Program Director-Aquatics - LeClaire YMCA

YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley; Iowa; On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability/F

FSA/HSA

YMCA Retirement Fund & 403b

Paid Time Off

Free YMCA membership

Discounts on programs

Child Care discount

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley in LeClaire, IA seeks an Aquatics Director to lead daily operations, ensure pool safety and water quality, and guide staff development across lifeguards and instructors. The role emphasizes safety priority and SPARK leadership within a community-focused aquatic program.

You will recruit, train, and supervise aquatic staff, manage budgets and payroll, and work hands-on in programs at least half the time, fostering a welcoming environment and adherence to YMCA

Qualifications

• Experience leading staff and managing aquatic operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of aquatic safety, risk management, and emergency response.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily aquatic operations, pool safety, water quality, maintenance, and risk management.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and develop lifeguards, swim instructors, coaches, and aquatic staff.
• Lead aquatic safety initiatives, emergency drills, staff in-services, and certification compliance.
• Teach and certify lifeguards and instructors in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid.
• Develop and grow swim lessons and other aquatic programs that meet community needs.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, payroll, and expenses to support budget and program goals.
• Work hands-on in aquatic programs at least 50% of the time.
• Lead by example and model the YMCA mission, values, and SPARK Leadership framework.

Skills

Staff leadership

Aquatic operations

Safety & risk mgmt

Staff development

Communication

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Program Director-Aquatics - LeClaire YMCA# Program Director-Aquatics - LeClaire YMCALeClaire YMCA - LeClaire, IA 52753End Date 10/23/2026## OverviewSalary Range$50,000.00 - $50,000.00 Salary/yearPosition TypeFull TimeEducation LevelNot SpecifiedCategoryProgram Directors## DescriptionMake a Splash - Lead with Purpose - Lasting ImpactLead a team that makes a difference! We’re looking for an Aquatics Director who is passionate about water safety, staff development, and creating exceptional aquatic experiences for the new LeClaire YMCA. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, grow programs, and make safety a priority, we want you on our team!What You’ll Do* Oversee daily aquatic operations, pool safety, water quality, maintenance, and risk management.* Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and develop lifeguards, swim instructors, coaches, and aquatic staff.* Lead aquatic safety initiatives, emergency drills, staff in-services, and certification compliance.* Teach and certify lifeguards and instructors in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid.* Develop and grow swim lessons and other aquatic programs that meet community needs.* Manage staffing, scheduling, payroll, and expenses to support budget and program goals.* Work hands-on in aquatic programs at least 50% of the time.* Lead by example and model the YMCA mission, values, and SPARK Leadership framework.What We Are Looking For* Experience leading staff and managing aquatic operations.* Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.* Knowledge of aquatic safety, risk management, and emergency response.* Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations.* Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.* Ability to pass a background check.Required Certifications* Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer* Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) within 6 months of hire* YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor* Certified Pool Operator (CPO)* Mandatory Child Abuse ReporterWhy Work at the Y?Make an impact beyond the pool! Help people build confidence, learn life-saving skills, and develop healthy habits while creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone in our community.* Comprehensive benefit package: Health/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability/FSA/HSA* YMCA Retirement Fund & 403b: Y pays 12% after meeting eligibility requirements* Paid Time Off: Begins accruing the first of the month following hire -19 days first year* Free household YMCA membership! Discounts on programs* Child Care discount 25%; Summer Camp discounts* Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Program---We are looking for a leader who embodies the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and is passionate about advancing our mission. This positions requires the physical ability to remove a grown adult from a body of water, move grown adult 100 fee and lift a minimum of 50 lbs,The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for over 16 years. As Charity Navigator has noted, “Only 2% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 11 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley outperforms most other charities in America.” We have also been voted “Best in the QC” by Locals Love Us several years in a row.