Senior Manager, Aquatics

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC (The J); Overland Park (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life and long

403b Retirement plan

Free Family Membership

Staff discounts

Job summary

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City – “The J” is seeking a Senior Manager, Aquatics to lead strategic and tactical operations across all aquatics facilities. You will oversee staff, ensure safety, and drive financial performance while delivering high-quality experiences for members and the community.

With responsibilities spanning leadership, budgeting, and cross-department collaboration, you will work to grow program participation and maintain regulatory compliance, while

Qualifications

• 4+ years' experience as Director or Manager of an Aquatics program.
• 3+ years’ business development experience with proven revenue growth in an Aquatics or similar program.
• Be or become Lifeguard Instructor Trainer certified (LGIT) and Water Safety Instructor Trainer certified (WSIT).
• Current CPR, AED and First Aid certification, American Red Cross Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED, and American Red Cross CPR Pro Rescuer.
• Aquatic Facility Operator certification or Certified Pool & Spa Operator, preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of municipal aquatics recreation with programming for all ages and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee aquatics managers, staffing and team development, ensuring exceptional customer service, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
• Establish systems for training, motivation, and staff communication.
• Direct the department with up to 140 employees during peak summer months.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff management

Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT)

Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT)

CPR/AED/First Aid

Regulatory compliance

Education

Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) or Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT)

CPR/AED/First Aid certifications (ARC)

Job description

Description

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City – “The J” - is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to manage aquatics and provide opportunities for fitness, training, recreation, and fun in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The J’s Aquatics facilities include an indoor pool utilized for year-round American Red Cross swim lessons, group fitness classes, lap swimming and water therapy; additionally opening Fall 2027 is a new indoor recreational pool that includes 3 different sized slides, lazy river, and zero-depth entry with small splash pad. Our summer outdoor facilities include an Olympic-size pool with diving boards, family-friendly water slides, splash pad area and a toddler pool. All pools are always monitored by certified lifeguards. The J also offers Lifeguard, WSI and CPR/AED training and a swim team with pre-compete, competitive, and dive team options. The aquatics department at The J has provided services to over 1,500 group lesson registrants and 400 custom lesson clients annually.

The Senior Manager, Aquatics is responsible for strategic and tactical leadership, financial performance, the safety of the patrons, pools, and deck, and overall management of the company’s aquatics operations. The Senior Manager, Aquatics ensures their team of managers, supervisors, instructors, and lifeguards meet and exceed expectations in terms of customer satisfaction, goals, and overall experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Paid Time Off and paid holidays
• 403b Retirement plan (non-profit version of a 401k) with employer contribution and match
• Free Family Membership to our facilities (fitness center, pool, etc.)
• Staff discounts on preschool, camp, after-school care and more

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Oversee aquatics managers, staffing and team development, ensuring exceptional customer service, and maintaining the highest standards of safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Establishes systems and methods for training, motivating the work team and a system of communication and cooperation among staff.
• Directs the entire department with up to 140 employees during the peak summer months. Supervises the duties and responsibilities of the aquatics managers.

Fiscal Management

• Responsible for the financial performance of the aquatics operation, including the development, management, and oversight of annual and operational budgets.
• Forecasts revenue and expenses, managing payroll and operating costs, allocating resources effectively, monitoring financial performance against established goals, and identifying opportunities to improve revenue and operational efficiency.
• At interim and year end reviews, be on pace for year-to-date board approved revenue and expense budgets.
• Manage other activities such as facility pool rentals, point of sale, chemical expenses, new opportunities for expansion and growth.

Cross-Departmental Strategy Development

• Works closely with senior leadership and other departments to align aquatics operations with the company’s overall strategic goals.
• Identify opportunities for shared pool usage and efficiency, and ensure Aquatics operates effectively, safely, and profitable while delivering high-quality experience for members, the community and all staff.
• Develop and implement new strategies for improving program participation. Monitor competitor programs, services, and sales.
• Works with Marketing Communications to oversee publicity, signage, and digital/traditional/social media marketing.

Safety and Facilities

• Manage and maintain a clean, safe, functional, and attractive Aquatics area.
• Educate staff, members, and parents and improve, when necessary, the required safety policies established for the department.

Requirements

• 4+ years' experience as Director or Manager of an Aquatics program
• 3+ years’ business development experience with a proven record of growing revenue in an Aquatics or similar program
• Be or become Lifeguard Instructor Trainer certified (LGIT) and Water Safety Instructor Trainer certified (WSIT)
• Current CPR, AED and First Aid certification, American Red Cross Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, First Aid/CPR/AED, and American Red Cross CPR Pro Rescuer
• Aquatic Facility Operator certification or Certified Pool & Spa Operator, preferred but not required
• Knowledge of municipal aquatics recreation with programming for all ages and abilities
• Understanding of community aquatics institutions, procedures, processes and aquatics related aquatics operating systems
• Ability to manage fiscal records and develop, prepare and implement program budgets
• Knowledge of federal, state and local aquatics facility health and safety regulations and codes, including American Red Cross curriculum standards
• Strong management skills including leadership, supervisory, problem analysis and decision-making, planning and organizing, adaptability/flexibility, and time management
• Excellent oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills for working with a diverse population including other employees, program participants, and members
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for developing reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and organizational communication
• Proficiency with technology related to word processing software, client retention management systems, finances, customer relations/service and employee management
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and strong customer service orientation
• Maintains appearance of fairness in dealings with staff and members
• Maintains consistent and punctual attendance

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move freely around the Fitness, Sports & Aquatics facilities
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time outdoors
• Good vision to surveil assigned zones and identify patrons in need of assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

About The J

The J is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The J is Shabbat-Observant Friendly.

The mission of The J is to build a strong, vibrant and inclusive community that enhances wellness, meaning and joy based on Jewish values, heritage and culture.

The J operates on these values:

• Welcoming + Inclusive - We are welcoming, inclusive and nurturing. We invite all to join us in making connections and lifelong friendships.
• Building Community - We believe in the strength of community, and we seek to cultivate a sense of belonging in all we do.
• Enriching Mind + Body + Soul - We help individuals live a physically, intellectually, and emotionally healthy lifestyle.
• Passing on Jewish Culture + History - We celebrate and pass on the values, culture, history, and traditions of the Jewish people.
• Treat Others As You Wish To Be Treated - We treat everyone with respect, dignity and loving kindness.