Association Aquatics Director

YMCA of The Pikes Peak Region•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•$65,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Association Aquatics Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for aquatics programs across the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality, and consistent aquatic operations through effective staff leadership, risk management, program development, fiscal oversight, preventative maintenance, and operational excellence. The Association Aquatics Director works collaboratively with branch leadership to establish best practices, standardize procedures, and strengthen aquatic programming while creating exceptional experiences for members, participants, staff, and volunteers. The Association Aquatics Director develops and supports high-performing teams by recruiting, training, mentoring, and evaluating staff, while ensuring compliance with YMCA standards, state and local regulations, and industry best practices. This position also serves as an association-wide resource for aquatics operations, safety, emergency preparedness, facility management, and community partnerships, advancing the YMCA's mission through innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Minimum age of 21 with a high school diploma or equivalent required
Minimum five years of leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, or a related field, with demonstrated success in staff leadership, program management, customer service, and operational oversight.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, technology, and problem-solving skills with the ability to build relationships and lead multiple priorities.
Required certifications: Certified Pool Operator (CPO), CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Administration, YMCA Lifeguard (or equivalent), and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (or equivalent).
Completion of YMCA required training upon hire
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and travel between association locations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred
YMCA Instructor Trainer certifications preferred

Responsibilities

Provide association-wide leadership and supervision for aquatics operations, ensuring consistent, safe, and high-quality programs, services, and facility operations across all branches.
Champion a culture of excellence by leading high-quality programs, promoting membership and program participation, and creating welcoming, engaging, and five-star experiences for members, participants, and families.
Develop, implement, and evaluate operational standards, preventative maintenance plans, safety procedures, emergency action plans, and risk management practices that meet YMCA, state, and local regulations.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, develop, and evaluate aquatics staff while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, professional growth, and exceptional customer service.
Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor financial performance, and recommend strategies that support operational efficiency and sustainable program growth.
Lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of aquatics programs that meet community needs and align with the YMCA's strategic priorities.
Ensure all aquatics staff maintain required certifications and participate in regular in-service trainings, emergency drills, and professional development opportunities.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with branch leadership, schools, community organizations, and other strategic partners to strengthen aquatics programming and community impact.
Respond promptly and professionally to member concerns, resolve operational issues, and model a welcoming, inclusive, and service-focused culture for members, staff, volunteers, and guests.
Assist with marketing initiatives, fundraising efforts, special events, and association projects that support membership growth and community engagement.
Travel between association locations as needed, maintain compliance with all YMCA policies and abuse risk management standards, and perform other duties as assigned.
Serve as a leader in branch fundraising activities for the Annual Support Campaign, including the solicitation of funds to support financial assistance, military family initiatives, community outreach, and branch goals and objectives.
Ensures the safety and well-being of consumers by maintaining professional boundaries, completing required abuse risk management training, following procedures for high-risk activities and supervision, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations, and adhering to mandated abuse reporting requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.