Executive Director of Aquatic Programming

Socket.dev; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

12% retirement contribution

Childcare discount

Complimentary Y membership

Professional development

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Richmond is seeking an experienced Executive Director of Aquatic Programming to lead association-wide aquatic initiatives, ensuring safety, instruction, and member experience across branches. You will drive growth, foster partnerships, and inspire a high-performing aquatics team delivering impactful programs.

You will mentor lifeguards, champion inclusivity, and collaborate with marketing and membership teams to increase participation and awareness.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years' experience in aquatic programming and supervision.
• College degree in a related field preferred.
• Strong leadership and risk management capabilities in aquatics operations.

Responsibilities

• Represent the YMCA in the community and build relationships with members, staff, and organizations.
• Lead operational aspects of competitive swim team programming and meet coordination.
• Oversee pool maintenance, water quality, scheduling, and safety compliance.
• Provide strategic leadership for aquatic programming across the Association.

Skills

Leadership

Program development

Risk management

Aquatics operations

Safety protocols

Communication

Team-building

MS Office proficiency

Evenings and weekends availability

Education

College degree in a related field

Tools

Lifeguard certifications

Water safety certifications

Job description

The YMCA of Greater Richmond is seeking an experienced and passionate leader to serve as the Executive Director of Aquatic Programming. This role provides leadership for Association-wide aquatic initiatives, ensuring excellence in safety, instruction, and member experience. The Executive Director will drive strategic growth, foster meaningful partnerships, and inspire staff engagement, while building and supporting a high-performing aquatics team that delivers impactful programs across all branches.

Responsibilities

1. Represent the Y in the community by developing and maintaining strong relationships with members, staff, and local organizations through aquatic-focused outreach and engagement.
2. Manage the operational aspects of competitive swim team programming, including staff leadership, meet coordination, and alignment with YMCA standards.
3. Oversee aquatic physical plant operations, including pool maintenance, water quality, scheduling, and compliance with all safety, health, and regulatory standards.
4. Provide strategic leadership for all aquatic programming across the Association, including swim lessons, water fitness, competitive swim, and safety initiatives.
5. Mentor and lead aquatics staff and lifeguards, creating a culture of excellence in training, risk management, and customer service.
6. Promote equity and access by designing inclusive aquatics programs that serve diverse populations and meet community needs.
7. Collaborate with marketing, advancement, and membership teams to increase participation, retention, and awareness of aquatic offerings.
8. Serve as a subject matter expert in aquatic safety, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and YMCA guidelines.
9. Drive budget development, financial oversight, and performance tracking for aquatic programming at all branch locations.
10. Visit pools and aquatic centers to observe program delivery, provide feedback, and ensure high-quality execution and facility readiness.
11. Cultivate and sustain partnerships with schools, health agencies, and community groups to promote water safety and lifelong aquatic engagement.

Knowledge & Skills

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, program development, and risk management skills, along with deep expertise in aquatics operations and safety protocols. Candidates must have a strong understanding of industry standards, certifications, and staff development strategies. A college degree in a related field is preferred, with a minimum of six years' experience in aquatic programming and supervision. Must be proficient in MS Office and comfortable working evenings and weekends. Strong communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities are essential.

Applicants must also have current CPR-Pro, AED, First Aid, 02, and YMCA/Red Cross/Ellis lifeguard certifications. YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification and experience are preferred. Trainer-level and water fitness certifications are desired, but not required.

Why Join Us?

The YMCA of Greater Richmond stands committed to creating a work environment comprised of individuals from diverse socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, and national origins. We believe in nurturing the potential of all staff and are dedicated to the ongoing professional development of talent. We believe a diverse and inclusive work community is essential to fulfilling our mission of being open to all. The Y is a cause-driven organization focused on strengthening our community. The principles that guide us in our work are our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Be part of an organization that is best in class for member experience, team development, and community impact.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $87,500 - $102,191 per year.

We offer an exciting, fun, inclusive, growth-oriented work environment that includes

• strong health benefits options
• 12% employer-paid retirement upon meeting eligibility
• childcare discount
• complimentary Y membership
• continuous professional development