Association Aquatics Director

Overview

Under the supervision of the Dover YMCA Executive Director and in alignment with the strategic direction of the YMCA, the Association Aquatics Director will lead and deliver aquatic programs that promote Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The Association Aquatics Director is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of aquatic programming for one year-round pool and two seasonal pools.

This role includes lifeguard recruitment, staffing, training, and supervision, ensuring all safety and aquatics standards are met across the association. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with local school systems to implement the Second Grade Swim Program, providing leadership for overall aquatics programming, and overseeing pool maintenance and upkeep throughout the association. The Association Aquatics Director must demonstrate the ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with a diverse participant population, exercising cultural competence and inclusive leadership in all aspects of the role.

Essential Functions

• Creates an inclusive environment for members and participants in all aspects of the Aquatics departments.
• Manages operations at three aquatic facilities: one indoor year-round pool and two outdoor seasonal pools.
• Models relationship-building skills and develops collaborative relationships with community organizations; maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within the area of responsibility.
• Leads an innovative and welcoming swim lesson program and specialty programming, serving children and adults at all skill levels.
• Leads the Second Grade Swim Program by coordinating schedules, training staff and volunteers, and maintaining strong relationships with school system teachers, administrators, and personnel.
• Recruits and hires staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity; onboards and develops them for success.
• Ensures all Aquatics staff members maintain necessary certifications for their roles.
• Schedules, trains, and manages staff for all aquatic programs; ensures timesheets are accurate and processed for payroll in a timely fashion.
• Oversees daily pool operations to comply with state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations; conducts and maintains proper pool maintenance and chemical level records.
• Ensures compliance with YUSA and Association Program Guidelines; conducts regular rescue-ready audits as part of ongoing risk management.
• Builds, oversees, and administers the aquatics budget to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Maintains a current Certified Pool Operator’s license and stays informed on general pool operations to ensure program quality.
• Serves as a YMCA representative on committees as needed.
• Leads in the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, including recruiting and managing volunteers, leading campaign teams, and fundraising.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university or valid experience
• Prior supervisory, management, and budget experience
• Experience coordinating and implementing Aquatics Programs
• Strong knowledge of Aquatics Safety and Standards
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Relationships – Builds authentic relationships in the service of supporting the Y’s work.
• Quality Results – Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals.
• Communication – Uses methods and styles to ensure Y messages are distributed and understood.
• Developing Others – Continually develops others to attain the highest performance.
• Project Management – Possesses superior organizing ability.
• Functional Expertise – Has the experience and skills to use best practices

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Trainer Certification preferred (if not, must obtain within 90 days of employment)
• Certified Pool Operator’s Certification preferred (if not, must obtain within 90 days of employment)