Senior Program Director - Athletics & Aquatics

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The YMCA of Greenwich is seeking a strategic, team-oriented leader to serve as Senior Program Director – Competitive Athletics & Aquatics. Reporting to the Vice-President of Operations, this position provides high-level oversight of our premier aquatic facility—featuring two pools, including an Olympic-sized pool—and leads efforts to grow and strengthen a diverse portfolio of programs.

This role is responsible for leading and developing high-performing teams, supporting and mentoring coaches, expanding community partnerships, and enhancing program offerings across competitive and recreational areas. The Senior Director will drive innovation, ensure operational excellence, and foster a culture of quality, inclusion, and impact. A key focus of this role is building a strong staff development pipeline, ensuring all team members have the tools, training, and support to succeed and grow professionally.

While experience with aquatic sports could be helpful, it is not required—this position prioritizes leadership, team development, and program growth. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit organization committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.We

are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and implement a broad range of mission-aligned aquatics programs, including swim lessons, lap/recreational swimming, and competitive teams, ensuring quality, safety, and member engagement.
• Serve as a strategic partner to competitive aquatics coaches, providing leadership, operational support, and program oversight and development to ensure alignment with YMCA values and achievement of performance and development goals.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to support program growth and innovation across all aquatic offerings, with a focus on creating transformative and inclusive member experiences.
• Monitor participant and family satisfaction through regular engagement, resolving concerns promptly and professionally to build a strong sense of community.

Competitive Aquatics Program Oversight

• Provide operational leadership and direct support to competitive swim, water polo and dive teams, working with coaches to ensure high standards of athlete safety, development, and performance.
• Oversee scheduling of pool time for practices, meets, and events in coordination with coaches, staff, and facility operations to optimize usage and member access.
• Ensure all competitive program activities are executed in accordance with YMCA policies, USA aquatic regulations, and applicable risk management practices.

Team Supervision & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, all direct reports which include non-competitive aquatics leaders, pool manager and competitive team head coaches.
• Design and implement a year-round professional development and certification program that supports staff growth and compliance, including American Red Cross and YMCA training standards.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide coaching to staff to ensure a consistently high level of service and safety across all aquatic programs.

Safety & Risk Management

• Serve as the primary leader for aquatic safety and risk management across all programs, ensuring compliance with local health regulations, YMCA safety standards, and…