Aquatic Program Director - Operations & Safety Leader

YMCA of the USA; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the USA is seeking an Aquatic Director to oversee the safe development, management, and daily operations of the aquatic center. You will lead lifeguards, instructors, and aquatic staff, ensuring top safety standards and a positive member experience.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and proven leadership in aquatics or nonprofit operations, with strong skills in budgeting, communication, and program development. You will collaborate across departments to drive growth and excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two+ years of leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, sports, nonprofit operations, or related field.
• Experience supervising lifeguards, instructors, coaches, or aquatic personnel preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing staff, budgets, scheduling, customer service, and program growth.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold staff accountable through coaching and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic operations, lifeguarding, water safety, emergency procedures, pool chemistry, and risk management.
• Strong financial, operational, and organizational skills to manage budgets, schedules, staffing, and departmental priorities.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with members, participants, families, volunteers, staff, schools, and community partners.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for using performance metrics to inform decisions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe development, management, and supervision of the aquatic center and daily operations.
• Lead staffing, scheduling, training, and performance reviews for lifeguards, instructors, and aquatic personnel.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, pool chemistry, and risk management per YMCA policies.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for members, participants, and guests.
• Collaborate with departments and external partners to support program growth and operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Budgets

Customer service

Program growth

Coaching

Performance management

Communication

Collaboration

Analytical thinking

MS Office

Registration systems

Scheduling software

AI in operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Education, Business, or related field

Tools

Registration systems

Scheduling software

Job description

YMCA of the USA is seeking an Aquatic Director to oversee the safe development, management, and daily operations of the aquatic center. You will lead lifeguards, instructors, and aquatic staff, ensuring top safety standards and a positive member experience.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and proven leadership in aquatics or nonprofit operations, with strong skills in budgeting, communication, and program development. You will collaborate across departments to drive growth and excellence.