Senior Director of Swim Lessons and Programs

Ymca Of Central Maryland, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ymca Of Central Maryland, Inc. seeks a Senior Program Director - Swim Lessons & Programs to elevate swim programming across Family Centers. You will coach leaders, standardize curricula, and drive enrollment, staffing, and revenue growth with data-driven strategies.

Lead association-wide onboarding, certification, and curriculum readiness while partnering with executives to expand access to high-quality swim experiences for children, adults, and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in recreation/nonprofit related field.
• Experience in swim instruction or programming.
• Knowledge of swim lesson curriculum and safety.
• Leadership experience coaching teams and improving program performance.
• Ability to analyze enrollment, capacity, staffing, and financial data.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel regularly among Y Family Centers and flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Partner with center leaders to assess swim programming and develop improvement plans.
• Establish and strengthen Association-wide swim standards (lessons, instruction, teams, safety).
• Help centers optimize schedules, instructor utilization, enrollment, progression, retention, and revenue.
• Analyze program and financial data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Develop tools and resources to strengthen Swim Director leadership and performance.
• Lead onboarding, certification (YSLI), coaching, and curriculum readiness.
• Support centers in recruiting and retaining qualified swim instructors.
• Conduct program observations and use feedback to improve quality and engagement.
• Pilot and scale new lesson formats and growth strategies.
• Foster collaboration across Family Centers to share best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Coaching

Communication

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation or related field

Job description

How This Role Contributes to the Y's Mission

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

As the Senior Program Director - Swim Lessons & Programs, you will strengthen swim programming across our Family Centers by developing talented leaders, improving lesson quality, expanding participation, and building sustainable programs that serve more children, adults, and families.

This is an Association-wide leadership role for someone who sees both the people and the numbers behind a successful program. You will partner with Center Executive Directors and Swim Directors - providing coaching, standards, training, tools, and data-driven strategies that empower center teams to lead with confidence and deliver exceptional swim experiences.

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.