Senior Director of Swim Training and Certifications

Ymca Of Central Maryland, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Central Maryland, Inc. is seeking a Senior Program Director for Swim Training & Certifications to shape lifeguard and swim leader training across the Y in Central Maryland. You will lead a team of Training Specialists, strengthen workforce pipelines, and provide systems and resources for safe, fully staffed programs.

This role goes beyond training—develop people, expand career pathways, and improve water safety for thousands of participants across multiple Family Centers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience supervising teams and improving training or operations.
• Experience in swim operations, lifeguard training, certification programs, or pool management.
• Strong knowledge of water safety, emergency preparedness, lifeguard certification, and pool operations.
• Experience developing certification programs, instructors, or frontline leaders preferred.
• Strong facilitation, communication, project-management, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Association-wide strategy for lifeguard training, certification, and workforce readiness.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Training Specialists while maintaining consistent instructional standards.
• Oversee the Pre‑Lifeguard program and strengthen pathways from training to employment.
• Coordinate certification and recertification opportunities that support staffing needs across Family Centers.
• Develop standards and resources for onboarding, in‑service training, emergency response, and rescue readiness.
• Monitor certifications, renewal timelines, training outcomes, and compliance trends.
• Build development pathways for Head Guards, Swim Directors, instructors, and emerging swim leaders.
• Partner with Family Center leaders to address training, staffing, safety, and operational needs.
• Support consistent use of HydroApps and other systems for safety documentation and accountability.
• Analyze workforce, safety, training, and operational data to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition, Workforce Development, Learning and Development, and center leadership to strengthen recruitment, training, and retention.
• Create and scale tools, procedures, and successful practices across the Association.
• Model the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Data analysis

Relationship building

Communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Travel flexibility

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation management

Tools

HydroApps

Job description

Develop Lifesavers. Build Leaders. Strengthen Communities.

How This Role Contributes to the Y’s Mission

Every safe swim experience begins with a prepared lifeguard and a confident leader. As the Senior Program Director – Swim Training & Certifications, you will shape how lifeguards and swim leaders are trained, certified, developed, and supported across the Y in Central Maryland.

You will lead a team of Training Specialists, strengthen the lifeguard talent pipeline, and equip Family Center leaders with the systems and resources needed to operate safe, fully staffed, and high-performing swim programs.

This is more than a training role—it is an opportunity to develop people, expand career pathways, and strengthen water safety for thousands of children, adults, and families.

This Work Is Right for You If You:

• Are passionate about water safety, workforce development, and building strong leaders.
• Have experience in lifeguard training, swim operations, certification programs, or pool management.
• Enjoy coaching others and creating opportunities for professional growth.
• Can turn safety, staffing, and training data into practical solutions.
• Build strong partnerships and influence teams across multiple locations.
• Think strategically while remaining comfortable providing hands‑on technical support.
• Are energized by improving systems and creating lasting organizational impact.

Essential Functions

• Lead the Association-wide strategy for lifeguard training, certification, and workforce readiness.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Training Specialists while maintaining consistent instructional standards.
• Oversee the Pre‑Lifeguard program and strengthen pathways from training to employment.
• Coordinate certification and recertification opportunities that support staffing needs across Family Centers.
• Develop standards and resources for onboarding, in‑service training, emergency response, and rescue readiness.
• Monitor certifications, renewal timelines, training outcomes, and compliance trends.
• Build development pathways for Head Guards, Swim Directors, instructors, and emerging swim leaders.
• Partner with Family Center leaders to address training, staffing, safety, and operational needs.
• Support consistent use of HydroApps and other systems for safety documentation and accountability.
• Analyze workforce, safety, training, and operational data to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition, Workforce Development, Learning and Development, and center leadership to strengthen recruitment, training, and retention.
• Create and scale tools, procedures, and successful practices across the Association.
• Model the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation management, sports management, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Progressive leadership experience supervising teams, coaching leaders, and improving training or operational performance.
• Experience in swim operations, lifeguard training, certification programs, pool management, or a closely related environment.
• Strong knowledge of water safety, emergency preparedness, lifeguard certification, and pool operations.
• Experience developing certification programs, instructors, or frontline leaders preferred.
• Strong facilitation, communication, project-management, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyze data, develop measurable action plans, and lead sustainable change.
• Experience supporting multiple locations or organization-wide initiatives preferred.
• Ability to perform and demonstrate applicable lifeguarding and rescue skills.
• Current required safety and aquatics credentials—or the ability to obtain them within established timeframes—including lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, CPO/AFO, LGIT, and YSLIT certifications.
• Ability to travel regularly among Y Family Centers and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Ready to develop the people who keep our communities safe? Join the Y in Central Maryland and help build a stronger future—one lifeguard and one leader at a time.