Aquatics Director

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

We are welcoming: we are open to all and create spaces where people can belong and become.

We are genuine: we value people and embrace individuality.

We are hopeful: we believe in the potential of people to grow, lead and become catalysts for change.

We are nurturing: we support individuals throughout their journey to reach their full potential.

We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with our people.

Our culture is not a People & Culture initiative; it is how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions and deliver on the YMCA's mission.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Executive Director and responsible to the Vice President of Aquatics Experience, the Aquatics Director develops, organizes, and implements high-quality YMCA aquatic programs. Ensures the aquatics experience is safe, fun, and enjoyable for members and program participants.

Division of Duties:

• 40% Maintain a safe aquatic operation – including physical facilities with trained and ready staff
• 30% Growth of aquatics programming – Swim Lessons and Family Programs
• 15% Management of Operations – Certifications, Audits, In-Services, Chemical Logs, etc.
• 15% Staff Development – Recruiting, Hiring, and Training

Key Priorities:

• Supervision of all aspects of aquatics safety at the assigned center
• Accountable for budget expectations and outcomes of the aquatics department.
• Responsible for recruitment of new members and participants through innovative aquatic programming that reflects the mission of current and future programs.
• Responsible for providing complete aquatics maintenance and pool care.
• In conjunction with the center Executive Director and Association team, work cohesively with outside organizations and partners to ensure the pool is available to meet the ongoing needs of the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Budget and Financial Performance

• Responsible for developing and managing the aquatics budget to meet fiscal objectives.
• Makes necessary purchases, inventories, and deliveries of all program-related supplies in accordance with Association standards

Program Development and Membership Development

• Directs and supervises all aquatic program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands programs within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
• Creates and schedules swim classes, rentals, water exercise, and family events in the pool.
• Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
• Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation.

Team Performance Towards Organizational Goals

• Recruits, hires, trains, schedules and supervises all aquatic personnel and volunteers. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete.
• Conducts lifeguarding, swim instruction, oxygen administration, swim instructor First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation training.
• Assists with Program Committee and Cabinet meetings as necessary.
• Ensures all aquatics staff is trained in emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Follows expectations of regular in-service training for staff and completes all related reports for record keeping.

Fundraising

• Actively participates in YMCA fundraising activities and special events.

Professional Development

• Completes employee training as required, including new employee training, Bloodborne Pathogens and Child Abuse Prevention.
• Adheres to all YMCA of South Hampton Roads policies, procedures, rules, safety precautions, regulations and best practices as outlined by the Association.
• Is able to perform all functions as those they supervise and meets qualifications and certifications of Lifeguard III and Swim Instructor.
• Assists in all areas as assigned.

Facility Management

• Conducts and ensures proper maintenance of outdoor pools and indoor pools. 
• Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance in adherence with state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Engaging Community
• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 21.
• Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification.
• Current YMCA Lifeguarding or Red Cross Deep water Lifeguarding certification (instructor level preferred).  
• Must have YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Certification within 180 days of hire.
• Current Swim Instructor Certification preferred, or obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Current CPO or AFO certification preferred, or obtained within 60 days of hire.
• Preferred candidates will have a minimum experience of 3-5 years in the aquatics field.
• College degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Will be required to have trainer certifications in CPR, AED, O2, Swim Instructor and Lifeguarding within 1 year of employment.
• Ability to maintain all required certifications and the necessary level of physical and mental readiness.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Supervisory experience required; 3-5 years in the aquatics field, preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position operates in an aquatic, recreational, and community-based environment and regularly interacts with participants, children, families, team members, leaders, and other stakeholders. The role requires the ability to instruct and observe participants while demonstrating proper swimming and stroke techniques. The employee must be able to stand for prolonged periods, lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and lift or assist a small to average-sized child as needed. The position requires the physical ability to safely demonstrate aquatic skills and perform the essential functions associated with teaching swim lessons. Work may be performed indoors or outdoors and may involve exposure to humidity, heat, cold, and inclement weather conditions. The role also requires the ability to maintain attention and communicate effectively in a loud and active aquatic environment.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Accountable for achieving assigned organizational and youth development goals as measured through program quality, safety and compliance outcomes, accreditation readiness, cause-driven measures, operating results, participant and team member experience, and supervisor evaluation.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and successful completion and maintenance of applicable position requirements, which may include background screening, driver's license review, CPS screening, drug and/or alcohol testing, or other screenings as required by the position or applicable law.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 annually

The salary range provided reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ good-faith determination of the minimum and maximum starting salary for this position.

In addition to base compensation, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including an employer-funded retirement contribution equal to 12% of eligible compensation, health and welfare benefits, paid time off, and other YMCA benefits.