Strategic Leader, Swim Training & Certification

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

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.