Regional Aquatics Leader: Grow Programs & Safety

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

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.