Executive Director of Aquatic Programming

YMCA of Greater Richmond; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Childcare discount

Complimentary Y membership

Professional development

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Richmond seeks an experienced Executive Director of Aquatic Programming to lead association-wide aquatic initiatives, focusing on safety, instruction, and member experience. You will drive strategic growth, build partnerships, and energize staff across branches to deliver high-quality programs.

Ideal candidates bring six or more years in aquatic programming and supervision, with strong leadership, risk management, and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership, program development, and risk management capabilities.
• College degree preferred; minimum six years in aquatic programming or supervision.
• Proficiency with MS Office and willingness to work evenings and weekends.
• CPR-Pro, AED, First Aid, lifeguard certifications expected; Swim Lesson Instructor certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Y in the community and build relationships with members and local organizations.
• Lead operational aspects of competitive swim team programming across branches.
• Oversee pool operations, water quality, scheduling, and safety compliance.
• Provide strategic leadership for all aquatic programming across the Association.
• Mentor aquatics staff and lifeguards to ensure training and customer service excellence.
• Design inclusive programs that promote equity and access for diverse populations.
• Collaborate with marketing, advancement, and membership teams to grow participation.
• Serve as aquatic safety expert and ensure compliance with guidelines.
• Drive budgeting, financial oversight, and performance tracking for aquatic programs.
• Visit pools to observe delivery and ensure quality and readiness.
• Foster partnerships with schools and health agencies to promote water safety.

Skills

Leadership

Program development

Risk management

Aquatics operations

Staff development

Communication

Team building

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

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, and continuous professional development.