Program Director - Aquatics

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST VENT•Simi Valley, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aquatics Director leads the Aquatics department and is responsible for safe, inclusive, high-quality programs and facility operations. The role develops a skilled team and oversees swim lessons, recreational and competitive aquatics, aquatic fitness, special events, and other assigned programs. As a branch leader, the Director strengthens safety, program quality, staff development, participation, and sustainable growth. Leadership at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA is guided by its Leadership Blueprint: developing people, strengthening operations, delivering impact, and growing sustainably. Leaders model YMCA core values and foster collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. The position participates in branch planning and leadership decisions, manages departmental resources and performance, and supports the YMCA’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational needs. The work takes place in YMCA aquatic, branch, program, and community settings and includes office and active, participant-facing responsibilities. It involves mobility in wet and humid pool environments, aquatic emergency response, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance, occasional evenings and weekends, and required training and certifications. The YMCA provides coaching, support, and development opportunities for leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and leadership experience.
Two or more years of aquatics, recreation, or program leadership experience, including team and operational responsibility.
Current certifications from recognized providers to teach and certify Swim Instructors, CPR, and First Aid.
Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) certification required within six months of employment.
Ability to work in wet and humid pool environments and respond to aquatic emergencies.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally with assistance.
Occasional evening and weekend work, as well as required training and certifications.

Nice To Haves

YMCA aquatics experience.
Daxko or recreation management system experience.
Additional relevant aquatic certifications.
Commitment to complete the YMCA of the USA Team Leader Learning Plan and participate in local Chamber of Commerce leadership development when available.

Responsibilities

Lead daily Aquatics operations, including swim lessons, recreational and competitive programs, aquatic fitness, special events, and other assigned offerings.
Maintain aquatic safety through strong program quality, facility readiness, emergency preparedness, and compliance with YMCA and regulatory standards.
Grow program participation, swim lesson enrollment, and earned revenue using data, financial results, member feedback, and program trends.
Manage pool schedules, program setup, space utilization, and communication to support effective use of aquatic facilities.
Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate Aquatics staff; ensure required certifications, technical qualifications, and clear safety and performance expectations.
Develop coordinators, leads, Senior Swim Instructors, Head Swim Instructors/Trainers, and frontline staff through coaching, feedback, and professional growth.
Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, inclusion, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Participate in branch planning, culture-building, and decision-making as a member of the leadership team.
Represent Aquatics in cross-department initiatives and support annual campaigns, branch events, and organizational priorities.
Manage the departmental budget, performance goals, staffing resources, program schedules, and daily operational priorities.
Monitor participation, program revenue, staff certifications, safety indicators, and key performance measures to drive improvement and ensure compliance.
Coordinate pool maintenance, water-quality records, safety supplies, equipment, and lifeguard/vendor relationships to maintain a safe, well-operated aquatic environment.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the YMCA’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational needs.