Aquatics Director - Hogan Family YMCA

YMCA of the Fox Cities; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the Fox Cities seeks an Aquatics Director to lead the branch's aquatic programs, staff, and operations. The role emphasizes water safety, program quality, and community engagement to foster learning, belonging, and healthy living.

Responsibilities include building a high-performing team, maintaining safe pool operations, and expanding program offerings. This leadership position requires flexibility, strong communication, and a commitment to YMCA values and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience supervising staff and programs in a YMCA or aquatic setting is preferred.
• Current CPR, AED, First Aid, Lifeguarding certifications or ability to obtain them is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Aquatics team, recruiting, training, coaching, and retaining high-performing staff.
• Ensure reliable pool operations with adequate lifeguard coverage and safe open hours.
• Grow and innovate aquatics programs to increase participation and community impact.
• Champion water safety through staff training, drills, and following YMCA safety standards.
• Deliver program quality across swim lessons, aqua classes, and swim team.
• Expand community impact by increasing access to lessons and water-safety education.
• Drive participation and revenue while aligning with YMCA objectives.
• Maintain certifications, inspections, and safety documentation.

Skills

Supervisory experience

CPR/AED/First Aid/Lifeguarding

Excel

Microsoft Word

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Excel

Word

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 YMCAs 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 branchs 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead & Develop the Aquatics Team : Recruit, train, coach, supervise, and retain an engaged, high-performing team of aquatics professionals. Responsible for ensuring each lifeguard is certified, trained, tested, deployed, and documented.
• Ensure Reliable Pool Operations : Maintain adequate staffing and effective lifeguard supervision to keep pools safely open during scheduled operating hours and minimize or eliminate avoidable pool downtime.
• Grow & Innovate Programs : Develop and expand relevant, high-quality aquatics programs that increase participation, serve families, respond to community needs, and create new opportunities for impact and revenue.
• Champion Water Safety : Lead a strong culture of water safety through staff training, in-services, emergency preparedness, drills, active supervision, and consistent execution of YMCA aquatic safety standards.
• Deliver Program Quality : In accordance with YMCA leading practices, establish and monitor standards for swim lessons, recreational aquatics, swim team, water exercise, and other programs to ensure consistently exceptional participant and family experiences.
• Expand Community Impact : Identify partnerships and opportunities to increase access to swim lessons, water-safety education, drowning-prevention initiatives, and aquatics programming throughout the community.
• Drive Participation & Growth : Develop strategies to increase enrollment, pool utilization, member engagement, retention, and aquatics revenue while connecting families to the broader YMCA experience.
• Maintain Compliance & Certifications : Ensure staff certifications, training, pool operations, and safety practices meet all YMCA, health department, regulatory, insurance, and organizational requirements.
• Maintain Records & Accountability : Ensure required certifications, inspections, training records, incident reports, chemical logs, safety documentation, and other records are accurate, current, and retained according to Y-USA and association policies.
• Manage Financial Performance : Develop and manage the department budget, payroll, revenue, expenses, equipment, and resources while achieving established financial and program goals.
• Ensure Safe, Welcoming Facilities : Partner with Facilities and branch leadership to maintain clean, safe, inviting, and properly functioning pools, decks, equipment, and aquatic spaces.
• Lead Through Relationships : Build meaningful relationships with members, families, staff, community partners, and other YMCA departments while maintaining a visible leadership presence and advancing the YMCAs mission.
• Support Branch Operations : Partner with the branch leadership team to support branch events, initiatives, and organizational priorities, and perform other duties as assigned by YMCA leadership.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• This is a full-time position requiring a flexible schedule based on operational and program needs.
• Typical work hours will generally fall within a Monday through Friday business schedule, with flexibility in start and end times based on YMCA operations and responsibilities.
• The Aquatics Director is expected to adjust their regular work schedule when evening or weekend responsibilities are required, recognizing that flexibility and presence during key programs and events are essential functions of the position.
• Regular travel between YMCA locations and community/event sites throughout the service area is required.
• Schedule may vary seasonally and during periods of increased programming or special events.

Qualifications

• Bachelors 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