Senior Director of Swim Training and Certifications

The Y in Central Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Competitive pay

Generous PTO

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Dependent care FSA

Retirement plan contributions

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

The Y in Central Maryland is seeking a Senior Program Director – Swim Training & Certifications to shape lifeguard training, certification, and workforce readiness across our centers. You will lead a team of Training Specialists, develop the lifeguard talent pipeline, and provide leaders with systems and resources to operate safe, staffed, high-performing swim programs.

Join a mission-driven, welfare-focused organization and contribute to water safety for thousands of people.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Progressive leadership experience supervising teams and driving performance improvements.
• Experience in swim operations, lifeguard training, certification programs, pool management.
• Strong knowledge of water safety, emergency preparedness, lifeguard certification, and pool operations.
• Experience developing certification programs, instructors, or frontline leaders preferred.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, project-management, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyze data and lead sustainable change.
• Experience across multiple locations or organization-wide initiatives preferred.

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

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in recreation management or related field

Tools

HydroApps

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!

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 regularlly 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.

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.