Program Director - Aquatics

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST VENT; Montaire (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA seeks an Aquatics Director to lead the Aquatics department and ensure safe, inclusive, high‑quality programs and facility operations. This role develops a skilled team and oversees swim lessons, recreational and competitive aquatics, aquatic fitness, and other assigned programs.

As a branch leader, you will strengthen safety, program quality, staff development, participation, and sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and leadership experience.
• 2+ years aquatics, recreation, or program leadership with team/operational responsibility.
• Current certifications to teach and certify Swim Instructors, CPR, and First Aid; CPO within six months.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Aquatics operations including swim lessons, recreational and competitive programs, aquatic fitness, and events.
• Maintain a culture of aquatic safety, program quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Grow participation and earned revenue using data, feedback, and trends.
• Manage pool schedules, space utilization, and communications for facility use.

Skills

Aquatics leadership

Staff coaching

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO)

Tools

Daxko

Recreation management system

Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Aquatics Director leads the Aquatics department, ensuring safe, inclusive, high-quality programs and facility operations. This position develops a skilled team and oversees swim lessons, recreational and competitive aquatics, aquatic fitness, and other assigned programs. As a branch leader, the Director strengthens safety, program quality, staff development, participation, and sustainable growth.

OUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY:

Leadership at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA is guided by the SEVC YMCA Leadership Blueprint: developing people, strengthening operations, delivering impact, and growing sustainably. Leaders model the YMCA's core values while fostering collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Aquatics Programs, Safety & Growth

• Lead daily Aquatics operations, including swim lessons, recreational and competitive programs, aquatic fitness, special events, and other assigned offerings.
• Maintain a culture of aquatic safety through strong program quality, facility readiness, emergency preparedness, and compliance with YMCA and regulatory standards.
• Grow program participation, swim lesson enrollment, and earned revenue using data, financial results, member feedback, and program trends.
• Manage pool schedules, program setup, space utilization, and communication to support effective use of aquatic facilities.

Team Leadership & Technical Development

• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate Aquatics staff while ensuring required certifications, technical qualifications, and clear safety and performance expectations.
• Develop coordinators, leads, Senior Swim Instructors, Head Swim Instructors/Trainers, and frontline staff through coaching, feedback, and professional growth.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, inclusion, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Branch Leadership

• Participate in branch planning, culture-building, and decision-making as a member of the leadership team.
• Represent Aquatics in cross-department initiatives and support annual campaigns, branch events, and organizational priorities.

Operational Excellence

• Manage the departmental budget, performance goals, staffing resources, program schedules, and daily operational priorities.
• Monitor participation, program revenue, staff certifications, safety indicators, and key performance measures to drive improvement and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate pool maintenance, water-quality records, safety supplies, equipment, and lifeguard/vendor relationships to maintain a safe, well-operated aquatic environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the YMCA’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational needs.

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

SEVC YMCA leaders model integrity, humility, accountability, and the YMCA's core values. They develop people, foster collaboration and philanthropy, embrace innovation, and prioritize safety, member experience, and community impact.

SUCCESS MEASURES

Success in this role is measured by the ability to:

• Develop People by building a skilled Aquatics team and supporting leadership and technical growth.
• Strengthen Operations through safe, compliant, efficient, and financially responsible aquatic operations.
• Deliver Impact through high-quality aquatic experiences that build water safety, confidence, belonging, and engagement.
• Grow Sustainably by increasing participation, swim lesson enrollment, program revenue, and responsive aquatic opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and leadership experience.
• Two or more years of aquatics, recreation, or program leadership experience, including team and operational responsibility.
• Current certifications from recognized providers to teach and certify Swim Instructors, CPR, and First Aid; Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) required within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• YMCA aquatics experience, Daxko or recreation management system experience, and additional relevant aquatic certifications preferred.
• Commitment to complete the YMCA of the USA Team Leader Learning Plan and participate in local Chamber of Commerce leadership development, when available.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in YMCA aquatic, branch, program, and community settings and includes office and active, participant-facing responsibilities.
• Requires mobility in wet and humid pool environments, aquatic emergency response, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance, occasional evenings/weekends, and required training and certifications.

OUR COMMITMENT:

SEVC YMCA provides coaching, support, and development opportunities that empower leaders to grow, strengthen our culture, and advance our mission.