Aquatics Director (Northwest)

Why Your Role Matters 

At the heart of the Y’s mission is the opportunity to create meaningful experiences that strengthen individuals, families, and the community. The Aquatics Director will provide leadership for all aquatic operations and programs, ensuring an exceptional experience for members while driving safety, quality, innovation, and growth. This leader will build and develop a high-performing team through effective coaching, intentional staffing, and strong operational leadership. By cultivating meaningful community partnerships and expanding impactful programming for children, families, and the broader community, the Aquatics Director will help position the Y’s aquatics programs for continued excellence and long-term success. 

How You Will Make an Impact  

Performance Achievement & Results 

• Fosters a culture that builds trust and treats all team members and colleagues with respect; constructively and immediately deals with conflict; gains commitment and provides clarity; holds team members accountable and cultivates peer accountability; and achieves results to meet strategic and operational goals.   

• Models inclusive leadership behaviors and embraces all dimensions of diversity – building strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to our mission. 

• Responsible for hiring, coaching, and managing all direct reports and ensuring alignment with association people practices for all positions within their organizational structure. 

• Responsible for successful metrics and goals to meet strategic goals and objectives.  

• Implements a goal-based leadership approach and ensures the development department is actively working towards supporting organizational-level objectives and key results.  

• Conducts check-ins with direct reports to ensure progress with goals, providing ongoing coaching and feedback, and discussing development opportunities. 

Program Management and Operations  

• Spearhead the creation and rollout of engaging aquatics programs that address community needs and enhance member satisfaction. Implement cutting-edge initiatives to keep programming fresh and impactful. 

• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and make data-driven improvements to ensure high engagement and positive outcomes. 

• Strategically recruit and develop a high-performing aquatics team. Provide ongoing mentorship and training to ensure staff are experts in their roles and aligned with organizational goals. 

• Recognize team’s achievements and address areas for improvement, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. 

• Validate and manage department payroll with precision, ensuring timely and accurate compensation. 

• Lead comprehensive safety and compliance audits, ensuring all staff certifications are up-to-date and regulatory standards are met. 

• Oversee the accuracy and currency of aquatics information across all platforms, enhancing member access and engagement. 

• Respond swiftly to member and community inquiries, resolving issues effectively to boost member satisfaction and build strong relationships. 

• Proactively engage with members through various communication channels to enhance their experience and retention. 

• Strategically communicate aquatic programming and events through social media, digital platforms, and internal channels, ensuring broad visibility and impact. 

• Oversee and manage the budget for aquatics programs, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively and expenses are monitored. 

• Identify and address potential risks associated with aquatics operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed and mitigating any risks to maintain a secure environment. 

• Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all aquatics programs and facilities. Address any scheduling conflicts and ensure that shifts are filled to maintain smooth operation 

• Oversee and manage the budget for aquatics programs, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively and expenses are monitored. 

Leadership and Impact  

• Create a positive, motivating work environment and lead by example as Cause Driven Leader on Duty or Director on Duty. 

• Assist in-center fundraising activities and special events, ensuring seamless execution and effective promotion. 

• Drive team engagement and effectiveness, setting high standards for service and leadership. 

• Represent the aquatics department on the Impact Team and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making. 

• Act as the liaison for key programs such as Project SAFE, ensuring successful implementation and impact. 

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to the YMCA’s mission, integrating these values into daily operations and strategic efforts. 

• Perform additional tasks as needed to support the overall operations and goals of the aquatics department and the YMCA. 

What You Bring to the Y 

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 

• Minimum of 2-3 years of leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, youth development, or a related field, including experience supervising and developing teams. 

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, coach, develop, and retain high-performing leaders while fostering a culture of accountability, belonging, and continuous improvement. 

• Experience overseeing program operations, scheduling, safety compliance, and risk management practices. 

• Knowledge of budgeting, payroll administration, and financial management principles, with the ability to monitor expenses and support department financial goals. 

• Experience evaluating program effectiveness and using data to improve participant experiences, operational efficiency, and program outcomes. 

• Strong relationship-building skills with members, families, community partners, and fellow leaders. 

• Excellent communication, customer service, and conflict-resolution skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing needs, and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Experience supporting fundraising efforts, special events, community partnerships, or grant-related initiatives preferred. 

• Bilingual in Spanish and English is highly preferred. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook. 

• Current certifications in BLS (CPR-PRO), First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, Lifeguarding, and Swim Instruction. 

• Lifeguard Instructor and Swim Instructor certifications, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire. 

• Must obtain Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification within three months of hire. 

• YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (YLGIT) and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer (YSLIT) certifications preferred. 

• Familiarity with aquatic management, scheduling, registration, and program management software preferred. 
• Knowledge of aquatic safety standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance practices.

Physical Requirements 

The role requires frequent movement, including standing for extended periods, walking, and lifting. You need to effectively monitor and oversee pool activities from various vantage points, which requires physical agility and alertness. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.