Aquatics Director

YMCA of Greater Kansas City; Platte City (MO); On-site; USD 49,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

YMCA Retirement Plan

Free citywide YMCA membership for you

Leadership development and growth

Mission-driven organization

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Kansas City is hiring an Aquatics Director at Platte County Community Center North (Platte City, MO) to lead all aquatics programs, staffing, safety, and budgets. You will oversee swim lessons, water fitness, and local swim teams, coordinating events and ensuring top service quality.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent management experience, 3+ years in aquatics, and current lifeguard/CPR/First Aid certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent management experience.
• Minimum of three years in aquatics or related field.
• Current Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certification; Red Cross preferred.
• Preferred Lifeguard Instructor certification.
• Knowledge of Swim Meet Manager.
• Able to manage and monitor department budget.
• Works effectively with people of different backgrounds and abilities.
• Able to make independent decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aquatics programs, including scheduling, staffing, and safety standards.
• Develop annual operating plans and budgets; monitor financial performance.
• Design and maintain a calendar of swim lessons, fitness classes and events for all ages.
• Partner with local swim teams; plan and host meets and events.
• Oversee daily pool operations, maintenance, and health/safety compliance.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate lifeguards, instructors, and staff.
• Coordinate regular in-service staff meetings.
• Perform duties of lifeguard, water fitness instructor, swim coach, or lesson instructor as needed.
• Conduct and certify trainings in Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen.
• Serve as Risk Management Specialist with emergency preparedness and reporting procedures.
• Collaborate with center leadership on membership growth and community partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff development

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent management experience

Tools

Swim Meet Manager

Job description

Overview

Join a team that’s building a stronger, healthier community through water safety, wellness, and fun. The YMCA of Greater Kansas City is hiring an Aquatics Director at Platte County Community Center North (Platte City, MO) to oversee operations, safety, and staff development across our aquatics department. We're seeking candidates that are dedicated and experienced aquatics professionals who can ensure high standards for risk management, customer satisfaction, and program quality in our aquatics department.

You’ll lead programs that range from swim lessons and water fitness to competitive swim meets and local swim teams—creating an inclusive environment where people of all ages and abilities can thrive in and around the water.

Hiring Range:

$49,000-$53,000

Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive benefits package
• YMCA Retirement Plan
• Free citywide YMCA membership for you and your household
• Leadership development and professional growth opportunities
• Be part of a mission-driven organization where Kansas City connects

OUR CULTURE:

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause‑driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aquatics programs, including scheduling, staffing, and safety standards
• Develop annual operating plans and budgets; monitor financial performance
• Design and maintain a robust calendar of swim lessons, fitness classes and aquatic events for participants of all abilities and levels
• Partner with local swim teams; plan and host swim meets and community aquatics events
• Oversee daily pool operations, maintenance, and compliance with all health and safety regulations
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate lifeguards, instructors, and aquatics staff
• Coordinate and facilitate regular in-service staff meetings.
• Able to perform duties of lifeguard, water fitness instructor, swim coach or swim lesson instructor, as needed.
• Conduct and certify trainings in Lifeguarding, swim lesson instructor, CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen
• Serve as a Risk Management Specialist, ensuring strong emergency preparedness and reporting procedures
• Collaborate with center leadership on membership growth, community partnerships, and fundraising initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience in management.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in aquatics or a related field.
• Preferred three years’ experience in aquatics management
• Current Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certification from national organization. Red Cross preferred.
• Preferred Lifeguard Instructor certification from national organization
• Knowledge of swim meet manager
• Able to manage and monitor department budget.
• Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
• Able to make independent and sound decisions in a fast paced environment.
• Able to exercise high levels of discretion and confidentiality.
• Detail oriented with good organizational skills, and be multi-task proficient.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to adapt to new software.
• Must have reliable transportation. Travel around the Greater Kansas City area may be required