Aquatics Director - Shades Valley YMCA

YMCA; Southwood (AL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Free YMCA membership for you and your

Significant discounts on YMCA programs

Flexible schedule

Job summary

YMCA in Birmingham area seeks an experienced aquatics professional to lead and manage programs, ensuring safety and high-quality member experiences.

You will supervise lifeguards, instructors, and staff, coordinate schedules, onboarding, and program delivery while upholding YMCA standards and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience/knowledge in aquatics management.

Responsibilities

• Lead, monitor, and evaluate aquatics programs in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
• Supervise, develop, and schedule Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, and other aquatics staff.
• Maintain safe, clean, and well-organized pool operations.
• Implement pool schedules and oversee daily aquatics programming.
• Interview prospective aquatics employees and assist with onboarding and new-hire paperwork.
• Manage staff scheduling to maintain appropriate coverage while meeting budget goals.
• Assist the Executive Director with the aquatics budget, payroll, and department purchasing.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Teach CPR, Lifeguard, and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor training as needed.
• Complete bi-monthly payroll and required branch reports, newsletters, and impact reports.

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Shades Valley - Homewood, AL 35209

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $47,569.00 - $50,547.00

Lead the Way in Aquatics!

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, monitor, and evaluate aquatics programs in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.


• Supervise, develop, and schedule Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, and other aquatics staff.


• Maintain safe, clean, and well-organized pool operations.


• Implement pool schedules and oversee daily aquatics programming.


• Interview prospective aquatics employees and assist with onboarding and new-hire paperwork.


• Manage staff scheduling to maintain appropriate coverage while meeting budget goals.


• Assist the Executive Director with the aquatics budget, payroll, and department purchasing.


• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.


• Teach CPR, Lifeguard, and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor training as needed.


• Complete bi-monthly payroll and required branch reports, newsletters, and impact reports.

Why This Job Is a Great Fit

• Lead a team that plays an important role in creating safe and positive experiences for members and families.


• Make a direct impact on aquatics programming and the overall member experience.


• Build leadership, staff development, budgeting, and program management skills.


• Represent the YMCA and strengthen relationships throughout the Birmingham community.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive salary


• Comprehensive benefits package:
  
  
  
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage (with significant employer contribution)
  
  
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  
  
  • Generous retirement plan with 12% employer contribution once eligible
  
  
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  
  
  
  


• YMCA perks:
  
  
  
  • Free YMCA membership for you and your household
  
  
  • Significant discounts on YMCA programs (including childcare, after-school programs, and summer camps)
  
  
  
  


• Work environment: Flexible schedule and supportive team culture


• Growth: Real opportunities to learn and expand your skills


• Mission: Work that makes a difference in your community every single day

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a confident, organized aquatics professional who enjoys leading teams and creating exceptional experiences for members and participants. The ideal candidate is comfortable managing staff, programs, budgets, and changing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on safety, service, and community relationships.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience/knowledge in aquatics management or a related field preferred.


• 1-3 years of relevant experience preferred.


• Supervisory and staff development experience preferred.


• Knowledge of budgets and financial management.


• Strong written, verbal, customer service, and computer skills.


• Proven ability to build strong community relationships.


• Current Base Lifeguard Certification.


• Must obtain LGI and CPO certifications within 6 months of hire.


• Ability to represent the YMCA in a mature and professional manner.


• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage shifting priorities.


• Successful completion of required background screening.


• Willingness to travel within the YMCA service area as needed.

Expectations

• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming pool environment.


• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, and aquatics standards.


• Provide ongoing supervision, training, and feedback to employees and volunteers.


• Follow required abuse risk management and screening practices.


• Ensure employees and volunteers maintain appropriate boundaries with children and teens.


• Promote the YMCA's values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

What Success Looks Like

• Aquatics programs are safe, well-staffed, well-organized, and consistently meet YMCA standards.


• Staff are trained, supported, and developed into a strong aquatics team.


• Pool operations remain clean, safe, efficient, and member-focused.


• Programs and staffing operate effectively within budget.


• Members, participants, employees, and community partners have a positive experience with the YMCA aquatics department.

More Than Just a Job

At the YMCA, you're part of something bigger. Your leadership helps create safe spaces, develop people, strengthen families, and build a healthier, stronger community. Every shift, program, and interaction is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.