Association Aquatics Director

Overview
The Association Aquatics Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for aquatics programs across the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality, and consistent aquatic operations through effective staff leadership, risk management, program
development, fiscal oversight, preventative maintenance, and operational excellence. The Association Aquatics Director works collaboratively with branch
leadership to establish best practices, standardize procedures, and strengthen aquatic programming while creating exceptional experiences for members,
participants, staff, and volunteers. The Association Aquatics Director develops and supports high-performing teams by recruiting, training, mentoring, and evaluating staff, while ensuring compliance with YMCA standards, state and local regulations, and industry best practices. This position also serves as an association-wide resource for aquatics operations, safety, emergency preparedness, facility management, and community partnerships, advancing the YMCA's mission through innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

• Provide association-wide leadership and supervision for aquatics operations, ensuring consistent, safe, and high-quality programs, services, and facility operations across all branches.
• Champion a culture of excellence by leading high-quality programs, promoting membership and program participation, and creating welcoming, engaging, and five-star experiences for members, participants, and families.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational standards, preventative maintenance plans, safety procedures, emergency action plans, and risk management practices that meet YMCA, state, and local regulations.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, develop, and evaluate aquatics staff while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, professional growth, and exceptional customer service.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor financial performance, and recommend strategies that support operational efficiency and sustainable program growth.
• Lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of aquatics programs that meet community needs and align with the YMCA's strategic priorities.
• Ensure all aquatics staff maintain required certifications and participate in regular in-service trainings, emergency drills, and professional development opportunities.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with branch leadership, schools, community organizations, and other strategic partners to strengthen aquatics programming and community impact.
• Respond promptly and professionally to member concerns, resolve operational issues, and model a welcoming, inclusive, and service-focused culture for members, staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Assist with marketing initiatives, fundraising efforts, special events, and association projects that support membership growth and community engagement.
• Travel between association locations as needed, maintain compliance with all YMCA policies and abuse risk management standards, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Serve as a leader in branch fundraising activities for the Annual Support Campaign, including the solicitation of funds to support financial assistance, military family initiatives, community outreach, and branch goals and objectives.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of consumers by maintaining professional boundaries, completing required abuse risk management training, following procedures for high-risk activities and supervision, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations, and adhering to mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 21 with a high school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred. 
• Minimum five years of leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, or a related field, with demonstrated success in staff leadership, program management, customer service, and operational oversight.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, technology, and problem-solving skills with the ability to build relationships and lead multiple priorities.
• Required certifications: Certified Pool Operator (CPO), CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Administration, YMCA Lifeguard (or equivalent), and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (or equivalent). YMCA Instructor Trainer certifications preferred.
• Completion of YMCA required training upon hire and ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and travel between association locations.

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.
• Sufficient physical strength and agility to carry out essential duties, including emergency response.
• 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/stand and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to thirty (30) 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.