Aquatics Director

Somerville YMCA; Somerville, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Employee membership and program-disoc

Professional development and training

Job summary

The Somerville YMCA in Somerville, MA is seeking an Aquatics Director to lead the department, ensure safety, and drive quality swim programs for all ages. This hands-on leadership role oversees staffing, budgets, and compliance with health and safety regulations, while fostering a welcoming environment.

The role emphasizes staff development, performance coaching, monthly in-service trainings, and ongoing program expansion to serve hundreds of community members weekly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Aquatics leadership experience with staff supervision.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic safety practices, swim instruction, and pool operations.
• Ability to build strong relationships with members, staff, families, and community partners.
• Ability to work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Current certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid, and Swim Instruction, or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Strong swimming ability and knowledge of stroke mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aquatics programs, staffing, and operations.
• Evaluate community needs and develop programs to increase participation.
• Promote offerings through outreach and marketing efforts.
• Monitor program performance and participation trends.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise lifeguards and instructors.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, team-oriented environment.
• Lead onboarding, coaching, and professional development.
• Conduct monthly trainings and emergency drills.

Skills

Aquatics leadership

Staff supervision

Lifeguarding certification

CPR/AED

First Aid

Swim Instruction certification

Aquatic safety practices

Pool operations

Swimming proficiency

Communication with members & staff

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Management, or related field

Job description

Somerville YMCA | Somerville, MA Full-Time | In-Person Salary: $60,000 – $65,000 annually

Make a Lasting Impact Through Aquatics

At the Somerville YMCA, we’re more than a fitness facility. We’re a community dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and neighborhoods. We believe that access to safe, high-quality aquatics programs can change lives, build confidence, and create lifelong healthy habits.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, mission-driven Aquatics Director to lead our aquatics department and help ensure exceptional experiences for members of all ages and skill levels. From swim lessons and recreational programs to staff development and pool operations, this role is an exciting opportunity to shape a thriving aquatics program that serves hundreds of community members each week.

If you’re a hands-on leader who is passionate about water safety, staff development, and creating welcoming experiences for all, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As the Aquatics Director, you will oversee all aspects of the YMCA’s aquatic operations, safety, staffing, and programming.

• Lead and oversee all aquatics programs, including swim lessons, recreational swimming, aquatic fitness classes, and off-site swim team activities.
• Evaluate community needs and develop new programs that increase participation and engagement.
• Promote aquatics offerings through community outreach and marketing efforts.
• Monitor program performance, participation trends, and overall effectiveness.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatics staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.
• Conduct staff onboarding, coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Lead monthly in-service trainings, emergency drills, and certifications.
• Ensure all staff certifications remain current and compliant.

Pool Operations & Safety

• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-managed aquatic environment.
• Ensure compliance with all YMCA, state, and local health and safety regulations.
• Oversee pool maintenance, chemical testing, facility inspections, and operational records.
• Serve as a leader during emergency situations and ensure staff readiness for emergency response.
• Develop and manage department budgets.
• Prepare payroll, schedules, reports, and participation data.
• Coordinate pool scheduling to meet member and program needs.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives and special events.
• Respond promptly and professionally to member feedback, questions, and concerns.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Aquatics leadership experience with demonstrated responsibility for staff supervision and program management.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic safety practices, swim instruction, and pool operations.
• Ability to build strong relationships with members, staff, families, and community partners.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Current certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid, and Swim Instruction, or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Strong swimming ability and knowledge of stroke mechanics.

Preferred Qualifications

• YMCA Aquatics training and trainer certifications.
• Previous experience as an Aquatics Coordinator, Aquatics Supervisor, or similar leadership role.
• Experience managing budgets, schedules, and staff development initiatives.

Why Join the Somerville YMCA?

When you join the YMCA, you’re joining a mission-driven organization committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Benefits Include

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee membership and program discounts
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your local community

Schedule

• Full-time
• Primarily Tuesday through Saturday
• Occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support programming and events

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role combines administrative responsibilities with active supervision in an aquatic environment. Candidates must be able to:

• Remain alert and responsive while supervising aquatic activities.
• Hear and respond to emergency situations and distress signals.
• Move throughout the facility and pool deck safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrate aquatic skills as required.
• Occasionally lift and move equipment and supplies.
• Work in a humid pool environment as well as a standard office setting.

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values inclusion at all levels of the organization. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.