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, advancing the organization’s mission through safe, high-quality, and impactful programs. The role oversees programming, safety, staffing, team development, member satisfaction, budgets, payroll, scheduling, risk management, and regulatory compliance. The director leads swim instructors, lifeguards, and other front-line aquatics staff while building a culture of safety, service, accountability, inclusion, and growth. The position develops and evaluates aquatics programs to address community needs, improve member experiences, and achieve organizational goals. It also supports fundraising activities and special events, represents aquatics in strategic planning, serves as a liaison for programs such as Project SAFE, and contributes to the overall operations of the YMCA.

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, including monitoring expenses and supporting department financial goals.
Experience evaluating program effectiveness and using data to improve experiences, 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 in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Current certifications in BLS (CPR-PRO), First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, Lifeguarding, and Swim Instruction.
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 walk, stand, sit, bend, and move throughout the facility; respond quickly to emergencies, including entering the water and performing rescues; hear and communicate clearly; and lift or move equipment or individuals weighing up to 50 pounds.
Comfort working in wet and humid conditions for extended periods and occasional exposure to varying weather conditions during outdoor activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting fundraising, 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

Build a respectful, inclusive team culture; address conflict promptly; clarify expectations; and hold staff accountable for results.
Hire, coach, manage, and develop direct reports in alignment with association people practices.
Set goals, conduct regular check-ins, provide feedback, and support staff development.
Create, implement, and evaluate aquatics programs that address community needs and enhance member satisfaction.
Use program data to improve engagement, outcomes, participant experiences, and operational efficiency.
Recruit, train, mentor, and recognize aquatics staff, addressing performance and development needs.
Validate and manage department payroll accurately and on time.
Conduct safety and compliance audits and ensure staff certifications and regulatory requirements are current.
Maintain accurate aquatics information across platforms and communicate programs and events through social media, digital, and internal channels.
Respond to member and community inquiries, resolve concerns, and proactively engage members to support satisfaction and retention.
Manage aquatics budgets, allocate resources, and monitor expenses.
Identify operational risks and ensure safety protocols are followed.
Develop and manage staff schedules, resolve scheduling conflicts, and ensure adequate coverage.
Create a positive work environment and lead by example 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.
Act as liaison for key programs such as Project SAFE.
Integrate the YMCA’s mission into daily operations and strategic efforts.
Perform additional tasks in support of aquatics department and YMCA operations.