Aquatics Director (Southwest)

Make a lasting impact on young learners' lives while enjoying 48 days of PTO, a free family gym membership, and so much more!

Why This Role Matters

By leading our aquatic programs, you will elevate the community's aquatic experience, ensuring that every swim lesson and pool visit surpasses expectations. Your expertise will be pivotal in driving the success of all aquatic operations, enhancing water safety, health, and enjoyment for members of all ages. You will be at the forefront of innovation, shaping program development and fostering a culture of teamwork and community engagement.

How You Will Make an Impact (Essential Functions)

Performance Achievement & Results (20%)

• Fosters a culture that builds trust and treats all team members and colleagues with respect; constructively and immediately deals with conflict; gains commitment and provides clarity; holds team members accountable and cultivates peer accountability; and achieves results to meet strategic and operational goals.

• Models inclusive leadership behaviors and embraces all dimensions of diversity - building strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to our mission.

• Responsible for hiring, coaching, and managing all direct reports and ensuring alignment with association people practices for all positions within their organizational structure.

• Responsible for successful Strategic Plan metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to meet strategic goals and objectives.

• Implements a goal-based leadership approach (OKR methodology) and ensures the development department is actively working towards supporting organizational level objectives and key results. Conducts Cycle Check-ins and the Annual Check-In with direct reports to ensure progress with OKRs, providing ongoing coaching and feedback, and discuss development opportunities.

Program Management and Operations (60%)

• Spearhead the creation and rollout of engaging aquatics programs that address community needs and enhance member satisfaction. Implement cutting-edge initiatives to keep programming fresh and impactful.

• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and make data-driven improvements to ensure high engagement and positive outcomes.

• Strategically recruit and develop a high-performing aquatics team. Provide ongoing mentorship and training to ensure staff are experts in their roles and aligned with organizational goals.

• Recognize team's achievements and address areas for improvement, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

• Validate and manage department payroll with precision, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.

• Lead comprehensive safety and compliance audits, ensuring all staff certifications are up-to-date and regulatory standards are met.

• Oversee the accuracy and currency of aquatics information across all platforms, enhancing member access and engagement.

• Respond swiftly to member and community inquiries, resolving issues effectively to boost member satisfaction and build strong relationships.

• Proactively engage with members through various communication channels to enhance their experience and retention.

• Strategically communicate aquatic programming and events through social media, digital platforms, and internal channels, ensuring broad visibility and impact.

• Oversee and manage the budget for aquatics programs, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively and expenses are monitored.

• Identify and address potential risks associated with aquatics operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed and mitigating any risks to maintain a secure environment.

• Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all aquatics programs and facilities. Address any scheduling conflicts and ensure that shifts are filled to maintain smooth operations.

Leadership and Strategic Impact (20%)

• Create a positive, motivating work environment and lead by example as Cause Driven Leader on Duty or Director on Duty.

• Drive team engagement and effectiveness, setting high standards for service and leadership.

• Represent the aquatics department on the Impact Team and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.

• Act as the liaison for key programs such as Project SAFE, ensuring successful implementation and impact.

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to the YMCA's mission, integrating these values into daily operations and strategic efforts.

• Perform additional tasks as needed to support the overall operations and goals of the aquatics department and the YMCA.

What You Bring to the Community Enterprise

• 2-3 years in aquatics or recreational activities with a background in supervising and leading teams.

• Bilingual in Spanish and English is highly preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

• Ability to apply basic accounting and finance principles.

• Current certifications in BLS (CPR-PRO), First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard certifications.

• Lifeguard Instructor, and Swim Instructor preferred.

• Must obtain CPO certification within 3 months

• YLGIT and YSLIT certifications is a plus.

• Familiarity with aquatic management software or scheduling tools is a plus.

• You are an Exceptional Communicator

• You are an expert at developing and delivering multi-mode communications with a wide variety of types of audiences that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different constituents.

• You are Organized & Productive

• You are an expert at planning your day and not letting distractions come in between meeting your goals.

• You Possess Organizational Savvy

• You know how to maneuver comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.

• You lead by influence

• You can have an impact on the behavior, attitudes, and choices of others. You are a force for change who is open to new insights, accepts challenges and leads with positive energy.

• You are a relationship builder. You build close and good-natured relationships with people from all walks of life.

• You foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. You leverage people's differences as strengths.

Work Environment

The physical environment includes both indoor and outdoor aquatic settings, such as pools, decks, and surrounding areas. You may encounter varying weather conditions when managing outdoor pools. Adherence to safety protocols and health regulations is essential to maintain a secure and functional environment.

Physical Requirements

The role requires frequent movement, including standing for extended periods, walking, and lifting. You need to effectively monitor and oversee pool activities from various vantage points, which requires physical agility and alertness. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.