Aquatics Director — Lead High-Impact Programs (Sign-On $2K)

Greater Austin YMCA; Dripping Springs (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Greater Austin YMCA is seeking an Aquatics Director to lead all aquatics operations at a designated center, including programming, safety, staffing, and staff development. You will oversee lifeguards, swim instructors, and front-line aquatics staff, fostering a culture of safety, service, accountability, and growth.

The role requires strong leadership, program management, and data-driven decision making to elevate member experiences and community impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Business Administration, Sports Management, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or related field.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of leadership experience in aquatics or related field, including supervising teams.
• Experience recruiting, coaching, developing, and retaining leaders with accountability culture.
• Experience overseeing program operations, scheduling, safety compliance, and risk management.
• Knowledge of budgeting, payroll, and financial monitoring; ability to manage department finances.
• Experience using data to improve participant experiences and outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building with members, partners, and leaders; excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; fundraising experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead aquatics operations at an assigned center, including programming, safety, staffing, and member satisfaction.
• Spearhead development and rollout of engaging aquatics programs; drive data-driven improvements.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing aquatics team; ensure certifications are up-to-date.
• Manage department payroll, scheduling, and budgeting; monitor expenses.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and regulatory standards across all aquatics programs.
• Oversee program information across platforms and respond to member inquiries to enhance engagement.
• Lead communication of programming and events through social media and internal channels.
• Support fundraising activities and special events related to aquatics.
• Collaborate with leadership to plan and execute strategic initiatives and goals.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team development

People management

Communication skills

Bilingual Spanish and English

Microsoft Office proficiency

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management or related field

Tools

Lifeguard Instructor certifications

Swim Instruction certifications

CPR-PRO, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen certifications

CPO certification (within 3 months)

Job description

Greater Austin YMCA is seeking an Aquatics Director to lead all aquatics operations at a designated center, including programming, safety, staffing, and staff development. You will oversee lifeguards, swim instructors, and front-line aquatics staff, fostering a culture of safety, service, accountability, and growth.

The role requires strong leadership, program management, and data-driven decision making to elevate member experiences and community impact.