Aquatics Program Director: Lead Safety, Growth & Programs

Santa Monica Family YMCA; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Monica Family YMCA seeks an Aquatic Director to lead the safe development and daily operations of our aquatic center. You will supervise staff, oversee programs, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety policies to deliver a welcoming, high-quality experience for all members and guests.

The role requires collaboration with facilities, marketing, and community partners, with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, sports, nonprofit operations, or related field.
• Experience supervising lifeguards, instructors, coaches, or aquatic personnel preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing staff, budgets, scheduling, customer service, and program growth.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold staff accountable through coaching, recognition, and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic operations, lifeguarding, water safety, emergency procedures, pool chemistry, and risk management.
• Strong financial, operational, and organizational skills with the ability to manage budgets, schedules, staffing, and departmental priorities.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with members, participants, families, volunteers, staff, schools, and community partners.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to use performance metrics to inform decisions and improve operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, registration systems, scheduling software, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to improve communication, efficiency, and decision-making.
• Certifications required: CPR, Lifeguard, Swim Lesson Instructor (preferred), Water Fitness/Group Exercise Instructor (preferred), Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (preferred), Swim Lesson Trainer (preferred), Abuse Prevention/Bloodborne Pathogens/Sexual Harrassment Prevention.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily aquatic operations, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment that reflects the YMCA's mission and core values.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate swim lessons, swim crew, swim club, water fitness classes, and other aquatic programs to ensure quality, safety, and growth.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate aquatic staff and volunteers while providing ongoing coaching and professional development.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, background checks, and mandatory safety and child abuse prevention training.
• Enforce safety policies, maintain appropriate lifeguard coverage, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with regulations and YMCA standards.
• Oversee pool cleanliness, water chemistry testing, equipment inspections, and maintenance in coordination with Facilities Department.
• Manage pool and staff schedules to maximize participation, operational efficiency, and coverage.
• Monitor participation, evaluate program effectiveness, address concerns, and maintain positive relationships with members and participants.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets, track revenue and expenses, review financial performance, and support financial sustainability.
• Collaborate on marketing efforts to promote aquatic programs, increase participation, and support membership engagement.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, certifications, training, incidents, water chemistry, and departmental operations.
• Build community partnerships to expand aquatic programming and promote drowning prevention and water safety education.
• Ensure staff are prepared for emergencies through drills and adherence to procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and provide lifeguarding or swim instruction support as needed.
• Demonstrate effective leadership, communication, time management, and teamwork; flexible to evenings and weekends.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Communication

Program development

Risk management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

AI in operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Education, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Registration systems

Scheduling software

AI tools

Job description

Santa Monica Family YMCA seeks an Aquatic Director to lead the safe development and daily operations of our aquatic center. You will supervise staff, oversee programs, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety policies to deliver a welcoming, high-quality experience for all members and guests.

The role requires collaboration with facilities, marketing, and community partners, with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed.