Aquatics Program Manager

Arch Amenities Group•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

The Aquatic Program Manager is responsible for the daily management and measurable performance of assigned aquatic programs, with primary emphasis on group and private swim lessons. The role is accountable for enrollment, class utilization, instructor productivity, instructional quality, staff training, participant progression, and financial results within approved budgets and authority. The Manager leads a consistent, level-based curriculum and develops instructors while ensuring reliable coverage, safe program delivery, clear reporting, and continuous improvement. The position reports to the Aquatics Director. The Manager plans seasonal programs, tracks enrollment and financial performance, schedules and supervises instructors, maintains curriculum and instructor-development practices, and oversees lesson quality, safety, customer service, and operational communication. The position also teaches eight scheduled hours each week as part of the program, with additional private lessons possible subject to demand, available space, and Aquatics Director approval. The role may support special events and serve as Manager-on-Duty when assigned. Work may take place in indoor or outdoor aquatic environments and can involve pool-deck walking, extended sitting or standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, handling equipment, and exposure to noise, temperature variation, and pool chemicals. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law. This is a non-exempt position. Other related duties may be assigned, and duties may change according to program and operational needs.

Requirements

At least three years of swim instruction and lifeguarding experience.
Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications, or employer-accepted equivalents as required for assigned duties.
High school diploma or GED.
Demonstrated ability to lead staff, organize programming, and apply sound judgment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Scheduling, customer service, and computer proficiency, including proficiency with appropriate computer skills and office equipment.
Ability to interpret enrollment and financial reports, coach instructional staff, maintain records, and work independently within established authority.
Ability to lift 45 pounds is stated in the qualifications; the posting also states that the employee may be required to push, pull, and/or carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to sit or stand for the entire shift.
Ability to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, talk, use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
Vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.

Nice To Haves

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate swim lesson offerings, class capacity, enrollment, waitlists, cancellations, and instructor assignments.
Track enrollment and seat-fill percentages by session, level, time slot, and program type; compare results with approved targets and implement approved improvements.
Review lesson revenue, direct instructional labor expense, instructor productivity, refunds, and program margin against approved budgets; identify trends, explain variances, and recommend adjustments.
Build seasonal program plans reflecting demand, participant progression, suitable class sizes, staffing availability, and approved revenue and margin expectations.
Provide the Aquatics Director with a monthly report covering enrollment, utilization, revenue, labor, margin, retention, waitlists, and proposed corrective actions.
Develop and monitor instructor schedules to provide qualified coverage for scheduled lessons; resolve absences and secure substitutes without compromising required facility safety staffing.
Hold advance planning meetings with the Aquatics Director and relevant staff to review upcoming sessions, staffing, training, events, enrollment, and risks.
Supervise instructors through documented observations, feedback, coaching, and follow-up; address performance concerns and recommend formal action through established procedures.
Oversee new instructor orientation, verify credentials before assignment, monitor training completion, and reconcile instructor hours and payroll records by established deadlines.
Adjust class and labor assignments within delegated authority based on demand and productivity while maintaining safe ratios, instructional quality, and customer service.
Maintain and implement a written, level-based swim lesson curriculum with objectives, required skills, evaluation methods, and consistent advancement criteria.
Create seasonal and long-term instructor development plans, including onboarding, mentoring, observed instruction, in-services, skill assessments, and documented follow-up.
Conduct recurring instructor in-services on the Aquatics Director-approved schedule and document attendance, competency, and completion of assigned improvements.
Monitor participant level placement, skill assessments, movement between levels, and repeat enrollment; use findings to improve instruction and retention.
Review instructor performance and participant or parent feedback to identify quality improvements and ensure consistent instructional standards.
Confirm that lessons have appropriately qualified instructors, necessary equipment, designated teaching space, and required safety coverage before starting.
Oversee assigned cleaning, safety, water-quality, and operational checklists in coordination with the Aquatics Director and authorized pool operations personnel.
Document incidents and participant concerns according to established procedures and promptly escalate unresolved safety, staffing, or service issues.
Respond professionally and promptly to program questions, registration concerns, level-placement questions, and member feedback; coordinate appropriate follow-up.
Support special events and serve as Manager-on-Duty when assigned, consistent with operational needs and training.
Teach eight scheduled hours per week using the approved curriculum and established placement and advancement standards; coordinate assignments with the Aquatics Director and ensure teaching supports participation, instructor development, lesson quality, and operations without displacing regular instructor coverage or limiting essential management duties.
Offer additional private swim lessons beyond the eight committed weekly teaching hours only when supported by demand, available space, and Aquatics Director approval; schedule and track enrollment, hours, and revenue separately.
Review monthly performance against expectations for enrollment, seat-fill, instructor labor utilization, instructional expense, contribution margin, retention, curriculum implementation, training compliance, and service quality; explain exceptions and document agreed action steps.
Perform other related duties as assigned by authorized leadership.