Program Director - Aquatics

Santa Monica Family YMCA; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Monica Family YMCA seeks an Aquatic Director to lead the center's safe operations and program delivery. You will oversee staff, ensure certifications and safety, and develop budgets while expanding aquatic offerings for members and guests.

The role emphasizes fitness, water safety, and community engagement, with opportunities to collaborate on marketing and partnerships to grow participation and enhance the member experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• 3+ years of leadership experience in aquatics or nonprofit operations.
• Experience supervising lifeguards, instructors, coaches, or aquatic staff preferred.
• Proven ability to manage staff, budgets, and program growth.
• Strong communication, coaching, and performance management skills.
• Knowledge of pool operations, lifeguarding, water safety, and risk management.
• Ability to use performance metrics to improve operations.
• Proficiency with MS Office, scheduling systems, and registration tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily aquatic operations and ensure a safe, welcoming environment.
• Plan and evaluate swim lessons, clubs, water fitness, and related programs.
• Hire, train, supervise, and develop aquatic staff and volunteers.
• Ensure certifications, background checks, and safety training are up to date.
• Maintain pool cleanliness, water chemistry, and equipment in coordination with Facilities.
• Budget development, monitor revenue/expenses, and support financial sustainability.
• Collaborate on marketing to promote aquatic programs and memberships.
• Maintain records of attendance, certifications, incidents, and operations.
• Prepare staff for emergencies with drills and adherence to procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Safety compliance

Program development

Communication

Analytics

AI awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation / Sports Management / Exercise Science / Physical Education / Education / Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Registration systems

Scheduling software

AI tools (general awareness)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the COO, the Aquatic Director is responsible for the safe development, management, and supervision of the aquatic center and any assignment of tasks related to the center's daily operation in accordance with the mission and policies set forth by the Association. This position is responsible for ensuring a safe, quality experience for all members, program participants, and guests, including creating a positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and adheres to strong safety practices per YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee daily aquatic operations, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment that reflects the YMCA's mission and core values.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate swim lessons, swim crew, swim club, water fitness classes, and other aquatic programs to ensure quality, safety, and growth.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate aquatic staff and volunteers while providing ongoing coaching and professional development.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, background checks, and mandatory safety and child abuse prevention training.
• Enforce safety policies, maintain appropriate lifeguard coverage, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and YMCA standards.
• Oversee pool cleanliness, water chemistry testing, equipment inspections, and maintenance in coordination with the Facilities Department.
• Manage pool and staff schedules to maximize participation, operational efficiency, and appropriate coverage.
• Monitor participation, evaluate program effectiveness, address concerns, and maintain positive relationships with members and participants.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets, track revenue and expenses, review financial performance, and support financial sustainability.
• Collaborate on marketing efforts to promote aquatic programs, increase participation, and support membership engagement.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, certifications, training, incidents, water chemistry, and departmental operations.
• Build community partnerships to expand aquatic programming and promote drowning prevention and water safety education.
• Ensure staff are prepared for emergencies through regular drills, training, and adherence to emergency response procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and provide lifeguarding or swim instruction support as needed.
• Demonstrate effective leadership, communication, time management, and teamwork while maintaining flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Education, Business, or a related field required.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in aquatics, recreation, sports, nonprofit operations, or a related field.
• Experience supervising lifeguards, instructors, coaches, or aquatic personnel preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing staff, budgets, scheduling, customer service, and program growth.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold staff accountable through coaching, recognition, and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic operations, lifeguarding, water safety, emergency procedures, pool chemistry, and risk management.
• Strong financial, operational, and organizational skills with the ability to manage budgets, schedules, staffing, and departmental priorities.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with members, participants, families, volunteers, staff, schools, and community partners.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to use performance metrics to inform decisions and improve operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, registration systems, scheduling software, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to improve communication, efficiency, and decision-making.
• Certifications required:
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer/AED/Oxygen/First Aid
• YMCA or American Red Cross Lifeguard
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (preferred)
• YMCA Water Fitness Instructor/YMCA Group Exercise Instructor (or similar) (preferred)
• YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (preferred)
• YMCA Swim Lesson Trainer (preferred)
• Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention/Blood Borne Pathogens/Sexual Harrassment Prevention