Associate Aquatics Program Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Interim Associate Aquatic Director supports the Aquatic Director in the overall leadership, administration, and supervision of the YMCA’s aquatics department. This position ensures the safe and effective operation of all aquatic programs, including swim lessons, lifeguard management, and special aquatic events. The Associate Aquatic Director collaborates with the Aquatic Director to maintain high-quality programs, ensure safety standards are met, and deliver an excellent member experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Management
•    Collaborate with the Aquatic Director to create, implement, and evaluate a diverse range of aquatic programs, including swim lessons, water safety classes, lifeguard certification courses, lap swimming, and special aquatic events.
•    Develop lesson plans and training curricula for swim instructors to ensure high-quality delivery of instructional programs.
•    Monitor program participation and retention, collecting feedback from members to identify areas for improvement and new programming opportunities.
•    Promote water safety and drowning prevention through public education campaigns, partnerships, and community outreach.

Staff Supervision and Development
•    Assist with the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of lifeguards, swim instructors, and other aquatic staff.
•    Provide hands-on leadership by coaching and mentoring staff, conducting one-on-one check-ins, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
•    Ensure that all staff certifications, including CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard credentials, are current and documented.
•    Plan and lead monthly in-service training sessions for lifeguards and swim instructors to maintain readiness and reinforce safety protocols.
•    Address staff performance issues promptly and professionally, working with the Aquatic Director to implement corrective action plans when necessary.

Safety and Risk Management
•    Conduct daily inspections of the pool deck, locker rooms, and equipment to identify and address potential safety hazards.
•    Ensure lifeguards are actively scanning and rotating on schedule to maintain a safe environment for all swimmers.
•    Oversee emergency drills to ensure staff are well-prepared for potential incidents and emergencies.
•    Act as a lead responder to all aquatic emergencies, including rescues, first aid, and reporting, in compliance with YMCA and regulatory standards.

Operational Oversight
•    Perform daily water quality checks, including pH, chlorine levels, and temperature, ensuring compliance with state and local health department regulations.
•    Oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of aquatic facilities, including pools, locker rooms, and equipment.
•    Coordinate with the maintenance team to address equipment repairs and pool chemical adjustments in a timely manner.
•    Maintain accurate records for pool chemical logs, staff certifications, program participation, and incident reports.

Member and Community Engagement
•    Build strong relationships with members and program participants to enhance customer satisfaction and foster long-term engagement.
•    Actively promote aquatic programs and events through member communications, social media, and community partnerships.
•    Serve as a point of contact for member concerns related to aquatic programming or facilities, providing timely and effective resolutions.
•    Collaborate with other YMCA departments, such as youth programs or healthy living, to offer cross-departmental initiatives that engage members and the community.

Financial and Administrative Support
•    Assist the Aquatic Director in creating and managing the aquatics department budget, including expense tracking and revenue forecasting.
•    Monitor inventory levels of pool chemicals, equipment, and program supplies, placing orders as needed within budget guidelines.
•    Maintain accurate payroll records for aquatic staff, ensuring hours worked are properly recorded and approved.
•    Support grant-writing and fundraising efforts to secure additional resources for aquatic programs and scholarships.

Leadership and Collaboration
•    Actively participate in weekly leadership team meetings to coordinate department efforts and share updates.
•    Step into the Aquatic Director role as needed, ensuring seamless operation of the department in their absence.
•    Serve as a role model for staff and members by exemplifying the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
 

•    Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; sports management, recreation management or related field of study preferred.　
•    Minimum 2 years’ experience in staff supervision and leadership required.
•    Minimum 2 years’ experience in managing a large aquatic program and camp strongly preferred.
•    Minimum 2 years’ experience in aquatics or customer service related field strongly preferred.
•    YMCA aquatics or operations experience highly preferred.
•    Microsoft Office proficiency required; Daxko systems experience a plus.
•    Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED and First Aid certifications required.
•    Current Oxygen Administration certification required.
•    Current Lifeguard certification required
•    Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification required within 90 days of hire.
•    Current YMCA Pool Operator on Location certification or Certified Pool Operator preferred.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (TEAM LEADER):

•    Mission and Community Oriented: Models and teaches YMCA values. Champions inclusion activities, strategies and initiatives. Ensures high-level services that differentiate the YMCA from other providers. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development and recognition.

•    People Oriented: Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Builds relationships to create small communities. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

•    Results Oriented:  Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Cultivates relationships to support fundraising. Effectively creates and manages budgets. 

•    Personal Development Oriented: Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change.

DISCLAIMERS

•    Must complete successful criminal background check and drug screening.

•    All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation.  The YMCA promotes an equal employment opportunity work place which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees.  Please see your manager should 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 all other duties as assigned and directed by management.  Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.