Aquatics Director

YMCA of the USA; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

YMCA of the USA is seeking a passionate Aquatics Director to lead all aquatics operations at an assigned center, ensuring high-quality programs, safety, and outstanding member experiences.

The role focuses on developing teams, strengthening programs, and fostering a culture of safety and service while guiding lifeguards, instructors, and staff in a fast-paced environment. Multiple openings are available across communities served.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Recreation/Nonprofit settings.
• Minimum 2–3 years leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, or youth development.
• Experience recruiting, coaching, and retaining leaders with a culture of accountability.
• Experience overseeing program operations, scheduling, safety compliance, and risk practices.
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management; track expenses against goals.
• Experience evaluating programs with data to improve participants and operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aquatics operations at the assigned center, including programming and safety.
• Supervise and develop swim instructors, lifeguards, and front-line staff.
• Foster member satisfaction and a culture of safety, service, accountability, and growth.
• Support fundraising efforts, events, and community partnerships where applicable.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team development

Safety and risk management

Budgeting and financial mgmt

Data-driven improvement

Bilingual Spanish/English

Communication and customer service

Multitasking in fast-paced env

Fundraising and community partnerships

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Aquatics program management software

Job description

$2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS

Join our team and start with an added incentive! This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus. Eligibility requirements and bonus details will be shared during the interview process. The Aquatics Director is a key leader in advancing the YMCA’s mission through safe, high-quality, and impactful aquatic programs. This role leads all aquatics operations at an assigned center, including programming, safety, staffing, team development, and member satisfaction.

$2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS

Join our team and start with an added incentive! This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus. Eligibility requirements and bonus details will be shared during the interview process. The Aquatics Director is a key leader in advancing the YMCA’s mission through safe, high-quality, and impactful aquatic programs. This role leads all aquatics operations at an assigned center, including programming, safety, staffing, team development, and member satisfaction.

We are seeking a passionate, people-focused leader who excels at developing teams, strengthening programs, and creating exceptional member experiences. The Aquatics Director will lead swim instructors, lifeguards, and front-line aquatics staff while fostering a culture of safety, service, accountability, and growth.

As we continue to expand our impact across our community, we are seeking multiple Aquatics Directors who are ready to lead with purpose, develop people, elevate programs, and make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.

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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 Aquatics Director must be able to meet the physical demands of working in and around an aquatic environment. This includes the ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, and move freely throughout the facility, as well as respond quickly to emergencies, including entering the water and performing rescues when necessary. Clear hearing and verbal communication are essential for monitoring staff, responding to safety signals or distress calls, and giving directions in a potentially loud and echo-prone environment. The role also requires the ability to lift and/or move equipment or individuals weighing up to 50 pounds. Candidates must be comfortable working in wet and humid conditions for extended periods and may occasionally be exposed to varying weather conditions during outdoor activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.