Assistant Director, Aquatics

Florida Gulf Coast University; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University is seeking an Assistant Director, Aquatics & Adventure to lead strategic and operational direction of the Lee County/FGCU Aquatics Center, South Village Pool, and Waterfront activities.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, supervise full-time and part-time staff, develop risk management plans, and align programs with the department's strategic goals while advancing safety and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Requires 8 years of directly related full-time experience or a Bachelor's degree with 4 years of related experience.
• Current Red Cross or equivalent lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• CPO or AFO certification or obtainable within one year of hire.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Relevant education, experience, and certifications may be considered in lieu of a defined requirement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Aquatics Center, South Village Pool, and Waterfront facilities.
• Recruit, hire, and train full-time staff and OPS personnel.
• Develop Facility Use Agreements and ensure insurance and safety compliance.
• Manage RecVentures programs, including boat programs and rentals.
• Oversee swim lessons, clubs, meets, and safety certification programming.
• Develop and implement risk management, budgets, and department goals.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Team collaboration

Communication

Training & development

Budgeting

Risk management

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management or Sports Administration

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Assistant Director, Aquatics & Adventure

Florida Gulf Coast University

Job Summary

The Assistant Director, Aquatics & Adventure provides strategicand operational direction of the Lee County/FGCU Aquatics Center,South Village pool, Waterfront area, and all aquatics, safety, andoutdoor adventure programs. Oversees the day-to-day operations ofassigned program area and supervises full-time and part-time OPSemployees.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment andcollaboration. We value employees who successfully work with othersand drive positive change through critical thinking and decisiveaction. If you thrive in an environment of innovation,accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good homehere.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Manages day-to-day operations of the assigned program area andfacilities, including Aquatics, RecVentures, and theWaterfront.
• Oversees the recruitment, hiring, and training of full-timestaff and part time OPS staff that assist in carrying out the goalsand objectives of the functional area.
• Oversees the operational management and usage of the LeeCounty/FGCU Aquatics Center, South Village Pool, and Waterfrontfacilities.
• Serves as the Facility Use Custodian for Lee County/FGCUAquatics Center, South Village Pool, and Waterfront. DevelopsFacility Use Agreements and Memorandum of Understandings for theuse of the spaces by groups, verifies insurance requirements, taxexempt status, alcohol use, and solicitation request for spaces toensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Oversees management of the RecVentures programming andinitiatives. Includes motorized and non-motorized boat programs,educational clinics, trip programs, and equipment rentals.
• Oversees aquatic programming to include swim lessons, swim/diveclub training and meets, and safety certification programming.
• Develops and implements risk management and safety plans.Ensures all safety practices are followed.
• Assists with instructor training for department full time stafffor first aid and risk management certification programs.
• Collects and analyzes data to assess and evaluate programs andinitiatives.
• Assists in the development and implementation of policies andprocedures to ensure effective operation for multiple program areasand facilities.
• Develops and manages the operating budgets to ensure programalignment with fiscal allocation.
• Assists in goal setting and planning. Develops goals, studentlearning outcomes, and objectives. Assists with the development andimplementation of the overall departmental strategic plan.
• Stays current on trends and best practices in aquatics, riskmanagement, and outdoor adventure programming to develop new andimproved programming and stay within operational standards ofaquatic facilities. Participates in state, regional, and nationalprofessional organizations, conferences, and workshops.

Other Duties:

• Serves on assigned University Recreation and Wellness anduniversity work teams and committees as needed
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned
• Assists with special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either eight years of directly relatedfull-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degreefrom an accredited institution in Recreation Management, SportsAdministration, or closely related field and four years offull-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Current American Red Cross or equivalent lifeguard, WaterSafety Instructor, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications or theability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
• Current Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatics FacilityOperator (AFO) certification or obtain within one year ofhire.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient inMicrosoft office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Valid Driver's License.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience,and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution in RecreationManagement, Sports Administration, or closely related field.
• Two years full-time professional experience in higher educationcampus recreation related to the position.
• Experience scheduling and supervising the work of students,support, and professional employees.
• Experience in swim meet coordination.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challengeswith creativity
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, andholding oneself accountable
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectivelyacross teams
• Knowledge of campus recreation and fitness programming.
• Knowledge of risk management standards and practices.
• Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods.
• Knowledge of marketing principles including promotion,fundraising, and public relations.
• Knowledge of budget control principles, practices, andprocedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communicationskills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritizeand complete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff,faculty, students, and the community in a service-orientedenvironment.
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team andindependently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate, andperform work in various situations when numerous and competingdemands are involved.
• Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, goalsand objectives.
• Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providinginformation, guidance, and motivation.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends asnecessary.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open forfeedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work;persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achievedeliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnershipsacross departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues toachieve common goals.

Pay Grade 16

Review of applicant materials will begin on September 25,2026.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an EqualOpportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicantswill receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, orprotected veteran status.