Regional Aquatics Director

YMCA of the USA; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the USA is seeking a Regional Aquatics Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for aquatics programming across multiple centers. You will oversee staffing, compliance, and regional execution of association-wide aquatic strategies, fostering high-quality, safe experiences for members and communities.

The role requires strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to travel regionally, with a focus on performance, member satisfaction, and program excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, sports management, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in aquatics, including multi-site or regional oversight preferred.
• Strong background in aquatic safety, program development, and staff supervision.
• Current certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Lifeguard Instructor (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Demonstrated success in staff leadership, team building, and coaching for performance.
• Working knowledge of aquatics regulations, facility operations, and risk management standards.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, and travel regularly within the assigned region.
• All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute association-wide aquatics strategy across assigned centers, ensuring consistency in program quality, safety, and service delivery.
• Provide direct supervision to center aquatic teams across the region, including hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Oversee the scheduling of lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic program staff to ensure proper coverage, cost efficiency, and service excellence.
• Under the leadership of Association Director, Aquatics and with the center leaders deliver diverse aquatics programming, including swim lessons, water fitness, safety instruction, and specialty offerings that respond to community needs.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all YMCA, Y-USA and risk standards, including local/state/federal aquatic safety and operational regulations.
• Analyze program data, staff productivity, safety audits, and member feedback to drive continuous improvement and meet performance goals.
• Lead the implementation of regional staff development initiatives, ensuring ongoing certification, in-service training, and professional growth across the aquatics workforce.
• Develop and manage regional aquatic budgets in partnership with center and regional leaders, monitoring revenue, staffing costs, and supply needs.
• Coordinate regional responses to aquatic emergencies, closures, or incidents, and ensure timely communication and proper reporting.
• Represent the YMCA in community partnerships, water safety initiatives, and regional collaborations to expand access and impact through aquatics.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, sports management, or equivalent work experience

Lifeguarding certification, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Lifeguard Instructor certifications

Job description

Looking to grow your career? We are actively hiring a Regional Aquatics Director!

Job Description

Under the direction of the Association Director, Aquatics the Regional Director, Aquatics provides strategic and operational leadership for aquatics programming and operations across an assigned group of YMCA centers. This position is responsible for executing association-wide aquatic strategies, ensuring high-quality and safe programming, supporting compliance with all regulatory standards, and managing regional hiring, training, and scheduling of aquatic staff. The role collaborates closely with center leadership to drive performance, member satisfaction, and community impact through strong aquatic experiences.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.

We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, sports management, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in aquatics, including multi-site or regional oversight preferred.
• Strong background in aquatic safety, program development, and staff supervision.
• Current certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Lifeguard Instructor (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Demonstrated success in staff leadership, team building, and coaching for performance.
• Working knowledge of aquatics regulations, facility operations, and risk management standards.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, and travel regularly within the assigned region.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a combination of office, aquatic center, and outdoor pool environments.
• Frequent travel between assigned YMCA branches.
• Exposure to wet and humid conditions, loud noise, and pool chemicals.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and respond quickly in emergency situations.

Essential Functions

• Lead and execute association-wide aquatics strategy across assigned centers, ensuring consistency in program quality, safety, and service delivery.
• Provide direct supervision to center aquatic teams across the region, including hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Oversee the scheduling of lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic program staff to ensure proper coverage, cost efficiency, and service excellence.
• Under the leadership of Association Director, Aquatics and with the center leaders deliver diverse aquatics programming, including swim lessons, water fitness, safety instruction, and specialty offerings that respond to community needs.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all YMCA, Y-USA and risk standards, including local/state/federal aquatic safety and operational regulations.
• Analyze program data, staff productivity, safety audits, and member feedback to drive continuous improvement and meet performance goals.
• Lead the implementation of regional staff development initiatives, ensuring ongoing certification, in-service training, and professional growth across the aquatics workforce.
• Develop and manage regional aquatic budgets in partnership with center and regional leaders, monitoring revenue, staffing costs, and supply needs.
• Coordinate regional responses to aquatic emergencies, closures, or incidents, and ensure timely communication and proper reporting.
• Represent the YMCA in community partnerships, water safety initiatives, and regional collaborations to expand access and impact through aquatics.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role
• FISCAL MANAGEMENT: Manages the Y’s resources responsibly and sustains the Y’s nonprofit business model
• DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
• COLLABORATION: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community