District Aquatic Director

Crossroads YMCA•Hobart, IN

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lead with purpose as you shape strong aquatic teams, ensure safe and exceptional programs, and strengthen communities across multiple YMCA branches every day. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for the success of aquatic operations across multiple YMCA branches. You'll lead aquatic leadership teams, oversee daily operations, and support strategies that strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and highly visible—you'll spend time on the pool deck coaching staff, conducting safety audits, teaching certification courses, collaborating with branch leaders, and ensuring every aquatic program delivers a safe, high-quality experience for members and participants. You'll balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational support. No two days are the same—one day you may be teaching a certification course, the next conducting safety audits, mentoring staff, reviewing budgets, or helping solve staffing challenges across branches. You'll spend time both in an office setting and on the pool deck supporting staff and ensuring operational excellence. Success requires flexibility, organization, strong communication, and the ability to shift priorities as organizational needs evolve. You'll play a key role in maintaining a culture of safety while delivering exceptional experiences for members, participants, and staff.

Requirements

A people-first leader who develops others through coaching, accountability, and support.
A strong operational leader who values consistency, organization, and attention to detail.
Someone who thrives in a dynamic environment where priorities can change quickly.
A collaborative professional who builds strong relationships across multiple branches and departments.
A leader who is passionate about aquatic safety, staff development, and exceptional member experiences.
A problem solver who is comfortable making decisions and leading through challenges.
Someone who embraces the YMCA mission and is committed to serving diverse communities.
Bachelor's degree preferred in Youth Development, Teaching, Psychology, Sports Management, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field.
Five (5) or more years of aquatic leadership experience including lifeguarding and swim lesson experience.
Current Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, and Swim Instructor Trainer certifications, or the ability to obtain them.
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification preferred.
Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Experience supervising and developing employees.
Ability to build relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
Strong computer and administrative skills.
Reliable transportation and the ability to travel regularly between YMCA branches.
Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
2+ years of Aquatic leadership experience.
3+ years of lifeguard & Swim Lesson experience.
Current lifeguard certificate
Current Lifeguard Instructor certification preferred.
Swim instructor trainer certification preferred.
Certified Pool Operator preferred.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Adept computer skills.
Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to respond to safety and emergencies.

Nice To Haves

You prefer a predictable schedule with the same responsibilities every day.
You're looking for a position that is primarily office-based or administrative.
You are uncomfortable traveling between multiple YMCA branches.
You prefer working independently rather than leading, coaching, and developing others.
You avoid difficult conversations, accountability, or enforcing safety standards.
You're uncomfortable responding to emergencies or making decisions under pressure.
You are not able to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as operational needs require.
You are not interested in maintaining certifications or teaching aquatic certification courses.

Responsibilities

Lead aquatic operations across assigned YMCA branches.
Ensure compliance with YMCA standards for safety, risk management, program quality, and staff certifications.
Supervise, coach, and develop aquatic leadership staff while building high-performing teams.
Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and retain exceptional aquatic staff.
Teach Lifeguard, CPR, and other required certification courses.
Conduct environmental safety audits, aquatic safety audits, and program quality reviews.
Support aquatic program development, innovation, and continuous improvement to meet community needs.
Assist with department budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning.
Partner with branch leadership to ensure adequate staffing and operational coverage across locations.
Serve as the association's subject matter expert for aquatic operations and programming.
Complete required administrative tasks, documentation, and reporting accurately and on time.
Participate in association leadership teams, strategic initiatives, and organizational projects.
Respond to emergencies and support a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.