Aquatics Director

YMCA of NorthWest North Carolina; King (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of NorthWest North Carolina is seeking an Aquatics Director to oversee branch aquatic operations, programs, and staff. You will manage budgets, lead certification training, drive community outreach, and serve as Branch Risk Manager to uphold safety and YMCA quality standards.

The role requires supervising lifeguards, swim instructors, and coaches, coordinating trainings, expanding inclusive programs, and partnering with Marketing on campaigns to promote aquatic services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Exercise Science, or a related field.
• Aquatic management experience required.
• Valid YMCA Lifeguard (or equivalent within 30 days of hire), CPO, YSL V6 Swim Lesson Instructor, and CPR/AED/First Aid/Emergency Oxygen certifications required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the annual aquatics budget to achieve fiscal goals, review payroll, coordinate facility scheduling, and track program participation and effectiveness.
• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and evaluate aquatics personnel; lead monthly lifeguard and quarterly swim/water fitness instructor trainings and safety certifications.
• Expand inclusive aquatic programming and build community partnerships; collaborate with Marketing on promotional campaigns.
• Serve as Branch Risk Manager, implementing Emergency Action Plan strategies and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Address member inquiries promptly and lead branch fundraising activities (e.g., Annual Impact Fund, United Way).
• Integrate YMCA core values into all aquatic operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or related field

Job description

Description

Job Summary:

The Aquatics Director oversees all branch aquatic operations, program execution, and staff supervision to build lifelong swimmers. This position manages budgets, leads certification training, drives community outreach, and serves as Branch Risk Manager to uphold industry safety and YMCA quality standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise aquatics staff (coaches, lifeguards, swim instructors) and volunteers. Carries out supervisory duties including recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling, approving timesheets, appraising performance, disciplining, and updating required safety certifications.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the annual aquatics budget to achieve fiscal goals, review payroll, coordinate facility scheduling, and track program participation and effectiveness.
• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and evaluate aquatics personnel; lead monthly lifeguard and quarterly swim/water fitness instructor in-service trainings and safety certifications.
• Expand inclusive aquatic programming (e.g., Homeschool Swim, Special Needs, Second Grade Swim), build community partnerships, and collaborate with Marketing on promotional campaigns.
• Serve as Branch Risk Manager, implementing Emergency Action Plan (EAP) strategies, ensuring all departments incorporate safety protocols, and filling in as a lifeguard or instructor when necessary.
• Address member inquiries promptly, lead branch fundraising activities (e.g., Annual Impact Fund, United Way), and integrate YMCA core values into all aquatic’s operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of aquatic program administration, pool operations, emergency action planning, legal safety standards, and YMCA quality specifications.
• Advanced leadership, fiscal management, and communication skills to direct teams, resolve member concerns, and cultivate collaborative relationships across the community.

Education & Experience:

• Education & Age Requirement: Minimum age of 21 required. Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Exercise Science, or a related field preferred.
• Experience & Certifications: Aquatic management experience required. Valid YMCA Lifeguard (or equivalent within 30 days of hire), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), YSL V6 Swim Lesson Instructor, and CPR/AED/First Aid/Emergency Oxygen certifications required.
• Schedule & Availability: Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as operational needs dictate

Physical Requirements:

• Continuous visual acuity to observe all sections of an assigned pool zone and auditory acuity to detect distress signals without lapses in consciousness.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, reach, and navigate slippery pool decks and facility grounds.
• Meets physical strength, swimming endurance, and emergency rescue standards to execute active water extractions and perform CPR.
• Ability to regularly lift, maneuver, push, and pull equipment, supplies, chemical containers, and deck furniture weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Functions in humid indoor/outdoor aquatic environments subject to pool chemicals, wet surfaces, loud noise, and varying weather conditions.

Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting

At our Association, safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility, regardless of role or position. All employees are strictly required to maintain awareness of our abuse prevention and reporting policies. You must take immediate, appropriate action in accordance with our protocols and legal mandates if any standard of safety is compromised or if abuse is suspected.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment-related decisions are based on job-related qualifications, merit, business needs, and other lawful criteria.

Mission:

“Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.”