Executive Director Aquatic Safety & Compliance

YMCA of the USA; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Central Florida is seeking an Executive Director of Aquatics & Safety Compliance to lead association-wide aquatic safety, risk management, and emergency response initiatives across Family Centers. The role develops training programs, conducts safety audits, and ensures regulatory compliance to maintain high-quality aquatic operations.

The incumbent will collaborate with Human Resources, Risk Management, and leadership to monitor certifications, records, and performance metrics while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; Sports Management, Recreation Management, or a related field of study is a plus
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in aquatics program management, including at least three (3) years of progressive leadership, staff supervision, safety training, certification, and fiscal management responsibilities
• A focus on aquatic safety and risk is a plus
• Minimum three years of aquatics safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance; YMCA aquatics or operations experience preferred
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively communicate with employees, volunteers, members, leadership, and individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Has ability to communicate effectively and professionally with diverse populations and all levels of management, employees, volunteers, and members
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in and build sustainable systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Paylocity, Salesforce, or comparable HRIS and CRM systems preferred
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships within the organization

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve Association-wide aquatic safety, risk management, compliance, and emergency response strategies to ensure safe, high-quality aquatic operations
• Conduct aquatic safety audits, compliance reviews, and risk assessments across Family Centers, partnering with Center leadership to identify opportunities, implement corrective actions, and promote best practices
• Lead the development, delivery, and oversight of aquatic safety training programs, audits, in-service drills, certification classes, and emergency preparedness to ensure staff competency and regulatory compliance
• Work with Family Centers to improve aquatic safety practices and identify best practices for risk reduction
• In partnership with Human Resources, Risk Management, and Center leadership, establish systems to monitor required certifications, training records, documentation, and compliance with YMCA, state and national regulatory, and accreditation standards
• Ensure the proper management of the ASHI portal, HSI and LCDC Training Center for all aquatics class registrations, trainings, and certifications for the Association
• Provide strategic leadership, coaching, onboarding, and professional development for Aquatics Directors while establishing consistent standards, tools, reporting, and communication across the Association
• Partner with Facilities and Family Center leadership to support safe pool operations through preventative maintenance planning, inspections, and operational best practices
• In partnership with Association Human Resources and Risk Management, ensure appropriate documentation and record keeping for all Association safety trainings and certifications
• Develop, implement, and monitor an Aquatics Safety Plan in alignment with the Association Crisis Management Plan
• Maintain roster of aquatics, CPR and First Aid trainers across the Association sufficient to meet the demand

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Staff supervision

Training & certification

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Paylocity

Salesforce

HRIS/CRM systems

Job description

Lead aquatic safety & compliance for Central Florida YMCA. Drive program growth, train teams, and champion safety. The Executive Director of Aquatics and Safety Compliance is responsible for developing, organizing, implementing, and evaluating aquatic programs and aquatics safety strategies across the YMCA of Central Florida. This role ensures that all aquatic operations, programs, and safety protocols meet the highest standards of quality, risk management, and compliance. The position serves as the technical expert and primary resource for aquatics safety, training, program development, and growth. Additionally, the Executive Director provides leadership and direct support to Family Center aquatics teams and Family Center leadership, conducts compliance and safety audits across aquatics programs, and collaborates with Association Human Resources, Risk Management, and operational leadership to align aquatics safety initiatives with the organization’s broader safety, compliance, and risk management strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; Sports Management, Recreation Management, or a related field of study is a plus
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in aquatics program management, including at least three (3) years of progressive leadership, staff supervision, safety training, certification, and fiscal management responsibilities.
• A focus on aquatic safety and risk is a plus.
• Minimum three years of aquatics safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance; YMCA aquatics or operations experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively communicate with employees, volunteers, members, leadership, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Has ability to communicate effectively and professionally with diverse populations and all levels of management, employees, volunteers, and members.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in and build sustainable systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Paylocity, Salesforce, or comparable HRIS and CRM systems preferred.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships within the organization.

Essential Functions

Association-Wide Aquatic Safety & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve Association-wide aquatic safety, risk management, compliance, and emergency response strategies to ensure safe, high-quality aquatic operations.
• Conduct aquatic safety audits, compliance reviews, and risk assessments across Family Centers, partnering with Center leadership to identify opportunities, implement corrective actions, and promote best practices.
• Lead the development, delivery, and oversight of aquatic safety training programs, audits, in-service drills, certification classes, and emergency preparedness to ensure staff competency and regulatory compliance.
• Works with Family Centers to improve aquatic safety practices and identify best practices for risk reduction.
• In partnership with Human Resources, Risk Management, and Center leadership, establish systems to monitor required certifications, training records, documentation, and compliance with YMCA, state and national regulatory, and accreditation standards.
• Ensure the proper management of the ASHI portal, HSI and LCDC Training Center for all aquatics class registrations, trainings, and certifications for the Association.
• Provide strategic leadership, coaching, onboarding, and professional development for Aquatics Directors while establishing consistent standards, tools, reporting, and communication across the Association.
• Partner with Facilities and Family Center leadership to support safe pool operations through preventative maintenance planning, inspections, and operational best practices.
• In partnership with Association Human Resources and Risk Management, ensure appropriate documentation and record keeping for all Association safety trainings and certifications.
• Develop, implement, and monitor an Aquatics Safety Plan in alignment with the Association Crisis Management Plan.
• Maintain roster of aquatics, CPR and First Aid trainers across the Association sufficient to meet the demand.

Association Leadership & Program Excellence

• Develop and implement Association-wide strategies to enhance aquatics program quality, innovation, consistency, and member experience.
• Lead Association aquatics initiatives, including the Aquatics Cabinet, strategic planning, industry-specific professional development, performance reporting, and executive updates to advance organizational priorities.
• Monitor Association-wide aquatics staffing, recruitment, onboarding, and seasonal workforce readiness in partnership with Human Resources and Family Center leadership.
• Work collaboratively with Center and Association leadership to refine standards, tools, resources, and best practices.
• Provide leadership through established aquatics safety training calendars, standard documentation templates, SOPs, and monthly reporting/meetings with appropriate staff as well as quarterly updates to Executive leadership.
• Deliver or oversee lifeguard training, swim instruction, CPR, First Aid, and emergency preparedness training programs to support operational excellence and community impact.
• Analyze Association-wide program performance, participation, and operational metrics to identify trends, improve effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement.
• Supervise the Director of Drowning Prevention Initiatives and provide strategic leadership for Association-wide drowning prevention and water safety initiatives.
• Represent the YMCA of Central Florida with community organizations, governmental agencies, and professional aquatics associations to strengthen partnerships and advance water safety initiatives.

Innovation & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute strategies to grow aquatics participation, revenue, and community impact through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, grants, subsidized programs, and new business opportunities.
• Monitor Association and Family Center aquatic KPIs, financial performance and key performance indicators, partnering with Family Center leadership to develop recovery plans, replicate best practices, and achieve sustainable growth.
• Collaborate with Philanthropy to seek and manage Association-wide aquatics grants and funding opportunities.
• Maintain and develop new strategic partnerships to expand aquatics programming within and beyond YMCA walls.
• Collaborate with Association Membership leadership to audit and grow Third Party Pay and other subsidized swim lesson programs.
• Provide strategic leadership to maintain and grow Association Swim Team programming.

Required Certifications

• Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, and Lifeguard certifications.
• YMCA Lifeguard certification preferred. Red Cross Lifeguard certification accepted with YMCA certification obtained within 60 days of hire.
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification within 60 days of hire.
• YMCA Pool Operator on Location certification or Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
• YMCA Lifeguard Instructor, YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer, and YMCA Aquatic Management certifications preferred.