Aquatics Director

YMCA of the USA; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Fund contribution

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Phone Allowance

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

The YMCA of the USA is seeking an Aquatics Director at a local Alabama branch to lead the aquatic team, oversee programming, and ensure safe, engaging experiences for all members.

You will foster a culture of safety, build community relations, and drive continuous improvement in aquatics operations, training lifeguards and instructors, and promoting water safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience.
• 1–2 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Certified to instruct CPR, AED/O2, First Aid, Lifeguarding, and Swim Lessons or able to obtain certifications.
• Proven ability to grow programming through community relations and innovative ideas.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing aquatic safety team and manage branch programs.
• Ensure safe, welcoming, and engaging aquatics experiences for all members.
• Foster safety culture, operational excellence, and community engagement.
• Develop and grow aquatics programming to serve diverse water-safety needs.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Program development

Community relations

Customer service

Professionalism

Flex schedule

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Aquatics Director provides dynamic leadership for the aquatics programs, team, and operations at their assigned branch, with a strong focus on creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging experience for everyone who enters the water. This position plays an important role in advancing the YMCA’s commitment to water safety and has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families by helping people of all ages become confident around water, providing safe spaces to connect and belong, and developing the next generation of lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic professionals.

The Aquatics Director builds and inspires a high-performing aquatic safety team, fosters a culture of safety and excellence, and leads the growth, quality, accessibility, and innovation of aquatics programming at their branch. Through strong leadership, community engagement, and operational excellence, the Aquatics Director ensures the branch’s pools are more than places to swim—they are places where people learn life‑saving skills, build confidence, develop relationships, and feel a sense of belonging.

OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At our Y, we strive to live our mission of loving our neighbor and helping each individual reach their full potential intentionally 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.

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (with significant employer contributions)
• 100% Employer Paid: Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Coverage
• 12% Employer Contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund
• Phone Allowance
• Professional Development Opportunities

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience preferred
• Certified to instruct others in CPR, AED/O2, First Aid, Lifeguarding, and Swim Lessons or ability to gain certifications
• Proven ability to stimulate program growth through strong community relations and innovative programming with emphasis on creating positive experiences for all members
• Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Must display a high degree of professionalism and customer service and exemplify YMCA values
• Ability to flex schedule to periodically monitor all aspects of aquatics programming

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must be able to routinely perform the following physical activities; climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand and/or sit for extended periods of time, walk, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity to perform detailed tasks
• Must possess a high-level ability to ensure and maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive information.
• Must have ability to communicate effectively; both orally and in writing
• Must possess problem solving, organizational and task management skills; ability to make independent and sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment
• Must be detail oriented and exhibit a high degree of accuracy and alertness
• Must exhibit initiative in the absence of supervision
• Must be able to relate to and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner
• Must work collaboratively as a team member as well as independently and lead by assigned goals, duties and deadlines
• Must possess ability to exercise high levels of discretion and confidentiality
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times