Aquatics & Programs Coordinator

Northern Kentucky University; Highland Heights (KY); On-site; USD 33,415 - 40,840; Full time

Job summary

Northern Kentucky University is seeking an Aquatics & Programs Coordinator to manage the Campus Recreation Aquatics Center and supervise a team of student employees. Responsibilities include developing aquatic programming and ensuring the facility meets health standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree related to recreation with at least 2 years of experience and hold or be able to obtain necessary certifications. This role offers opportunities for leadership and development in a dynamic campus environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 2 years of experience.
• Ability to obtain American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.
• Experience with managing Learn to Swim program and Lifeguard training.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Campus Recreation Aquatics Center.
• Develop and direct aquatic programming.
• Supervise and train the aquatic facility staff.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Quality interpersonal and teamwork skills

Excellent leadership and decision-making skills

Strong planning and organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Student Personnel, or related degree

Tools

American Red Cross Lifeguard

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI)

Certified Pool Operator (CPO)

Aquatic Facility Operation certification (AFO)

Job description

Posting Details

Working Title: Aquatics & Programs Coordinator
Department: Campus Recreation
Compensation Title: Coordinator, Aquatics and Programs
Position Number: 30000367
Position Status: Regular
Work Schedule: Full time flexible
Hours per Week: 37.5
Months per Year: 12

Purpose of Position: Reporting to the Associate Director for Facilities, the Aquatics and Programs Coordinator's primary responsibilities include:

• Management of daily operations of the Campus Recreation Aquatics Center;
• Developing and directing Aquatic programming including Learn to Swim and Lifeguarding/Water Safety Instructor programs;
• Supervision and development of 30 student employees working in the Aquatics area;
• Managing Campus Recreation Center facility rentals and aiding in the overall operation of the facility;
• Developing and managing Aquatic Budget.

Primary Responsibilities

Aquatics Management

• Plan and supervise safe management of aquatic facility daily operations. Operate aquatic facility to meet all applicable state and local health standards. Obtain necessary facility inspections and certificates.
• Establish, coordinate, and implement appropriate risk management plans for Campus Recreation facilities and programs.
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs with Operations and Maintenance. Submit and track work orders to completion.
• Monitor and record daily pool participation statistics for open rec swim, rentals, and special events.
• Review, recommend, and implement policies and procedures related to the aquatics facility, programs, and staff.
• Establish and publish an operating schedule that maximizes the efficient use of the facility and reflects established usage priorities. Work cooperatively with representatives from Campus Recreation, Kinesiology, University departments, student organizations, swim and dive teams, and community groups to schedule, staff, and supervise activities in the Campus Recreation Aquatics Center.
• Responsible for ensuring daily pool cleaning and deck cleaning protocols are completed.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Facilities to coordinate the scheduling and supervision of the aquatic facility by campus and community groups.
• Assist with all work orders for the Campus Recreation Center.
• Assist with monitoring maintenance and custodial services to ensure the facility is kept clean and work orders are completed.
• Serve on the departmental Risk Management Committee.

Aquatic Programming

• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate group and private swim lesson program.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate Learn to Swim Instructors.
• Maintain a year-round private swim lesson program.
• Develop and maintain a schedule of group swim lessons offered throughout the year.
• Plan, schedule, and implement American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, and Water Safety Instructor classes.
• Direct First Aid and CPR training program for all Campus Recreation staff members. Develop and implement annual CPR class schedules. Train, supervise, and schedule instructors.

Personnel Administration

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate aquatic facility staff. Conduct staff training and water safety skills testing.
• Plan, schedule, and carry out aquatics staff in-service training in accordance with industry standards.
• Schedule appropriate staffing levels for open rec swim, facility rentals, academic classes, and special events.
• Maintain records of certifications and ensure all employees have current safety certifications.
• Champion the Department of Campus Recreation's values of openness, respect, and dignity.
• Articulate, lead, and hold accountable student employees in Campus Recreation's expectations of welcoming all people regardless of identities and abilities.

Facility Reservations

• Assist in managing facility rental and reservation requests for on and off-campus groups. Coordinate rental information, set up needs, and space allocations based on established usage priorities.
• Coordinate set-up, access, and operation of special events. Provide onsite supervision for special events as needed.
• Assist with ensuring a high level of customer service for all groups and individuals utilizing the Campus Recreation Center.

Fiscal Management

• Develop and manage Aquatic staff and operation budget of over $100,000 in accordance with university and departmental policies.
• Accurately forecast, track, and record Aquatic expenditures.
• Monitor and execute bi-weekly payroll information and operating expenses.
• Properly and responsibly manage university purchasing card for programmatic and departmental purchases.
• Develop and implement a schedule for the replacement of aquatics equipment.
• Cultivate opportunities to expand departmental revenue.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Student Personnel, or related degree + 2 years experience required.
Required (or ability to obtain in first six months*) American Red Cross Lifeguard

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)
• Preferred Qualifications:
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT)
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
• Aquatic Facility Operation certification (AFO)
• Experience with managing the following:
• Learn to Swim program
• Lifeguard training program
• Managing swim/dive meets

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Quality interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Excellent leadership and decision-making skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Knowledge of current trends and industry standards in recreational sports facility management.
• Must be able to multi-task and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to handle stressful situations and excellent conflict resolution skills
• Value customer service, honesty, integrity, team development, and student development

Minimum 2 years experience in managing university or community aquatic facilities
Minimum 1-year experience supervising employees
Any candidate who is offered this position will be required to go through a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law.
Application review will begin immediately.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Experience

2 years

Salary

$37,128/yr Minimum

Pay Grade

S68

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number: 2026S2354
Job Open Date: 05/05/2026
Job Close Date:

Quick Link: https://jobs.nku.edu/postings/15606
Is this an internal only posting?