Aquatics Director (Buda)

Greater Austin YMCA•Buda, TX

About The Position

The Aquatics Director leads all aquatics operations at an assigned YMCA center, including programming, safety, staffing, team development, and member satisfaction. The role leads swim instructors, lifeguards, and other front-line aquatics staff while fostering a culture of safety, service, accountability, inclusion, and growth. The Director develops and evaluates community-focused aquatic programs, manages operations and resources, supports staff development, and works to create high-quality member experiences aligned with the YMCA’s mission. The position oversees program delivery, staffing and schedules, payroll, budgets, safety and compliance, member communications, and risk management. The Director contributes to center leadership and strategic planning, represents the aquatics department on the Impact Team, supports fundraising and special events, and serves as a liaison for programs such as Project SAFE. The role may include responding to emergencies in and around the water and working for extended periods in wet and humid conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 2–3 years of leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, youth development, or a related field, including supervising and developing teams.
Ability to recruit, coach, develop, and retain high-performing leaders while fostering accountability, belonging, and continuous improvement.
Experience overseeing program operations, scheduling, safety compliance, and risk management.
Knowledge of budgeting, payroll administration, and financial management principles, with the ability to monitor expenses and support department financial goals.
Experience evaluating program effectiveness and using data to improve participant experiences, operational efficiency, and outcomes.
Strong relationship-building skills with members, families, community partners, and fellow leaders.
Excellent communication, customer service, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing needs, and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Current BLS (CPR-PRO), First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, Lifeguarding, and Swim Instruction certifications.
Lifeguard Instructor and Swim Instructor certifications, or ability to obtain them within six months of hire.
Must obtain Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification within three months of hire.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Knowledge of aquatic safety standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting fundraising efforts, special events, community partnerships, or grant-related initiatives.
Bilingual in Spanish and English.
YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (YLGIT) and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer (YSLIT) certifications.
Familiarity with aquatic management, scheduling, registration, and program management software.

Responsibilities

Lead aquatics operations, programming, safety, staffing, team development, and member satisfaction at an assigned center.
Foster a respectful, inclusive, accountable team culture; address conflict constructively and help the team achieve strategic and operational goals.
Hire, coach, manage, and develop direct reports in alignment with association people practices; conduct goal check-ins and provide ongoing feedback.
Create, implement, and continually evaluate aquatics programs, using data to improve engagement, outcomes, and member satisfaction.
Recruit, train, mentor, recognize, and develop aquatics staff, including swim instructors and lifeguards.
Validate and manage department payroll accurately and on time.
Conduct safety and compliance audits, maintain staff certifications, and ensure regulatory standards are met.
Maintain accurate and current aquatics information across relevant platforms.
Respond to member and community inquiries, resolve issues, and communicate proactively to support member experience and retention.
Promote aquatic programs and events through social media, digital platforms, and internal communication channels.
Manage the aquatics budget, allocate resources, and monitor expenses.
Identify and mitigate risks associated with aquatics operations and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Develop staff schedules, ensure adequate program and facility coverage, and resolve scheduling conflicts.
Lead by example as Cause Driven Leader on Duty or Director on Duty and create a positive, motivating work environment.
Assist with in-center fundraising activities and special events, including their execution and promotion.
Drive team engagement and service effectiveness, setting high standards for leadership and service.
Represent the aquatics department on the Impact Team and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.
Serve as liaison for key programs such as Project SAFE.
Integrate the YMCA’s mission into daily operations and strategic efforts.
Perform additional tasks supporting aquatics department and YMCA operations and goals.