Association Aquatics Director
About The Position
The Association Aquatics Director leads aquatic operations at the YMCA of Wichita Falls, including the newly developed Vicki and Jim McCoy Aquatics Center and the historic Downtown pool. The new 22,000-square-foot facility includes a ten-lane competition-ready pool and a secondary multi-use pool for swim lessons, aquatic fitness, family activities, and community events. The director will establish the standards, culture, and systems for the aquatics department and advance water safety, drowning prevention, programming, and member belonging and opportunity. The role oversees aquatic facilities, staff, safety, programs, budgets, schedules, member experience, and long-range planning. It also works with community partners, schools, and agencies, supports aquatics marketing and communications, ensures staff training and certifications, and participates in YMCA events and community initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in recreation, sports management, education, or a related field, or equivalent experience; a degree is preferred.
- 2–4 years of aquatics leadership experience.
- Current Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications, or ability to obtain them within 30 days.
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, or ability to obtain it within 90 days.
- Demonstrated ability to lead aquatic operations, including water chemistry, pool systems, safety audits, and incident response.
- Proven ability to hire, train, develop, supervise, and evaluate staff.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, families, and community partners.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends depending on program needs.
Nice To Haves
- YMCA experience preferred.
- Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification preferred; certification is required within 90 days of hire.
Responsibilities
- Lead aquatic operations for pools, splash features, therapy areas, and special-use water environments, ensuring compliance with health codes and YMCA standards.
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, coach, develop, and evaluate lifeguards, swim instructors, water fitness staff, and coordinators.
- Oversee water safety and risk management, including chemical balance, daily logs, mechanical systems, filtration, and emergency action plans.
- Develop and direct aquatics programs, including swim lessons, water fitness, Safety Around Water, lifeguard certification, and community partnerships.
- Maintain a visible leadership presence in aquatics areas and promote staff engagement, attentiveness, and accountability.
- Develop, manage, and monitor the aquatics budget and recommend adjustments to meet revenue and expense expectations.
- Create and manage staff schedules to ensure appropriate ratios, coverage, and readiness for programs and open-swim hours.
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized aquatics areas and respond promptly to member concerns.
- Support marketing and communication efforts promoting aquatics programs and center updates.
- Develop long-range plans for program expansion, staff development, equipment replacement, and capital improvement in alignment with YMCA goals.
- Collaborate with community partners, schools, and agencies to strengthen program impact and relationships.
- Ensure aquatics staff meet association training, certification, and continuing education requirements.
- Participate in YMCA special events and community initiatives as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
