Aquatics Director (Dripping Springs)

Greater Austin YMCA•Dripping Springs, 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 YMCA is seeking multiple directors to develop people, elevate programs, and support the communities it serves. The director oversees aquatics program development and evaluation, staff recruitment and development, department payroll and budgets, safety and compliance, scheduling, member communications, and the accuracy of program information. The position also contributes to center leadership, fundraising activities, special events, strategic planning, and implementation of key programs, while advancing the YMCA’s mission. The position requires working in and around an aquatic environment. Physical demands include moving throughout the facility, responding to emergencies—including entering the water and performing rescues when needed—and lifting or moving equipment or individuals weighing up to 50 pounds. The role involves wet and humid conditions for extended periods and occasional exposure to varying weather during outdoor activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
A 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 and foster accountability, belonging, and continuous improvement.
Experience overseeing program operations, scheduling, safety compliance, and risk management.
Knowledge of budgeting, payroll administration, and financial management principles, including monitoring expenses and supporting department financial goals.
Experience evaluating program effectiveness and using data to improve participant experiences, operational efficiency, and program 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.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
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.
Knowledge of aquatic safety standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance practices.
Ability to meet physical demands of the aquatic environment, including responding to emergencies and performing rescues when necessary, communicating clearly, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.
Comfort working for extended periods in wet and humid conditions and occasional varying weather conditions during outdoor activities.

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) certification.
YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer (YSLIT) certification.
Familiarity with aquatic management, scheduling, registration, and program management software.

Responsibilities

Foster trust, respect, inclusion, accountability, and achievement of strategic and operational goals among team members.
Hire, coach, manage, and develop direct reports in alignment with association people practices; conduct regular check-ins and provide feedback and development opportunities.
Establish and monitor goals, metrics, and results that support organizational objectives.
Create, implement, and evaluate engaging aquatics programs that address community needs and improve member satisfaction and outcomes.
Recruit, train, mentor, and develop aquatics staff, and recognize achievements while addressing areas for improvement.
Validate and manage department payroll accurately and on time.
Conduct safety and compliance audits and ensure staff certifications and regulatory standards are current.
Keep aquatics information accurate and up to date across platforms.
Respond to member and community inquiries, resolve issues, and engage members to support satisfaction and retention.
Communicate aquatic programs and events through social media, digital platforms, and internal channels.
Manage aquatics program budgets, allocate resources, and monitor expenses.
Identify operational risks and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Develop and manage staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage and resolving scheduling conflicts.
Create a positive work environment and serve as Cause Driven Leader on Duty or Director on Duty.
Assist with in-center fundraising activities and special events.
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.