Aquatics Director

Charleston Family YMCA

Aquatics Team Job Description

Job Title: AQUATICS DIRECTOR

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Branch Executive Director, the Aquatics Director is responsible for the safe development, management, and supervision of the aquatics department, and any assignment of tasks related to the daily operation of the facility in accordance with the mission and policies set forth by the Association. This position is responsible for assuring a safe, quality experience for all members, program participants, and guests, by creating a positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and adheres to strong safety practices in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This position will also lead a team to build positive relationships with members and program participants through effective listening and verbal skills and creatively find ways to connect them to one another and the Y community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Competent leadership is required to ensure a consistent culture of safety and engagement with staff, volunteers, members and participants.
• Must demonstrate skills in staff and volunteer training and supervision.
• Professional demeanor and effective time management skills are necessary.
• The ability to handle multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines is needed.
• Must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, computer capability and a willingness to learn more.
• This position requires one to be flexible, able to work a varied schedule when needed, and be a team player.
• This position requires a commitment to the philosophy of the YMCA and the role of staff in achieving its goals.
• The ability to model and instill the four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all areas is a must.
• They must have a genuine interest in people and the ability to establish harmonious relationships working with parents, staff, volunteers, members, and the community.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Maintain safe swimming conditions in the pools, deck, and surrounding areas.
• Swim Lessons Program Development and Management
• Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Supervision and Scheduling
• Oversee pool schedules: update, promote, and maintain optimal participation
• Oversee overall pool maintenance, proper chemistry testing and monthly pool operator service
• Staff and Volunteer Development, Recruiting, and Training for YMCA of Kanawha Valley. Coordinates and instructs all YMCA staff safety classes (CPR/First Aid)

KEY RESULT AREAS

Program Development & Management

• Ensure safe and effective operation of all aquatic programs and facilities.
• Maintain pool surveillance and enforce safety rules.
• Oversee swim lessons, lifeguard certification classes, and swim team administration.
• Hire, schedule, and supervise lifeguards and instructors to provide high-quality programming.
• Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets and attendance records.
• Ensure programs align with YMCA standards and goals, are well-communicated, and regularly evaluated for quality and satisfaction.

Staff / Volunteer Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate all aquatic staff and volunteers.
• Conduct regular trainings, safety drills, and staff meetings.
• Maintain certification records, personnel files, and provide clear job expectations.
• Ensure proper coverage, professionalism, and adherence to policies at all times.
• Coordinate staffing and oversight of outdoor pools in collaboration with the Summer Pool Coordinator.

Safety and Risk Management

• Conduct daily inspections of pools, equipment, and facilities for hazards.
• Oversee chemical testing, safety compliance, and incident reporting.
• Maintain clean, organized, and code-compliant aquatic facilities.
• Ensure equipment and supplies are safe, inventoried, and properly stored.
• Schedule and monitor pool maintenance tasks.

Member / Staff Relations

• Be visible, accessible, and responsive in the Aquatic Center.
• Maintain positive relationships with members, staff, and parents.
• Respond to messages, concerns, and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Ensure all communication materials, schedules, and promotions are accurate, updated, and brand compliant.

Other Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain required certifications and professional image.
• Prepare weekly staff schedules and attend required meetings.
• Demonstrate punctuality, sound judgment, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
• Lead CPR/First Aid and lifeguard certification trainings as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The candidate must have a minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in supervision and management.
• Related experience preferred but not required.
• Minimum of a 2 year degree preferred.
• Within 30 days of hire complete Lifeguard Certification, Child Abuse Prevention, and all other required training for YMCA of Kanawha Valley staff
• Within 90 days of hire, obtain certification as a Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.
• Within 120 days of hire, obtain Y-USA Swim Instructor Certification.
• Ability to maintain certification level physical and mental readiness
• Must display a strong commitment to excellence.
• Be highly visible and engaged with staff, members, program participants, and guests.
• Must have a proven track record in managing and leading a team.
• Must have good decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Must have excellent communication skills.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.?We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.?We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.?We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.?We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement:

Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Support fund-raising.

• Collaboration:

Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Take initiative to assist in developing others.

• Operational Effectiveness:

Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high value experience for members.

• Personal Growth:

Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency is required.
• Remain alert and observe all sections of aquatic center.
• Incumbent must be physically able to lift 50 or more pounds.
• The position requires flexibility to perform duties in a variety of settings including office work, time on the pool deck, and oversight at outdoor pools during the summer months.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• PTO/Sick time/Floating holidays/8 paid Holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Savings Plan
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free YMCA Membership and Program Discounts

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may change according to the needs of the Association.