Aquatics Director

KANKAKEE AREA YMCA
Job Title: Aquatics Director
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Pay Rate: $48,000-55,000 Annually ($4,000-$4,583.33 Monthly) (DOE)
Reports to: Director of Operations

POSITION SUMMARY

The Aquatics Director provides strategic leadership and daily operational oversight of YMCA aquatic facilities, staff, and programs, including swim lessons, water fitness, and other approved aquatic activities. This role ensures safe and reliable pool operations, qualified supervision, effective staff development, financial stewardship, and responsive member service. Through inclusive water safety education, collaboration, and responsible use of resources, the Aquatics Director strengthens families and advances the YMCA mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage and evaluate high-quality swim lessons, water safety education, water fitness, and other approved aquatic programs in alignment with YMCA standards, community needs, and staffing capacity.
• Lead aquatic staff, including lifeguards, swim instructors, water fitness instructors, and seasonal personnel; oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance development, evaluations, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with applicable health codes, YMCA safety and child protection policies, facility standards, and reporting requirements; document inspections, incidents, corrective actions, and staff certifications.
• Direct daily pool operations, including water quality, safety checks, equipment coordination, appropriate lifeguard coverage, and contingency plans for absences or service interruptions.
• Develop and manage the annual aquatics budget; review monthly financial results, monitor revenues and expenses, evaluate program sustainability, and recommend responsible resource allocations.
• Serve as lead aquatic liaison for schools, community agencies, and aquatic partners to strengthen water safety education and access to YMCA programs.
• Collaborate across departments to support aquatic components of youth programs (e.g., swim days during camp, water safety days for enrichment programs).
• Design and execute aquatic events (e.g., Family Swim Nights, Learn to Swim Weeks).
• Compile and analyze participation, service quality, safety, staffing, and financial measures to guide decisions and continuous improvement.
• Assist with Association marketing and fundraising events.
• Lead aquatic safety drills, staff in-service training, emergency action planning, incident follow-up, and documented corrective actions.
• Maintain clear child protection and supervision practices across aquatic activities and promptly escalate safety concerns through established reporting procedures.

STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

Community Engagement

1. Expand partnerships with schools, city departments, and healthcare agencies to increase access to swim lessons and water safety education.
2. Host seasonal aquatic community events to increase foot traffic and build awareness of YMCA offerings.
3. Ensure culturally competent and inclusive programming that addresses the needs of diverse community groups.

Staff Development & Culture

1. Build an accountable and engaged aquatic team through regular in-service training, clear expectations, performance coaching, and recognition.
2. Establish a staff mentoring and leadership pipeline for lifeguards and instructors.
3. Establish clear internal communication and collaborate with Membership Services on accurate schedules, timely updates, and respectful resolution of member concerns.

Volunteer & Board Engagement

1. Coordinate appropriate volunteer roles for approved aquatic programs, special events, and poolside activities.
2. Provide safety guidance and solutions for the Safety & Risk Subcommittee.
3. Involve aquatic team members in philanthropic ambassador opportunities and community outreach.

Philanthropic Support

1. Help identify and communicate compelling aquatics-related impact stories to support donor engagement.
2. Assist with tracking grant-funded water safety programs and preparing outcome reports.
3. Facilitate “donor swim tours” or impact showcases for key stakeholders and partners.

Professional Development & Innovation

1. Stay updated on national aquatic standards and innovations through conferences, webinars, and YMCA trainings.
2. Explore new programs such as adaptive aquatics, lifeguard academies, and expanded water safety education when safety, staffing, demand, and resources permit.
3. Cross-train with other program directors to support alignment across membership, youth development, childcare, and camp programs.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (TEAM LEADER)

• Mission Advancement: Champions the Y mission through impactful, inclusive programs.
• Collaboration: Builds trusting relationships with staff, families, and partners.
• Operational Effectiveness: Maintains high standards in safety, compliance, and efficiency.
• Personal Growth: Models self-awareness, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, health sciences, education, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience managing aquatic operations or programs; 3 years of progressively responsible aquatic leadership experience preferred.
• Must hold current lifeguard certification and CPR/AED/First Aid credentials appropriate to the facility before independently overseeing aquatic safety operations. Lifeguard Instructor certification preferred; if not held, obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Complete required YMCA child abuse prevention and other role-specific safety training before assuming duties requiring such training; maintain all required credentials.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to relate effectively to people of all backgrounds and build a safe, inclusive environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must have sufficient strength and mobility to perform essential lifeguard duties and supervise water-based activities.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and children during emergency or instructional response.
• Regular exposure to aquatic environments and moderate noise levels.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Swim lesson participation, instructional quality, water safety access, and appropriate water fitness enrollment.
• Completion of required safety inspections, emergency drills, certifications, incident documentation, and corrective actions; positive health inspections and audit results.
• Appropriate staffing coverage, staff development, retention, performance evaluations, and training compliance.
• Member satisfaction, timely response to concerns, and accurate communication of aquatic schedules.
• Monthly budget-to-actual reviews, documented responses to significant variances, and community impact of aquatic programs.