Aquatic Program 173010 - Director, Aquatics

YMCA of Greater Cleveland Recruitment Team • Cleveland, OH

92d

About The Position

The Director, Aquatics supports the Greater Cleveland YMCA’s mission by developing, organizing, and implementing high-quality aquatic programs focused on members and the community. The role directs aquatic program activities, supports community partnerships, and oversees staff, volunteers, facilities, safety, training, budgets, and program performance. The position also serves as a Cause Driven Leader on Duty and contributes to fundraising and special events.

The role ensures pool operations, maintenance, sanitation, and programming comply with applicable safety and health requirements. It develops a strong aquatic safety culture through staff training, emergency protocols, and drills involving multiple departments. The position responds to member and community inquiries, monitors program participation and effectiveness, and performs other duties as assigned.

The position requires at least three years of related experience. An associate degree is preferred; candidates without one may qualify with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate of competency and two to three years of related work experience. Certified Pool Operator and Red Cross Lifeguarding certifications are required, with specified timing for obtaining some certifications. YMCA program-specific, operational, aquatics, and trainer training is also required.

Requirements

• At least three years of related experience.
• Certified Pool Operator certification required; preferred before hire or must be obtained within 90 days of employment.
• Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification required.
• CPR and First Aid certification and safety training required within 30 days of hire.
• Complete YMCA program-specific and operational trainings within 30 days of hire, including Blood Borne Pathogen, Ten Commandments of Effective Lifeguarding, Child Abuse Prevention and Recognition, Incident Reporting, Bullying, Active Shooter, Allergies, Driver Safety, Harassment, Proper Lifting, New Employee Orientation, and Program and Financial Operation Trainings.
• Complete YMCA aquatics training and trainer certifications.
• Demonstrate commitment to the YMCA mission and cause and uphold its values and ethics.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
• Willingness and ability to act as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect and follow the reporting process.
• If qualifying without an associate degree: high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate of competency and two to three years of related work experience.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree.
• Three years of supervisory and/or leadership experience, such as head lifeguard, aquatics coordinator, or supervisor.
• Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Certification.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise aquatic program activities to meet community needs and YMCA objectives; establish new activities and expand programs in line with strategic and operating plans.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule, and direct personnel and volunteers; evaluate performance, motivate staff, and maintain current certification records.
• Conduct regular sanitation of rescue and member-used equipment and assigned areas.
• Monitor daily pool operations for compliance with state, local, federal, and YMCA health and safety regulations.
• Maintain aquatic safety best practices and a safety culture, including conducting emergency drills across departments and ensuring staff know facility response protocols.
• Conduct and ensure proper pool maintenance; secure and schedule pool facilities; maintain accurate chemical and maintenance records.
• Conduct or ensure delivery of lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, and CPR training.
• Create and schedule aquatic programs, including swim lessons, water fitness classes, and swim team practices and meets.
• Assist with marketing and distributing program information.
• Develop and monitor safety, swim team, and program budgets.
• Assist with YMCA fundraising activities and special events.
• Model relationship-building skills, including Listen First, and respond promptly to member and community inquiries and complaints.
• Assist with Program Committee meetings.
• Compile program statistics and monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and participation.
• Serve as a Cause Driven Leader on Duty (CDLOD).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free membership to a local YMCA.
• Discounts on YMCA programs, including childcare; part-time positions do not receive the childcare discount.
• Additional employee discounts at places in and around town.
• Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits plan including health, dental, and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Plan, retirement contribution of 9% paid by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, and paid vacation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED