Avery Aquatics Director

Greater Joliet Area YMCA; Plainfield (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Professional development opportunities

Free YMCA programming

Job summary

Greater Joliet Area YMCA is seeking an Aquatics Director in Plainfield, IL to lead our premier aquatic programs and facilities. The role oversees swim lessons, lifeguard teams, and water fitness initiatives while ensuring safety and high-quality experiences for all ages.

You will manage staff, develop innovative classes, and foster a welcoming environment that grows community engagement and swimming enthusiasm within our Y.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent.
• Experience in a supervisory role in an aquatics program preferred.
• One to two years related experience preferred (e.g., as an aquatics coordinator or supervisor).
• Minimum age of 21.
• Ability to train, lead and develop lifeguard and instructor staff.
• Certification requirements include: current lifeguard certification, Child Abuse Prevention, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid and AED certifications required within 30 days of employment.
• LGI certification required within 6 months of employment.
• Certified pool operator preferred.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Responsibilities

• Directs and supervises program staff and Aquatics Manager to meet community needs and YMCA objectives.
• Establishes new program activities and expands programs within the community.
• Develops relationships with community organizations.
• Coordinates schedule for all aquatics programming including lessons and personal training.
• Leads implementation of swim lessons and safety programs.
• Ensures staff certifications and trainings are up to date.
• Maintains safety and regulatory compliance in the aquatics area.
• Maintains pool facility and records of chemical levels.
• Schedules and conducts lifeguard and instructor trainings.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Aquatics program

Lifeguard training

Staff development

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: CW Avery Family YMCA - Plainfield, IL 60544Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $50,000.00 - $57,000.00 Salary/yearDive into an exciting leadership role where your passion for aquatics and commitment to community come together! The C.W. Avery YMCA is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Aquatics Director to lead our premier aquatic programs and facilities.

As the Aquatics Director, you will oversee a vibrant aquatic department, ensuring top-notch programs and safe, enjoyable experiences for all ages. From managing swim lessons and lifeguard teams to developing innovative aquatic classes, you’ll be at the helm of fostering a love for water activities within our community.

Imagine the impact you can make by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone from young swimmers to seasoned athletes can thrive. Your leadership will not only ensure the highest standards of safety and quality but also inspire a new generation of swimmers and aquatic enthusiasts.

Join us at the C.w Avery YMCA, where your expertise and vision will help shape the future of our aquatic programs. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a splash in your career while making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Aquatics Director at the C.W Avery Family YMCA intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined while also managing high-quality, member-focused aquatics programs.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Directs and supervises program staff and Aquatics Manager to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers as needed. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
• Coordinates schedule for all aquatics programming including group, private, semi-private and adaptive swim lessons and aquatics personal training.
• Leads implementation of swim lessons/Go Blue/Safety around water programs.
• Completes and is responsible for providing on-going training to ensure up-to-date techniques are being applied. Ensures records of staff certifications and trainings are current.
• Responsible for the overall safety of all individuals that enter the aquatics area.
• Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations.
• Secures and schedules pool facility. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels.
• Maintains lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid and CPR certifications and conducts those trainings as needed.
• Creates and schedules swim and water fitness classes appropriately.
• Assists Wellness Director with scheduling Water Fitness classes when appropriate.
• Coordinate or provide emergency coverage as needed assuring pools have a certified lifeguard on deck during all operating hours and after-hour rentals.
• Develops, manages, controls and monitors program budget to meet fiscal objectives. Ensures program operates within budget and that program fees are collected.
• Provides direct support and leadership for the annual fundraising campaign for the advancement of the association. Assists in YMCA fundraising activities and special events.

RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent.
• Experience in a supervisory role in an aquatics program preferred.
• One to two years related experience preferred (e.g., as an aquatics coordinator or supervisor).
• Minimum age of 21.
• Ability to train, lead and develop lifeguard and instructor staff.
• Certification requirements include: current lifeguard certification, Child Abuse Prevention, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid and AED certifications required within 30 days of employment.
• LGI certification required within 6 months of employment.
• Certified pool operator preferred.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS

• A defined contribution retirement plan with 12 percent of salary contributed by the association (when eligibility requirements are met)
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Health insurance, dental and life insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Free YMCA Programming