Aquatic Director (Full-Time)

YMCA of Central Massachusetts•Westborough, MA

5h•$47,476 - $50,000

About The Position

Under the direction of the Head Aquatics Director the Aquatics Director will assist in the overall success of the Aquatic Program. Every effort will be made to operate a first-rate Aquatic Program which will focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The incumbent will assist with the operation and administration of all the aquatic programs at the facility and within the community. Additional responsibilities involve supervising, training, coaching staff, administrative responsibility of the department and provide program development in accordance with the guidelines proposed by the YMCA of the USA. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Uphold and model exceptional member service standards, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and mission-driven aquatic environment that reflects the YMCA’s commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Support the planning, implementation, supervision, and continuous improvement of aquatic programs and community collaborations, ensuring high-quality delivery and alignment with YMCA standards and best practices. Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, development, evaluation, and retention of qualified Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, and Aquatic staff. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth while addressing staff concerns promptly and constructively. Develop and manage comprehensive staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage for all aquatic programs, open swim, swim lessons, and special events. Proactively plan for substitutions and coverage needs to maintain uninterrupted operations. Partner with the Head Director of Aquatics to maintain consistent full-time deck supervision during peak evening hours (4:00–7:00 PM), ensuring safety compliance, strong member engagement, and quality program execution. Coordinate and facilitate monthly Swim Instructor and Lifeguard in-service trainings to reinforce safety protocols, risk management procedures, and instructional excellence. Obtain and maintain CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor certification within the first six months of employment; lead certification courses for staff to ensure ongoing compliance and readiness. Obtain and maintain YMCA Swim Instructor Trainer (SI) and Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certifications within the first six months; lead staff certifications and re-certifications to strengthen internal training capacity and ensure consistent standards. Oversee Rock Wall operations, including staff supervision, safety compliance, equipment inspection, and program development, ensuring adherence to YMCA and industry safety standards. Lead the development, evaluation, and growth of aquatic and related programs, including class design, curriculum development, and schedule optimization to meet member needs and drive participation. Ensure all pool and Rock Wall schedules are accurate and up to date across all platforms, including digital applications and member communications. Maintain strict compliance with all YMCA policies, safety protocols, risk management practices, and Department of Public Health regulations. Conduct regular safety audits and proactively address potential hazards. Assist in the development, management, and tracking of the aquatic department budget, supporting financial sustainability and strategic growth. Integrate YMCA Character Development principles and focus areas into all programs, staff training, and member interactions. Ensure clear, concise, and consistent communication with members and staff regarding schedules, policies, programming updates, and safety expectations. Serve as an active leader in the branch’s Annual Campaign and special events, supporting fundraising efforts that expand access and deepen community impact. Participate in Aquatic Task Force meetings and all required branch and association meetings, contributing to strategic initiatives and operational excellence. Assume responsibility for the physical upkeep, cleanliness, and overall presentation of the pool, Rock Wall, and aquatic department spaces. Perform additional duties as assigned to support branch operations and advance the YMCA mission.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
Three years related experience preferred (e.g., as an aquatics coordinator or supervisor).
Requires completion and maintaining certification as Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Pool Operator and Aquatic Facilities Management.
Minimum age of 21.
Within 30 days of hire, completion of Child Abuse Prevention, Working with Program Volunteers, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens training.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Nice To Haves

YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Uphold and model exceptional member service standards, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and mission-driven aquatic environment that reflects the YMCA’s commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Support the planning, implementation, supervision, and continuous improvement of aquatic programs and community collaborations, ensuring high-quality delivery and alignment with YMCA standards and best practices.
Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, development, evaluation, and retention of qualified Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, and Aquatic staff.
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth while addressing staff concerns promptly and constructively.
Develop and manage comprehensive staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage for all aquatic programs, open swim, swim lessons, and special events.
Proactively plan for substitutions and coverage needs to maintain uninterrupted operations.
Partner with the Head Director of Aquatics to maintain consistent full-time deck supervision during peak evening hours (4:00–7:00 PM), ensuring safety compliance, strong member engagement, and quality program execution.
Coordinate and facilitate monthly Swim Instructor and Lifeguard in-service trainings to reinforce safety protocols, risk management procedures, and instructional excellence.
Obtain and maintain CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor certification within the first six months of employment; lead certification courses for staff to ensure ongoing compliance and readiness.
Obtain and maintain YMCA Swim Instructor Trainer (SI) and Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certifications within the first six months; lead staff certifications and re-certifications to strengthen internal training capacity and ensure consistent standards.
Oversee Rock Wall operations, including staff supervision, safety compliance, equipment inspection, and program development, ensuring adherence to YMCA and industry safety standards.
Lead the development, evaluation, and growth of aquatic and related programs, including class design, curriculum development, and schedule optimization to meet member needs and drive participation.
Ensure all pool and Rock Wall schedules are accurate and up to date across all platforms, including digital applications and member communications.
Maintain strict compliance with all YMCA policies, safety protocols, risk management practices, and Department of Public Health regulations.
Conduct regular safety audits and proactively address potential hazards.
Assist in the development, management, and tracking of the aquatic department budget, supporting financial sustainability and strategic growth.
Integrate YMCA Character Development principles and focus areas into all programs, staff training, and member interactions.
Ensure clear, concise, and consistent communication with members and staff regarding schedules, policies, programming updates, and safety expectations.
Serve as an active leader in the branch’s Annual Campaign and special events, supporting fundraising efforts that expand access and deepen community impact.
Participate in Aquatic Task Force meetings and all required branch and association meetings, contributing to strategic initiatives and operational excellence.
Assume responsibility for the physical upkeep, cleanliness, and overall presentation of the pool, Rock Wall, and aquatic department spaces.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support branch operations and advance the YMCA mission.

Benefits

generous PTO
access to YMCA facilities for all YMCA employees
Medical
Dental
Disability
Life
Vision
Pet Insurance
ability to participate 403b Retirement Savings Plan
once fully vested, the YMCA will pay into a retirement account (403a) for you with an employer match!