The Aquatics Director contributes to the Ys success by assisting the Branch Director in developing and sustaining an environment in our Y that supports our mission, values and guiding principles. The primary responsibility is in selecting, leading and developing aquatics staff, evaluating the participant experience, partnering with the Senior Aquatics Director in programming and scheduling, and leading efforts to drive membership growth and program participation. The Aquatics Director may conduct classes and/or work as a Lifeguard as needed.

• This position requires a background in an aquatic and/or recreation environment
• Must demonstrate commitment to the Ys cause and mission.
• Must demonstrate ability to build relationships and deliver an exceptional experience.
• Previous swim instruction and work with special need populations are beneficial.
• Experience supervising, training, and developing staff preferred.

• Foster an environment and culture that supports our mission, values, and guiding principles while leading efforts to drive membership, growth, and program participation.
• Lead the implementation of programs and initiatives, provide leadership to the Full Time Aquatic staff, Swim Instructors, and Lifeguard staff.
• Provide overall direction to develop and promote engaging, safe, and fun aquatic programming that passes a passion for aquatic activities on to participants and members.
• Essential programming components include innovation, water safety, healthy living, and love and respect for aquatic activities.
• Serve as a part of the leadership team at the center level on key initiatives and tasks to include fundraising and Leader on Duty.
• Maintain daily aquatic facility operations and pool records current.

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY in all interactions and aspects of job performance. Demonstrates the desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Participates and leads team in annual giving campaign.
• Relationships: Understands participant needs and ensures the Y is accessible to all; Recognize opportunities to engage participants in membership benefits. Upholds SMART pledge. Listens to understand participant needs, proactively address needs. Establish close professional relationships with participants to increase participant engagement and class enrollment.
• Operational Effectiveness: Exercises sound judgment with the ability to make decisions based on member and participant focused data; transfers learning to situations; provides others with framework for making decisions. Embraces new approaches, discovers ideas to create a better experience, the ability to provide leadership to process improvement and innovation; follows policies/procedures. Complete administrative tasks.
• Safety: Act as safety responder and assist with emergencies; complete reports as needed; adhere to safety policies and procedures for the Center and Association. Assures programs and instruction to maintain safety and well-being of participants. Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of aquatic facility and assess equipment replacement and repair needs.
• Leadership: provide staff with feedback, development opportunities, coaching, guidance and support. Takes the initiative to develop others. Holds staff accountable for quality results. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Supervises and selects aquatics staff (swim instructors and/or lifeguards). Provides effective guidance to staff to successfully implement association programs.
• Inclusion: Foster an environment and develop programs and activities where differences are celebrated, championing inclusion activities, strategies and initiatives.
• Communication: Effective communication is critical to ensure quality programming that meets participant needs and safety priorities. Empathetically listen for understanding and meaning, speak and write effectively. Seek first to understand the other persons point of view and remain calm in challenging situations. Effectively tailor communications to the appropriate audience to ensure understanding and collaboration. Keep parents, participants and members abreast of program activities.
• Philanthropy: As a charitable organization, the Y depends heavily on financial support from the community to make our programs and services available to everyone. You play a critical role in cultivating relationships and leading a team to support and participate in the annual giving campaign as a staff liaison.
• Volunteerism: Our program success can be attributed in part to a strong base of engaged program and campaign volunteers. Build effective relationships with volunteers and provide them with effective leadership, support, direction, development and recognition.
• Emotional Maturity/Personal Development: Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships; positive and professional image projected at all times; highly self-motivated; assures own professional development.

• YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (which includes CPR/First Aid and AED certification) is required within the first sixty days of employment (training provided).
• Lifeguard Instructor certification is preferred.