Operations Director - Aquatics

YMCA of Central Texas; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

LTD/Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Retirement plan

Family membership

Job summary

YMCA of Central Texas is seeking an Operations Director for the Twin Lakes Family YMCA Aquatics Department in Cedar Park, TX. You will oversee aquatics, waterfront operations, and progressive programming with a focus on safety, growth, and member experience.

The ideal candidate will lead a team, manage budgets, and partner with campus teams to deliver high-quality lessons, programs, and events while upholding YMCA core values and community impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proven budget and program management experience.
• Strong leadership and staff development abilities.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and insurability.
• Lifeguard and water-safety certifications required within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Manage aquatics and waterfront activities to meet community needs and YMCA goals.
• Develop and control department budgets to meet revenue, net, surplus, and payroll targets.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, evaluate, and direct staff.
• Maintain program quality with a QPR score of 85%+.
• Monitor safety regulations for pool and waterfront operations.
• Plan and schedule swim lessons, Masters practices, water fitness classes, and waterfront programs.
• Collaborate with campus teams for camps, groups, and retreats.
• Serve as Staff Liaison to Strong Kids Campaign and participate in events.
• Act as Director on Duty as assigned; support facility accreditation and retention efforts.

Skills

Budget management

Staff leadership

Leadership

Public speaking

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor or YMCA Lifeguard Instructor certification

American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer or YMCA Lifeguard Trainer certification

Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification

Waterfront Lifeguarding certification (ARC Waterfront Skills or YMCA equivalent)

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid

Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification

Water Safety Instructor Trainer or YMCA Swim Lesson Trainer certification

Water fitness instructor certification

Job description

The YMCA of Central Texas is seeking a talented and driven individual to join our team of passionate professionals as the Operations Director, who will oversee the success of the Twin Lakes Family YMCA Aquatics Department, Waterfront programming, and progressive aquatics programs in Cedar Park, TX.

The YMCA of Central Texas operates programs that provide high energy, skill building activities creating memories that last a lifetime.

We are a not-for-profit services Association focusing on mission driven initiatives, with a vision of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities throughout seven area Counties. Our organization is home to the largest school age childcare provider in Williamson County as well as health and fitness programs that improve the quality of life for over 45,000 members ranging from preschool through senior citizens.

The more we grow, the more we can give back to the community: Under the direction of the Twin Lakes Family YMCA Associate Executive Director, the Operations Director will lead the branch’s aquatics and waterfront operations, working with staff, volunteers, members, and community partners in an outgoing, courteous manner, and will help drive branch membership retention and growth.

The ideal candidate, with direct reports, will be responsible in the following areas:

Group Swim Lessons – 2026 Actuals: 2,200 participants, 2027 Goal: 2,250 participants. Deliver high-quality group swim instruction that supports skill development, water safety, and program growth.

Private Swim Lessons/Sessions – 2026 Actuals: 320 participants, 2027 Goal: 400 participants. Grow private swim lesson participation while maintaining quality instruction and meeting the individualized needs of participants.

Masters Swim Program – 2026 Actuals: 175 participants, 2027 Goal: 180 participants. Maintain and grow the Masters Swim program while fostering an engaging, supportive environment for adult swimmers.

Waterfront Programming – Deliver progressive waterfront programming for summer camp and off-season groups, including paddle sports such as corcl boats, canoes, and kayaks. Support age-appropriate programming for children ages 5–14 that builds skills, confidence, and water safety awareness. Collaborate with the Camp and Groups & Retreats teams to support waterfront programming and group experiences from August through May.

Progressive Programming (Jr Waves / Shark Academy) – Expand progressive swim programming opportunities, strengthen participant development, and increase community impact through accessible, skill-based programming that encourages engagement and advancement.

Membership Retention – Collaborate with the branch leadership team to support membership retention and new membership goals by delivering high-quality aquatic programming, fostering participant engagement, and creating positive member experiences.

Staff Retention – Develop and implement a progressive staffing and development plan that strengthens staff engagement, supports retention, and establishes a pipeline for staff growth and advancement while maintaining consistent, high-quality instruction.

Duties include, but not limited to:

• Manages, directs, and supervises aquatics and waterfront activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives
• Develops, manages, and controls department budgets to meet revenue, net, surplus, and payroll ratio goals
• Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, evaluates, and directs staff.
• Maintains program quality standards, with a Quality Program Review (QPR) score of 85% or better
• Monitors daily pool and waterfront operations to follow all state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations
• Creates and schedules swim lessons, Masters practices, water fitness classes, and waterfront programs
• Works with campus teams to support camps, groups, and retreats
• Serves as a key Staff Liaison to the Strong Kids Campaign and takes part in branch special events
• Serves as Director on Duty as directed by the Branch Executive Director
• Supports branch facility accreditation and membership retention efforts

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university preferred
• Proven success in managing budgets and programs
• Ability to attract, keep, lead, and motivate quality staff and volunteers
• Highly motivated, organized, personable, and enthusiastic, with strong leadership abilities
• Articulate spokesperson for the YMCA, with knowledge of community resources and partnerships
• Adaptable and flexible, including periodic weekends and non-business hour workdays
• Able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
• Model the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License, proof of insurability, and a driving record that meets YMCA standards
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor or YMCA Lifeguard Instructor certification required
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer or YMCA Lifeguard Trainer certification required
• Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification required, or the ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire
• Waterfront Lifeguarding certification (American Red Cross Waterfront Skills or YMCA equivalent) required, or the ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid required
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification preferred
• Water Safety Instructor Trainer or YMCA Swim Lesson Trainer certification preferred
• Water fitness instructor certification preferred
• Must pass reference checks, pre-employment drug screen, background check, and sex offender registry check

Salary:

$53,790 - $65,000

Pay Comments:

The YMCA of Central Texas offers a comprehensive benefits package including pay commensurate with skills and experience; Medical/Dental/Vision options, LTD/Life Insurance, Paid-time off for Vacation, Sick and Holiday, Tuition Assistance, Family Membership to YMCAs in Central Texas, program discounts, including Child Care and 12% company paid Retirement after two years of full-time service and meeting vesting rules.