Assistant Director, Risk Management & Aquatics

Clemson University; Clemson (SC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University is seeking an Assistant Director for Risk Management & Aquatics in Clemson, SC. The role oversees the McHugh Natatorium and supervises 25 aquatics staff, ensuring safe, welcoming facilities and high-quality programs.

The successful candidate will coordinate risk management, training, and certifying staff while partnering with campus recreation and university colleagues to advance safety and student engagement.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and experience in student services programs.
• Certifications: American Red Cross Instructor Trainer Certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/FA and AED or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily aquatics operations and staff at the McHugh Natatorium, ensuring safety and service excellence.
• Participates in departmental committees and collaborates with campus recreation and other university units.
• Develops and delivers staff training, certifies lifeguards, and manages safety-certification courses.
• Coordinates safety, risk management and compliance activities and supports emergency preparedness.

Skills

Program management

Staff supervision

Safety compliance

Risk management

Training delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree

American Red Cross Instructor Trainer Certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/FA and AED

Job description

Assistant Director, Risk Management & Aquatics

Full Time

JR-10547

Job Summary: Coordinates and manages the department risk management program and processes. Provides program oversight of the McHugh Natatorium and aquatics staff including the hiring and training of the 25 Aquatics Specialists. Performs other duties as assigned

Job Duties

• 40% - Aquatics Program Management: Oversees the daily operations of the McHugh Natatorium, ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for all patrons. Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates aquatics student staff, fostering professional development and operational excellence. Supervises and mentors one Aquatics Graduate Assistant, providing guidance in program administration and staff leadership. Develops and assesses a variety of aquatics programs, services, and special events that promote student engagement.
• 10% - Committee Participation and Collaboration: Participates in departmental committees and national organizations related to the position. Collaborates with campus recreation team members and other university organizations to develop collaborative programs and services in support of the University Mission. Preforms other duties as assigned.
• 25% - Training and Development: Develops training and professional development to enhance the experience and growth of professional staff and student workers on various risk management procedures and processes. Trains and certifies aquatics staff as Life Guards. Serves as the primary American Red Cross Instructor Trainer for the department to certify area instructors in CPR, First Aid and Life Guarding. Manage all department safety certification courses required for staff to ensure staff are maintaining their certifications.
• 25% - Safety, Risk Management and Compliance: Coordinates overall safety and compliance management activities to ensure compliance with departmental, University and State policies and regulations. Participates in departmental, Divisional and University committees, projects, activities and events, to ensure the safety of all employees and participants. Conducts on-site safety inspections and audits. Serves as departmental EOC representative. Serves as primary Certified Pool Operator to ensure compliance with SC DHEC regulations.

Job Code

CB70

Employee Type

Regular FTE Staff

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and experience in student services programs.
• Certifications: American Red Cross Instructor Trainer Certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/FA and AED or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• JOB KNOWLEDGE: Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations.
• SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervises work of others and may offer recommendations for hiring, termination and pay adjustments but does not have responsibility for making these decisions.
• BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides input into the budgeting process, and manages fund allocation up to $100,000.00.

Physical Requirements

Walk or move about: % Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: % Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): % Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): % Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: % Recognize or inspect visually: % Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: %

Working Conditions

Wet and/or humid: % Chemical hazards: % Overnight travel: %

Work Schedule

Standard Hours: 37.5

Compensation Information

Expected Salary Range: 45,000.00 - 50,975.00

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Essential Personnel Level

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

Job Location

Clemson, SC

Application Deadline

September 10, 2026

Military and Veteran

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

Closing Statement

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.