Program Director - Aquatics

South Shore Ymca Nature Center; Quincy (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local YMCA facility is seeking an Aquatics Director to oversee the management of the Aquatics Department. This role includes leading aquatic programming, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor's degree and have 3–5 years of related experience. Responsibilities also include engaging with the community and maintaining budget oversight. This pivotal position offers a competitive salary and the chance to lead in a passionate environment promoting health and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years related experience in aquatics or management.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people.
• Current American Red Cross Swim Instructor Certifications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aquatic programming including swim lessons.
• Manage staff recruitment and training processes.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Lifeguard Instructor Certification

CPR Instruction

Effective Communication

Program Management

Education

Bachelor's degree from four-year College or University

Tools

American Red Cross CPR Certification

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Hale Y and ELC - Quincy, MA 02169

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 Salary/year

Position Summary

The Aquatics Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the YMCA’s Aquatics Department. This role oversees all aquatic programming, including swim lessons, lifeguard operations, and water safety initiatives, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, mission-driven programs that serve the needs of the community. The Director is accountable for strategic program development, staff recruitment and training, safety compliance, member engagement, and budget management. Working collaboratively with YMCA leadership and community partners, the Aquatics Director creates a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for members, while fostering a strong culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the department.

Core Expectations

• Program Management & Development

  Directs and supervises program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations including maintaining safety ratios of guards.

• Staff Engagement & Development

  Recruits, hires, trains, manages, develops, coaches, schedules, and directs staff and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete. Conducts safety, certification, and service training for staff.

• Membership Engagement & Development

  Builds relationships with and among members, responds to inquiries and solves problems. Creates a safe and supportive community environment, assists in recruiting and engaging new members, and connects members to the YMCA’s cause.

• Budget & Financial Management

  Plans and manages department budgets as approved in a fiscally responsible manner. Responsible for timely and accurate payroll for the department.

• Facility Management

  Works with appropriate branch staff to provide program facilities for members that are safe, clean, adequately equipped, well maintained, and attractive. Conducts and ensures proper maintenance of pools. Secures and schedules pool facilities. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance. Part of YMCA Professional Director’s team that provides supervision on regular rotational basis on nights and/or weekends.

• Volunteer Development

  Builds and develops volunteer capacity, sharing the social responsibility.

• Community Involvement & Support

  Assists in YMCA fund‑raising activities/events and engages in collaborative relationships with community organizations to strengthen support and build community.

YMCA Competencies - Team Leader

• Mission and Community Oriented – Models and teaches YMCA values, inclusion activities, strategies and initiatives; ensures high‑level service. Provide volunteers with orientation, training, development and recognition.
• People Oriented – Effectively communicate with audiences of all levels; listen for understanding when dealing with conflict; provide staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
• Results Oriented – Provides guidance for launching programs and framework for making decisions. Develops plans and manages best practices through team engagement and holds staff accountable for high quality results. Effectively manages budgets and cultivates relationships to support fundraising.
• Personal Development – Effectively addresses sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Facilitate change and models adaptability and awareness of its impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from four‑year College or University preferred
• 3–5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Lifeguard Instructor Certification (LGT) within the first year of employment.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• CPR Instructor Certification within the first year of employment.
• Current American Red Cross, YMCA or relevant Swim Instructor Certifications.
• Current American Red Cross CPR, Lifeguarding and First Aid Certifications.
• Current Lifeguarding Instructor Certifications preferred or completed within the first year of employment.
• Current Pool Operator Certification is preferred or completed within the first year of employment.

Physical Demands

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch.