Senior Director of Swim Lessons and Programs

The Y in Central Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Dependent care FSA

Retirement contributions

Career advancement

Training programs

Job summary

The Y in Central Maryland seeks an accomplished leader to shape swim programming across the association. You will partner with center leaders to elevate instruction quality, safety, enrollment, and revenue through data-driven planning and staff development.

This role drives standards, onboarding, and curriculum readiness while expanding access to high-quality swim programs. Travel to multiple centers is expected; nonprofit leadership experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in swim instruction, programming, aquatic operations or related environment.
• Leadership in coaching teams and improving program performance.
• Ability to analyze enrollment, capacity, utilization, staffing and finances.

Responsibilities

• Partner with center leaders to assess swim programming and develop improvement plans.
• Establish and strengthen standards for swim lessons, private instruction, and related programming.
• Help centers optimize schedules, enrollment, and revenue.
• Analyze data to identify trends, barriers and growth opportunities.
• Develop tools and resources to strengthen Swim Director leadership and program performance.
• Lead onboarding, certification, coaching, and curriculum readiness for staff.
• Support centers in recruiting and retaining qualified swim instructors.
• Monitor program quality through observations and feedback.

Skills

Swim instruction

Program analysis

Leadership

Communication

Staff development

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation or related field

Job description

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

How This Role Contributes To The Y's Mission

Help shape the future of swim instruction across the Y in Central Maryland.

This Work Is Right For You If You

• Are passionate about swim instruction, water safety, and expanding access to high-quality programs.
• Enjoy coaching leaders and building their ability to achieve lasting results.
• Can turn enrollment, staffing, capacity, and revenue data into practical action.
• See opportunities for growth and know how to move an idea from strategy to execution.
• Build trust and influence across multiple teams and locations.
• Balance mission impact, participant experience, program quality, and financial sustainability.
• Are energized by creating systems that help people and programs thrive.

Essential Functions

• Partner with center leaders to assess swim programming, identify opportunities, and develop targeted improvement plans.
• Establish and strengthen Association-wide standards for swim lessons, private instruction, swim teams, water-safety initiatives, and related programming.
• Help centers optimize schedules, class structures, instructor utilization, enrollment, participant progression, retention, and revenue.
• Analyze program and financial data to identify trends, barriers, and growth opportunities.
• Develop tools, training, and resources that strengthen Swim Director leadership and center-level program performance.
• Lead Association-wide expectations for swim instructor onboarding, YSLI certification, coaching, continuing education, and curriculum readiness.
• Support centers in recruiting, developing, scheduling, and retaining qualified swim instructors.
• Conduct program observations and use participant feedback and performance data to improve quality and engagement.
• Pilot, evaluate, and scale new lesson formats, operating practices, and growth strategies.
• Facilitate collaboration among Family Centers and expand successful practices across the Association.
• Partner with swim, safety, and training leaders to support consistent standards and a strong participant experience.
• Model the Y's values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, business administration, nonprofit management, sports management, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience in swim instruction, swim programming, aquatic operations, or a related environment.
• Strong knowledge of swim lesson curriculum, instructional quality, and participant safety.
• Leadership experience coaching teams, developing leaders, implementing standards, and improving program performance.
• Ability to analyze enrollment, capacity, utilization, staffing, and financial information and translate findings into effective strategies.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, change-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence and support leaders across multiple locations without assuming their daily operational responsibilities.
• Current YSLI certification and ability to obtain YSLIT certification within the timeframe established by the Association.
• Current lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, CPO, and other required safety certifications—or the ability to obtain them within established timeframes.
• Ability to travel regularly among Y Family Centers and work a flexible schedule based on program needs.

Ready to turn strong swim programs into an Association-wide movement? Join the Y in Central Maryland and help more people gain skills, confidence, and lifelong safety in the water.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.