Program Director - Aquatics

Santa Monica Family YMCA•Santa Monica, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the COO, the Aquatic Director is responsible for the safe development, management, and supervision of the aquatic center and any assignment of tasks related to the center's daily operation in accordance with the mission and policies set forth by the Association. This position is responsible for ensuring a safe, quality experience for all members, program participants, and guests, including creating a positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and adheres to strong safety practices per YMCA policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Education, Business, or a related field required.
Three or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, sports, nonprofit operations, or a related field.
Demonstrated success managing staff, budgets, scheduling, customer service, and program growth.
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold staff accountable through coaching, recognition, and performance management.
Strong knowledge of aquatic operations, lifeguarding, water safety, emergency procedures, pool chemistry, and risk management.
Strong financial, operational, and organizational skills with the ability to manage budgets, schedules, staffing, and departmental priorities.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with members, participants, families, volunteers, staff, schools, and community partners.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to use performance metrics to inform decisions and improve operations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, registration systems, scheduling software, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to improve communication, efficiency, and decision-making.
Certifications required: CPR for the Professional Rescuer/AED/Oxygen/First Aid
YMCA or American Red Cross Lifeguard
Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention/Blood Borne Pathogens/Sexual Harassment Prevention

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising lifeguards, instructors, coaches, or aquatic personnel preferred.
YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (preferred)
YMCA Water Fitness Instructor/YMCA Group Exercise Instructor (or similar) (preferred)
YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (preferred)
YMCA Swim Lesson Trainer (preferred)

Responsibilities

Oversee daily aquatic operations, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment that reflects the YMCA's mission and core values.
Plan, implement, and evaluate swim lessons, swim crew, swim club, water fitness classes, and other aquatic programs to ensure quality, safety, and growth.
Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate aquatic staff and volunteers while providing ongoing coaching and professional development.
Ensure staff maintain required certifications, background checks, and mandatory safety and child abuse prevention training.
Enforce safety policies, maintain appropriate lifeguard coverage, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and YMCA standards.
Oversee pool cleanliness, water chemistry testing, equipment inspections, and maintenance in coordination with the Facilities Department.
Manage pool and staff schedules to maximize participation, operational efficiency, and appropriate coverage.
Monitor participation, evaluate program effectiveness, address concerns, and maintain positive relationships with members and participants.
Develop and monitor departmental budgets, track revenue and expenses, review financial performance, and support financial sustainability.
Collaborate on marketing efforts to promote aquatic programs, increase participation, and support membership engagement.
Maintain accurate records of attendance, certifications, training, incidents, water chemistry, and departmental operations.
Build community partnerships to expand aquatic programming and promote drowning prevention and water safety education.
Ensure staff are prepared for emergencies through regular drills, training, and adherence to emergency response procedures.
Maintain required certifications and provide lifeguarding or swim instruction support as needed.
Demonstrate effective leadership, communication, time management, and teamwork while maintaining flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.