Aquatics Director

Join our team and start with an added incentive! This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus. Eligibility requirements and bonus details will be shared during the interview process.

The Aquatics Director is a key leader in advancing the YMCA’s mission through safe, high-quality, and impactful aquatic programs. This role leads all aquatics operations at an assigned center, including programming, safety, staffing, team development, and member satisfaction.

We are seeking a passionate, people-focused leader who excels at developing teams, strengthening programs, and creating exceptional member experiences. The Aquatics Director will lead swim instructors, lifeguards, and front-line aquatics staff while fostering a culture of safety, service, accountability, and growth.

As we continue to expand our impact across our community, we are seeking multiple Aquatics Directors who are ready to lead with purpose, develop people, elevate programs, and make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.

How You Will Make an Impact 

Performance Achievement & Results 

• Fosters a culture that builds trust and treats all team members and colleagues with respect; constructively and immediately deals with conflict; gains commitment and provides clarity; holds team members accountable and cultivates peer accountability; and achieves results to meet strategic and operational goals.   

• Models inclusive leadership behaviors and embraces all dimensions of diversity – building strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to our mission. 

• Responsible for hiring, coaching, and managing all direct reports and ensuring alignment with association people practices for all positions within their organizational structure. 

• Responsible for successful metrics and goals to meet strategic goals and objectives.  

• Implements a goal-based leadership approach and ensures the development department is actively working towards supporting organizational-level objectives and key results.  

• Conducts check-ins with direct reports to ensure progress with goals, providing ongoing coaching and feedback, and discussing development opportunities. 

Program Management and Operations  

• Spearhead the creation and rollout of engaging aquatics programs that address community needs and enhance member satisfaction. Implement cutting-edge initiatives to keep programming fresh and impactful. 

• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and make data-driven improvements to ensure high engagement and positive outcomes. 

• Strategically recruit and develop a high-performing aquatics team. Provide ongoing mentorship and training to ensure staff are experts in their roles and aligned with organizational goals. 

• Recognize team’s achievements and address areas for improvement, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. 

• Validate and manage department payroll with precision, ensuring timely and accurate compensation. 

• Lead comprehensive safety and compliance audits, ensuring all staff certifications are up-to-date and regulatory standards are met. 

• Oversee the accuracy and currency of aquatics information across all platforms, enhancing member access and engagement. 

• Respond swiftly to member and community inquiries, resolving issues effectively to boost member satisfaction and build strong relationships. 

• Proactively engage with members through various communication channels to enhance their experience and retention. 

• Strategically communicate aquatic programming and events through social media, digital platforms, and internal channels, ensuring broad visibility and impact. 

• Oversee and manage the budget for aquatics programs, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively and expenses are monitored. 

• Identify and address potential risks associated with aquatics operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed and mitigating any risks to maintain a secure environment. 

• Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all aquatics programs and facilities. Address any scheduling conflicts and ensure that shifts are filled to maintain smooth operation 

• Oversee and manage the budget for aquatics programs, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively and expenses are monitored. 

Leadership and Impact  

• Create a positive, motivating work environment and lead by example as Cause Driven Leader on Duty or Director on Duty. 

• Assist in-center fundraising activities and special events, ensuring seamless execution and effective promotion. 

• Drive team engagement and effectiveness, setting high standards for service and leadership. 

• Represent the aquatics department on the Impact Team and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making. 

• Act as the liaison for key programs such as Project SAFE, ensuring successful implementation and impact. 

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to the YMCA’s mission, integrating these values into daily operations and strategic efforts. 

• Perform additional tasks as needed to support the overall operations and goals of the aquatics department and the YMCA. 

What You Bring to the Y 

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 

• Minimum of 2-3 years of leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, youth development, or a related field, including experience supervising and developing teams. 

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, coach, develop, and retain high-performing leaders while fostering a culture of accountability, belonging, and continuous improvement. 

• Experience overseeing program operations, scheduling, safety compliance, and risk management practices. 

• Knowledge of budgeting, payroll administration, and financial management principles, with the ability to monitor expenses and support department financial goals. 

• Experience evaluating program effectiveness and using data to improve participant experiences, operational efficiency, and program outcomes. 

• Strong relationship-building skills with members, families, community partners, and fellow leaders. 

• Excellent communication, customer service, and conflict-resolution skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing needs, and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Experience supporting fundraising efforts, special events, community partnerships, or grant-related initiatives preferred. 

• Bilingual in Spanish and English is highly preferred. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook. 

• Current certifications in BLS (CPR-PRO), First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, Lifeguarding, and Swim Instruction. 

• Lifeguard Instructor and Swim Instructor certifications, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire. 

• Must obtain Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification within three months of hire. 

• YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (YLGIT) and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer (YSLIT) certifications preferred. 

• Familiarity with aquatic management, scheduling, registration, and program management software preferred. 
• Knowledge of aquatic safety standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance practices. 

Physical Requirements

The Aquatics Director must be able to meet the physical demands of working in and around an aquatic environment. This includes the ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, and move freely throughout the facility, as well as respond quickly to emergencies, including entering the water and performing rescues when necessary. Clear hearing and verbal communication are essential for monitoring staff, responding to safety signals or distress calls, and giving directions in a potentially loud and echo-prone environment. The role also requires the ability to lift and/or move equipment or individuals weighing up to 50 pounds. Candidates must be comfortable working in wet and humid conditions for extended periods and may occasionally be exposed to varying weather conditions during outdoor activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.