Director of Aquatics - Lakewood YMCA

YMCA of Greater Cleveland Recruitment Team • Lakewood, OH

10d

About The Position

The Director of Aquatics supports the YMCA’s mission and develops, organizes, and implements high-quality aquatic programs for members and the community. The role directs aquatic program operations and personnel, maintains pool safety and sanitation, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations and YMCA requirements. It also oversees pool facilities and maintenance, staff and volunteer training, aquatic program scheduling, budgets, community relationships, member inquiries, and program evaluation. The Director serves as a Cause Driven Leader on Duty and assists with fundraising and special events.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of related experience.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification required; it may 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 training within 30 days of hire, including Bloodborne Pathogens, 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 Operations Training.
• Complete YMCA aquatics training and trainer certifications.
• Demonstrate commitment to the YMCA mission and cause and uphold its values and ethics.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
• Be willing and able to serve as a mandated reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect and follow the specified reporting process.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise aquatic program activities to meet community needs and YMCA objectives.
• Establish and expand program activities in accordance with strategic and operating plans, and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule, and direct personnel and volunteers; evaluate performance, motivate staff, and maintain current staff certification records.
• Conduct regular sanitation of rescue and member-used equipment and assigned areas.
• Monitor daily pool operations for compliance with state, local, and federal regulations and YMCA health and safety requirements.
• Promote aquatic safety best practices and conduct multi-department safety drills so staff understand emergency response protocols.
• Conduct and ensure proper pool maintenance; secure and schedule pool facilities; maintain accurate pool chemical and facility maintenance records.
• Conduct and ensure lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, and CPR training are delivered.
• 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 to meet fiscal objectives.
• 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 many local businesses.
• Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits plan including health, dental, and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Plan, retirement contributions of 9% paid by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, and paid vacation.

What This Job Offers

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