Aquatics Prog Manager

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston is seeking an Aquatics Program Manager for Chelsea, MA. You will oversee program planning, delivery and safety for youth 6–18, supervising lifeguards and aquatics staff and coordinating with staff across BGCB sites.

Responsibilities include developing diverse swim programs, ensuring safety standards, conducting training, and evaluating program success to provide high-quality aquatic experiences.

Qualifications

• Two years of relevant experience in recreation, aquatics, or related field; at least one year supervising guards.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid certifications (prior to hire).
• WSI and CPO certifications (must have or be willing to obtain).
• Knowledge of youth development principles.
• Experience developing and delivering aquatics programs for youth.
• Knowledge of swimming techniques, pool maintenance, lifeguard training trends.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexibility to work clubhouse hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of aquatics programs for ages 6–18.
• Supervise lifeguards and aquatics staff.
• Ensure safety with daily pool checks, opening/closing duties and chemical checks.
• Apply WAVE policy and provide lifeguard supervision and emergency procedures.
• Orient, train and supervise aquatics staff; conduct annual evaluations.
• Travel between sites and participate in professional development.

Skills

Lifeguard certifications

CPR / First Aid

WSI

CPO

Youth development

Program development

Communication

Teamwork

Driver's license

Education

BA/BS in related field

Tools

MS Office

Web tools

Job description

Since 1893, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston have played an essential role in opening doors and creating opportunities for young people across this city. For every youth in Boston and Chelsea, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston are a life-changing force for opportunity and empowerment that enables future talent to reach their full individual potential as productive citizens and leaders, inspired to make a difference in the Greater Boston community. By reaching 22 of 23 communities throughout Boston and Chelsea, no other youth serving organization engages more young people and families. Learn more at www.bgcb.org and join us in transforming our members, our communities, our city!

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Aquatics Program Manager position at Boys and Girl Clubs of Boston oversees the planning, implementation and ongoing evaluation of quality and developmentally appropriate programs, activities, services, and special events in the club’s aquatics program areas for youth ages 6-18. This role ensures the safety of all swimmers by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors, effectively implementing the WAVE system and ensuring that all aquatics program staff are equipped with the tools needed to ensure a safe aquatics environment.

This role manages lifeguards and other aquatics staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Aquatics Programming, Delivery and Behavior Management

• Manage and oversee BGCB program activity standards as determined each year.
• With department staff, provide a variety of programming options reflective of the BGCB Aquatics Program.
• Run individual programs, activities, trips, including, but not limited to, oversight of open swim, swim lessons, swim team, and in-service training.
• Ensure that the Club has a swim team that competes in the local Boys & Girls Club league and participates in the National Meet in Florida.
• Actively supports the BGCB goal that all members learn to swim ensuring new members are swim tested and a full range of swim lessons are offered to members of all ages and abilities.
• Supervise and discipline of members participating in programs and services within the program area as well as throughout the clubhouse as deemed appropriate.
• Secure, maintain and monitor materials, equipment and other resources belonging to the program area(s).

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Coordinate partnerships and consultants who can offer specific instruction, support and guidance to members.
• Develop and implement collaborative programs and events with staff from other clubhouse departments as well as staff from other BGCB clubhouses and community organizations as appropriate.
• Participate in NENEAPC programs as appropriate.

Evaluation, Safety and Maintenance

• Participate in various evaluation efforts throughout each program year, including the annual member survey.
• Maintain a safe and clean aquatics program area(s).
• Provide oversight of pool maintenance requirements - including daily safety checks, opening & closing duties and chemical checks - ensuring that the pool meets all safety standards.
• Apply WAVE policy, protocol and system while simultaneously providing active lifeguard supervision and established emergency response procedures.

Management and Training

• Orient, train and supervise aquatics staff (i.e., work-study students, junior staff, volunteers), including conducting monthly in-service training for aquatics staff
• Train all staff in water safety protocols.
• Provide timely annual performance evaluations for applicable staff
• Participate in individual and group supervision sessions.

Other

• Participate in relevant, appropriate professional development opportunities
• Travel between sites and to activities as needed
• Other related duties as specified by the Executive Director, Director of Operations or Program Director.

GENERAL BGCB EXPECTATIONS

• Teaching youth/teens the importance of living an active, healthy lifestyle is a BGCB priority. As a result, all staff are expected to model healthy behavior while working with our members.
• BGCB values creating child-friendly environments, where youth/teens of all abilities can be successful and participate. BGCB expects employees to embrace its focus on inclusion of all members, regardless of disability or developmental challenge.
• Building the capacity of staff is central to BGCB. The organization encourages and requires that all staff participate in annual professional development opportunities that continue to cultivate their skills in the youth development field.
• Every staff member shares the responsibility for ensuring BGCB is, and remains, an environment free of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• At least two years of relevant experience in recreation, aquatics, or a related field, and at least one year experience supervising or supporting other guards
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid certifications (prior to hire)
• WSI (Water Safety Instructor) and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications (must have or be willing to obtain)
• Knowledge of youth development principles
• Direct experience developing and delivering aquatics programs for youth
• Knowledge of trends in swimming techniques, pool maintenance, and lifeguard training.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work with youth and families from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work clubhouse hours especially as seasons and service needs change.
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred or Ideal

• BA/BS in related field
• LGI (Lifeguard Instructor) certification as needed
• Bilingual or multi-lingual
• Experience in out-of-school-time settings
• MS Office and web competency

TRAVEL

• Travel between sites and to activities as needed

START DATE

September 2026 (desired start date yet position open until filled)

LOCATION

Chelsea, MA (Gerald and Darelene Jordan Club)

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary - $60,114.60/year - $62,735.40/year - commensurate with experience; along with competitive benefits and a great work environment

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health choices, marital status, age, pregnancy, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities. Please visit our website at https://www.bgcb.org

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.