Program Director - Aquatics

SSYMCA • Mequon, WI

75d • $60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Aquatics Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the YMCA’s Aquatics Department. This role oversees all aquatic programming, including swim lessons, lifeguard operations, and water safety initiatives, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, mission-driven programs that serve the needs of the community. The Director is accountable for strategic program development, staff recruitment and training, safety compliance, member engagement, and budget management. Working collaboratively with YMCA leadership and community partners, the Aquatics Director creates a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for members, while fostering a strong culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from four-year College or University preferred.
• 3-5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Lifeguard Instructor Certification (LGT) within the first year of employment.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• CPR Instructor Certification within the first year of employment.
• Current American Red Cross, YMCA or relevant Swim Instructor Certifications.
• Current American Red Cross CPR, Lifeguarding and First Aid Certifications.
• Current Lifeguarding Instructor Certifications preferred or completed within the first year of employment.
• Current Pool Operator Certification is preferred or completed within the first year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Directs and supervises program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives.
• Establishes new program activities and expands program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
• Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations including maintaining safety ratios of guards.
• Recruits, hires, trains, manages, develops, coaches, schedules, and directs staff and volunteers as needed.
• Reviews and evaluates staff performance.
• Develops strategies to motivate staff.
• Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete.
• Conducts safety, certification, and service training for staff.
• Builds relationships with and among members, responds to inquiries and solves problems.
• Creates a safe and supportive community environment, assists in recruiting and engaging new members, and connects members to the YMCA’s cause.
• Plans and manages department budgets as approved in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Responsible for timely and accurate payroll for the department.
• Works with appropriate branch staff to provide program facilities for members that are safe, clean, adequately equipped, well maintained, and attractive.
• Conducts and ensures proper maintenance of pools.
• Secures and schedules pool facilities.
• Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance.
• Part of YMCA Professional Director’s team that provides supervision on regular rotational basis on nights and/or weekends.
• Builds and develops volunteer capacity, sharing the social responsibility.
• Assists in YMCA fund-raising activities/events and engages in collaborative relationships with community organizations to strengthen support and build community.

Benefits

• Full Time position
• Salary Range: $60000.00 - $65000.00 Salary/year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree