Aquatics Director

YMCA of the USA; Terre Haute (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the USA in Terre Haute, IN seeks a dynamic leader for its aquatics department to ensure safe, welcoming experiences for all swimmers. You will oversee programs, train staff, and build relationships with members and community partners while modeling YMCA values.

You’ll balance on-the-stand duties with teaching swim lessons, advising staff, and driving continuous improvement in safety, programming, and member engagement through clear communication and thoughtful planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation or Health and Physical Education, or related aquatic experience.
• 2+ years of aquatics experience, preferably at the YMCA.
• Lifeguard certification (YMCA/Red Cross or equivalent) or willingness to obtain within 60 days.
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification or willingness to obtain within 60 days.
• Swim Lesson Instructor certification preferred or willingness to obtain within 60 days.
• Budget development, program planning and diverse community engagement skills.
• Basic computers and social media knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise aquatics operations to ensure safety.
• Teach swim lessons and respond to emergencies.
• Provide staff guidance and training.
• Communicate effectively with members and community partners.
• Plan ahead and embrace new ideas.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Program development

Safety management

Staff training

Budgeting

Technology literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation or Health and Physical Education, or related field

Job description

Being a leader in the aquatics environment is a rewarding and challenging role. Maintaining safety for all and providing access to a wide range of patrons means hiring the right people, providing high-quality training and appropriate certifications, and most importantly, building relationships with staff, members, and community partners.

There will be times when you are asked to be on the lifeguard stand, jump in to teach a swim lesson, calm a scared child (or parent!), and offer advice to staff. Balancing the needs of many different types of patrons means excellent communication skills, planning ahead, and being open to new ideas.

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation or Health and Physical Education or related field is preferred or relevant aquatic related experience.
• Must have previous experience in aquatics, preferably two or more years at the YMCA.
• Must have YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent certification or have willingness to obtain within the first 60 days of employment.
• Must have CPR for the Professional Rescuer certifications or have willingness to obtain within the first 60 days of employment.
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification preferred or have willingness to obtain within the first 60 days of employment.
• Budget development and administration skills preferred. Planning and program development skills preferred. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Basic knowledge of computers and social media technology.