Aquatics Director (Austin)

Greater Austin YMCA • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

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, fostering a culture of safety, service, accountability, inclusion, and growth while advancing the YMCA’s mission.

The Director oversees aquatics program development and evaluation, staff recruitment and development, scheduling, payroll, safety and compliance, risk management, budgets, member communications, and program promotion. The position also contributes to center leadership, fundraising activities, special events, strategic planning, and the implementation of key programs. Multiple positions are available. The starting salary is $53,000 annually, with compensation commensurate with experience, education, and certifications; the position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus, subject to eligibility requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 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, 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 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.
• Knowledge of aquatic safety standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• 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 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

• Build a respectful, inclusive team culture; address conflict, clarify expectations, hold staff accountable, and 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 and development guidance.
• Set and pursue goals that support organizational objectives and key results.
• Create and launch engaging aquatics programs that address community needs and improve member satisfaction.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and use data to improve engagement, outcomes, and operations.
• Recruit, mentor, train, and recognize aquatics staff, while addressing performance and development needs.
• Validate and manage department payroll to ensure accurate and timely compensation.
• 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 engage members to support satisfaction and retention.
• Promote aquatics programming and events through social media, digital platforms, and internal channels.
• Manage aquatics program budgets, allocate resources, and monitor expenses.
• Identify operational risks, enforce safety protocols, and mitigate risks.
• Develop staff schedules, ensure adequate coverage, and resolve 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 duties supporting aquatics department and YMCA operations and goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility.
• Up to 48 days of paid time off across vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Free household membership to Greater Austin YMCA facilities, stated to be worth more than $1,200 annually.
• $2,000 sign-on bonus, subject to eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager