. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with budget approvals and requirements for the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Certain required qualifications may be obtained within 90 days of hire, depending on the position’s needs and organizational requirements.
Requirements

• Twenty-one years of age or older
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or commensurate experience.
• 3-5 years in aquatics programming, including 2+ years of supervisory and budget management experience.
• American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguard certification.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) Certification.
• American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO)
• American Red Cross First Aid certification.
• American Red Cross Emergency Oxygen Administration certification.
• Pool operator certification (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance Certified Pool and Spa Operator or equivalent).
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer
• YMCA Lifeguard Supervisor Certification.
• Flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual skills in Spanish