Director, Swim School

92nd Street Y • New York, NY

9d • $70,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Director of Swim School develops and expands the 92NY Swim School, with a focus on optimizing Learn-to-Swim classes, private lessons, and summer camp program delivery to improve customer experience and participant retention. The role aims to maximize participation and program development, generate revenue, and achieve divisional profitability. It oversees the day-to-day execution of aquatics programming and operations, including the Swim School, private instruction, certification programs, and seasonal camp aquatics. The Director manages lifeguard staffing, ensures compliance with Department of Health regulations, processes payroll, and leads the department’s aquatics technology systems.

Reporting to the Director of Aquatics, the role supports departmental goals for safety, compliance, staff development, customer service, and program success. It leads through staff engagement, operational excellence, a strong safety culture, and efficient systems.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of management experience in an aquatic setting.
• Advanced certifications, including Lifeguard First Aid/CPR and Water Safety Instructor certifications.
• If not already certified as a Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor Trainer, obtain those certifications within the first year of employment; 92NY will cover certification costs.
• Ability to conduct staff training and safety sessions, develop and implement Aquatics curriculum with staff, and assist with and teach Swim School classes as needed.
• Knowledge of 92NY Aquatics classes and camps, including the ability to explain and sell offerings and recommend appropriate class advancement.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and payroll software.
• Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills, including professional handling of sensitive or confidential inquiries and complaints.
• Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize phone calls and emails.
• Ability to collaborate, resolve issues, work effectively on a team, and support other Aquatics Department needs.
• Able to work a 40-hour week, Sunday through Thursday.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Certified Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor Trainer certifications preferred.
• Certified Pool Operator certification preferred but not required.
• Experience with Salesforce, Traction Rec, or other membership and community-based software systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee supervision, strategic planning, and administration of the 92NY Swim School, Learn-to-Swim, and certification programs; develop and evolve the Swim School structure and certification offerings.
• Recruit, train, and develop water safety instructors; observe and evaluate performance, conduct formal evaluations, and initiate disciplinary action up to and including termination when necessary.
• Develop staff accountability, performance standards, and objective performance assessment tools.
• Create, implement, and delegate Swim School schedules for patrons and instructors, ensuring suitable staffing and safe pool management.
• Evaluate aquatic classes and private lessons, identify profitable growth opportunities, and guide instructors toward revenue goals.
• Support seasonal restructuring of the in-city 92NY camp swim program and operations, and help create, implement, and maintain seasonal camp schedules.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Sales on advertising, targeted communications, and social media to build the Swim School brand.
• Ensure staff certifications remain valid in collaboration with Aquatics management.
• Develop parent guidance communications and provide electronic report cards to group swim lesson participants; implement report cards at HKC.
• Respond promptly and thoroughly to patron inquiries and complaints, follow through on concerns, and guide instructors in resolving participant conflicts.
• Use patron feedback and staff training to drive continuous improvement and program excellence.
• Process biweekly payroll.
• Establish a professional work environment, ensure facility rules are followed, and communicate and support May Center management decisions.
• Handle and report emergencies, ensure incident and accident reports are forwarded appropriately, and ensure staff follow required procedures.
• Serve as an emergency instructor or lifeguard when needed.
• Serve as the aquatics lead for Salesforce, Traction Rec, UPACE, and Tessitura.
• Conduct staff training and safety sessions; develop and implement 92NY Aquatics curriculum with staff; assist with and teach Swim School classes as needed.
• Explain and sell Aquatics classes and camps and recommend appropriate class advancement.
• Collaborate with staff to resolve issues, work effectively as part of a team, and support other Aquatics Department needs.

Benefits

• 92NY will cover the costs of Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor Trainer certifications if the selected candidate does not already hold them.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed