Aquatics Experience Director - Delaware YMCA

DeKalb Health; Delaware (OH); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Central Ohio is seeking an experienced Aquatics Experience Leader to oversee daily pool operations and a safe, high‑quality program. You will lead staff, develop training, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards across the branch.

You’ll manage budgets, schedule certifications, and collaborate with the Executive Director to expand programs and engage members in YMCA values and healthy living initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred with two years in aquatics.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups.
• YMCA Team Leader certification; if not certified, obtain within 12 months.
• Immediate lifeguarding (ARC) and First Aid/CPR within hire; 6-12 month certifications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily pool operations and maintain safety standards.
• Lead, train, and schedule staff; evaluate performance.
• Manage aquatics budget and inventory; coordinate purchases.
• Develop and expand programs to meet community needs.
• Collaborate with Executive Director on branch initiatives and events.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Budget management

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation/aquatics or related field

YMCA Team Leader certification

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Database software

Job description

• Base Pay $44,000.00 - $53,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type Full Time
• Manage Others Yes

Contact information

• Email [e-mail]

Description

Are you an organized, collaborative leader who enjoys helping others learn, grow, and succeed? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

We're looking for an experienced manager to lead our Aquatics department. In this role, you'll oversee daily operations, support and develop staff, ensure safe, high-quality programs, and create positive experiences for members and participants.

Previous aquatics experience is a plus but not required. We provide comprehensive training and certification support for candidates with proven experience leading teams, managing operations, and building strong, people-centered workplaces.

• Thinks, communicates and behaves as a cause-driven leader and role model for other staff and members when it comes to desired staff behaviors and healthy living practices.
• Directs and supervises program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands programs within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
• Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete along with all inservice standards being met.
• Monitors and maintains daily pool operations and chemical levels to adhere to all state, local and YMCA of the USA health and safety regulations.
• Conducts certification courses in American Red Cross courses. Teaches inservices in accordance with association policies and standards.
• Secures and schedules pool facilities. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels.
• Works with Executive Director on Aquatics budget creation and management.
• Maintains inventory and recommends purchases as needed.
• Assists in branch special events.
• Demonstrate strong listening skills to learn member interests and connect them with programs and experiences that will meet their needs.
• Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in timely manner.
• Collaborates with the branch executive director to ensure the safe and responsible operation of the Y including rotating responsibilities for overall facility supervision & program coverage and actively participates in branch philanthropy efforts, special events, meetings and training sessions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually mode rate.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree (preferred) in recreation, aquatics, social sciences, or a related field preferred, and two years experience working in an aquatics environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Passionate belief in the Y’s cause of nurturing the potential of all youth, supporting healthy living for all people and finding ways to help and support our neighbors.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.
• Proven track record of developing authentic relationships with others.
• Ability to foster a collaborative team approach to solving challenging situations.
• YMCA Team Leader certification; if not certified, must obtain certification within 12 months
• Team leader certification requires: Principles and Practices; Introduction to Volunteerism; Introduction to Leading Others; Introduction to Fiscal Management; Leadership competency assessment; Team Leader Certification Test.
• Training Requirements:
• Immediately upon hire: lifeguarding certification (ARC); American Red Cross First Aid & CPR for Professional Rescuer; AED, O2 and state-mandated concussion training
• Within 6 months of hire : LGI (ARC)
• Within 1 year of hire : become YSL Instructor
• YMCA Global Leadership Certification: if not certified, must obtain certification within 12 months.

SUMMARY The role of the Aquatics Experience Leader is to create a fun, safe and healthy environment in the YMCA branches that ensures everyone feels welcome. The Aquatics Experience Leader will serve as a dynamic member of the YMCA team by serving our communities in multiple ways; working with a team to create a branch environment and culture that embodies the Y’s mission of strengthening spirit, mind and body. This role will focus on developing, organizing and implementing a high quality, member-focused YMCA aquatic program while ensuring pool safety, cleanliness, and training standards are met and aligned with YMCA of the USA, YMCA of Central Ohio, and the State of Ohio rules and recommendations. The Aquatics Experience Leader will be a multi-function team player who thrives on connecting with people, problem solving, listening and creating.