Program Director-Aquatics

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking an Aquatics Department Manager to oversee daily operations, budgets, and program development for all aquatic activities. You will recruit and train staff, ensure safety compliance, and expand offerings to members and the community.

The role requires strong leadership, budget acumen, and experience in lifeguarding and swim instruction. Flexibility for evenings/weekends and a commitment to safety are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and staff supervision abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and managing aquatic programs.
• Budget oversight and resource planning experience.
• Knowledge of safety, risk management, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of the aquatics department and programs.
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Develop budgets and monitor financial performance.
• Develop new programs and expand existing ones.
• Provide swim instruction and lifeguard oversight as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff development

Budget management

Safety management

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management or related field

Job description

Job Summary And Key Accountabilities

Oversees the operations of the aquatics department and programs, including staff superv1s1on, budget management, program development, and compliance of safety standards. Coordinates and supervises the day-to-day operation of aquatic programs. Maintains records, schedules staff, and ensures proper pool maintenance. Responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising staff, managing the department, creating new programs, and expanding existing programs. Provides swim instruction and lifeguarding as necessary.

Job Summary And Key Accountabilities

Oversees the operations of the aquatics department and programs, including staff superv1s1on, budget management, program development, and compliance of safety standards. Coordinates and supervises the day-to-day operation of aquatic programs. Maintains records, schedules staff, and ensures proper pool maintenance. Responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising staff, managing the department, creating new programs, and expanding existing programs. Provides swim instruction and lifeguarding as necessary.

Scope Of Responsibilities

• Manages aquatic programs, complying with all Association standards and safety procedures. Responsible for hiring, training and supervising staff and volunteers for all aquatic programs.
• Develops, manages, and monitors aquatic department budgets. Assesses and recommends budgeting for facility and equipment needs.
• Develops monthly strategic business plans focused on meeting or exceeding financial goals and targets.
• Develops, produces, and disseminates appropriate program information to promote aquatic programs to the public and to current members.
• Ensures that program areas, equipment and supplies are maintained in an orderly and safe manner.
• Provides data and reports on assigned programs in support of the planning process of the community hub and Association.
• Represents the community hub at various meetings related to the position.
• Completes all other projects as assigned by the Association Director of Aquatics. Support the interest of the Association as defined by the Director, CEO and Boards and the strategic plans of those entities.

Supervisors

• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to the appropriate department.
• Regularly monitor staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to child safety. Take the appropriate action when policy violations occur.
• Follow-up on reports of suspicious behavior or allegations of misconduct, following the Responding to Reports of Inappropriate Behavior and Policy Violations policy.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

Ensure that all supervisees complete all required child abuse prevention training on time.

Minimum And Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation or related field with 2 to 3 years aquatics experience with at least 3 years supervisory experience.
• Current YMCA or ARC Lifeguard, CPR, AED, 02 and First Aid certification.
• Proficient in swimming and safety skills.
• Ability to successfully pass a YMCA swim test to meet safety standards.
• Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
• Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid effectively.
• Physical mobility to properly use aquatic equipment to rescue a 200Ib person. Physically able to see, hear, and communicate clearly.
• Able to read, write, and perform basic math to complete daily chemical logs and individual must possess strong organizational, budgetary, computer and communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to train lifeguards, swim instructors, swim coaches, and water fitness staff.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills.

Requires trainer-level certification in YMCA Swim Lessons and American Red Cross Lifeguarding.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Administration, or a related field.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aquatics management, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful aquatics programs.
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight within a recreational or sports setting.
• Demonstrated experience in staff training and development, particularly in lifeguard and swim instruction.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with staff, participants, and community members.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with local organizations and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in safety and risk management practices related to aquatics facilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by program needs.