Aquatics Director - Association

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Association Aquatics Director, you will be responsible for effectively operating and implementing key elements for the Aquatics Service Line and being flexible to provide support to specific Aquatic operations as needed and assigned. Responsibilities include but are not limited to aquatic operations such as, program development and growth, aquatic safety, participant and member retention, community collaborations, and staff management. You will be accountable for delivering exceptional and outstanding programs and services to YMCA members and participants to increase program involvement and retention. The Association Aquatics Director is a vital member of the YMCA leadership staff and a highly visible representative of the YMCA mission and core values. They are accountable for knowing and properly executing all YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Safety and Risk Management:

• Implements the Association's risk management program to ensure safe Aquatic facilities and programs for members, volunteers, and staff.
• Ensures emergency preparedness through the regular execution of emergency drills and department assessments across the association.
• Conducts aquatic safety audits at all facilities quarterly.  Evaluates performance and works with staff to develop post-audit improvement plans and, when necessary, recommends appropriate corrective action.
• Work with Aquatic service line leadership and Human Resources department to ensure all certifications are maintained at each designated level (BLS, Lifeguard, Swim Lessons).
• Assesses Association-wide aquatic training needs to identify trainers and to ensure appropriate trainings are conducted.

Recruitment, Hiring and Training:

• Provide association-wide recruitment support for all Aquatics department requisitions.
• Partner with branch Aquatics leadership to develop and maintain an active pipeline for open Aquatics positions. Provide detailed reporting of efforts to Aquatics leadership and TA team.
• Work across the association to ensure that Aquatic applicants are shared amongst branches with greatest staffing needs, where appropriate.
• Continually communicates with and informs staff about YMCA programs and current issues.
• Ensure all certifications are maintained at the designated branch level (BLS, Lifeguard, Swim Lessons). Plans and assists in facilitating Lifeguard in-services, swim lesson in-services and other trainings as needed to ensure efficiency of their Emergency Action Plan.
• Attends, actively participates in and assists with all required staff training, meetings, and program development activities to ensure that Talent Acquisition efforts and communication is transparent and in alignment with the overall Talent strategy.
• Participate in job fairs and recruitment events as assigned. Connect all leads to the appropriate interview process to being hiring/training.

Other Duties:

• Models inclusive management behaviors and embraces all dimensions of diversity by building strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to advancing our mission.
• Contributes to the overall Y mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Work closely with Aquatics Senior Program Director to ensure implementation of the Aquatics chart of work.
• Interacts professionally with other employees, members, program participants, volunteers, and the community while always modeling the YMCA's voice and core values.
• Performs quality work within given deadlines and expectations with or without direct supervision.
• Responds to all participant and community inquiries in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as required by the Aquatics Senior Program Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in human services, social services, business, or equivalent is required. Five years equivalent education and/or experience in similar role will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Three or more years of management experience, preferably in a YMCA or other nonprofit agency.
• Team Leader certification is preferred or obtained within two years from the hire date.
• Lifeguard Certification is required to be maintained throughout length of employment
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification required within 30 days of hire and maintained throughout length of employment.
• Lifeguard Instructor and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor trainer certification preferred.

NICE TO HAVE:

• Management experience in YMCA or another Non-Profit environment
• Experience with multi-department or location experience
• Red Cross Lifeguard Trainer preferred.
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to direct multiple department operations through volunteer development, staff supervision, development and monitoring of branch budget, marketing, and public relations, and program development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the day-to-day operational aspects of aquatic facilities, including pool maintenance, water quality, equipment maintenance, and scheduling.
• Understanding and staying updated on local, state, and federal safety regulations and guidelines pertaining to aquatic facilities and programs.
• Financial acumen to create and manage budgets for multiple sites, including revenue generation and cost control.
• Knowledge of training, certification, and staff development programs for lifeguards, instructors, and facility staff.
• Capable of creating and implementing long-term strategies for program growth and improvement.
• Identifying and implementing innovative programs and safety measures to enhance the aquatics experience.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee is frequently required to sit and reach and be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.