YMCA Alexandria - Assistant Aquatics Director

YMCA of Metropolitan Washington; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

YMCA membership

PTO & holidays

Leadership development

Certifications

Job summary

YMCA of Alexandria is seeking an Assistant Aquatics Director to lead staff, ensure safe and high-quality aquatics programs, and manage daily operations in a welcoming environment.

Ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree preference with 3+ years in aquatics leadership, plus Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications. This full-time role offers comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 3+ years in aquatics leadership.
• Current Lifeguard, CPR/AED (Professional Rescuer), and First Aid certifications required; aquatic instructor/trainer certifications a plus.
• Strong understanding of aquatics operations, facility management, safety standards, and program delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Develop People: recruit, onboard, and develop staff; foster safety, accountability, inclusion, and teamwork.
• Deliver Exceptional Member Experiences: oversee daily aquatics operations, staff scheduling, and program execution; ensure high-quality experiences.
• Champion Safety and Readiness: lead certifications, trainings, and risk management to keep members and staff safe.
• Ensure Operational Excellence: monitor pool conditions, equipment, and facilities; address maintenance promptly.
• Strengthen Systems and Accountability: review logs, reports, and payroll for accuracy and compliance; seek improvements.

Skills

Education

Certifications

Operations

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

At the Y, Every Splash Starts with Strong Leadership

Position: Assistant Aquatics Director Salary: $41,000.00 - $45,000.00

The YMCA of Alexandria is seeking a collaborative, mission-driven leader to serve as Assistant Aquatics Director. In this role, you will help shape a safe, welcoming, and high-quality aquatics experience that advances youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility across our community.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and Develop People
  Partner with the Aquatics Director to recruit, onboard, and develop aquatics staff. Foster a culture grounded in safety, accountability, inclusion, and teamwork.
• Deliver Exceptional Member Experiences
  Oversee daily aquatics operations, including staff scheduling and program execution. Ensure consistent, high-quality experiences.
• Champion Safety and Readiness
  Lead staff certifications, in-service trainings, and ongoing skill development. Maintain a proactive approach to risk management, ensuring the highest standards of safety for members, participants, and staff.
• Ensure Operational Excellence
  Monitor pool conditions, equipment, and facility readiness. Address maintenance needs promptly to provide a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all.
• Strengthen Systems and Accountability
  Review logs, reports, and payroll for accuracy and compliance. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Who You Are:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree preferred with 3+ years of aquatics, recreation, or related leadership experience
• Certifications: Current Lifeguard, CPR/AED (Professional Rescuer), and First Aid certifications required; aquatic instructor/trainer certifications a plus
• Operational Expertise: Strong understanding of aquatics operations, facility management, safety standards, and program delivery
• Communication & Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with a talent for building connections with members, staff, and the community

Required Aquatics Safety Skills:

• Lift a minimum of 40 pounds - equipment, people, and chemicals
• Ability to climb
• Use a variety of aquatic and cleaning equipment
• Swim 500 yards
• Tread water for two minutes. (Legs only)
• Retrieve training victim from bottom deep end
• Complete active and passive victim rescue with tube
• Ability to backboard victim
• Must be able to see and hear participants in distress or asking for assistance

Why Join the YMCA?

At the YMCA, you’re not just building a career—you’re building community.

• Mission-Driven Impact: Contribute to meaningful, measurable change every day
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive environment grounded in shared values
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Wellness & Belonging: Complimentary YMCA membership for you and your household
• Retirement Security: 10% employer contribution + 403(b) and Roth options
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO and holidays
• Professional Growth: Access to leadership development, training, and certifications
• Welcoming Environment: A culture where all individuals feel valued and empowered

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a workplace culture where all employees are treated with fairness and respect.