Aquatics Director

Aquatics Director

Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA - Crown Point, IN 46307

Position Type:
Full Time

At the YMCA, we believe strong communities are built through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As the Program Director, you will lead the daily operations, growth, and quality of assigned programs, with a primary focus on aquatics and member engagement. This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys developing people, creating exceptional participant experiences, managing operations, and ensuring safety and compliance.

You will oversee program development, staff recruitment and supervision, budgeting, risk management, and community partnerships while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Successful Program Directors:

• Build strong, engaged teams through hiring, training, coaching, and accountability.
• Create high-quality programs that meet community needs and achieve participation goals.
• Maintain a safe environment through risk management, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop meaningful relationships with members, participants, community partners, and volunteers.
• Manage budgets responsibly while supporting program growth and sustainability.
• Lead with the YMCA's mission, values, and cause-driven culture.

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and supervise program staff.
• Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Establish department goals and measure team performance against key objectives.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture.

• Develop, coordinate, market, and evaluate program offerings and services.
• Monitor participant satisfaction and implement improvements based on feedback.
• Support member engagement and retention initiatives.
• Ensure programs meet YMCA quality standards and community needs.

• Implement and maintain risk management practices.
• Conduct emergency drills, staff trainings, and preparedness assessments.
• Ensure staff certifications remain current.
• Maintain compliance with licensing, OSHA, and aquatics safety requirements.
• Monitor and maintain equipment through preventive maintenance schedules.

• Develop and manage annual department budgets.
• Monitor revenue and expenses, prepare variance reports, and provide accurate forecasts.
• Ensure programs operate within approved budgets while maintaining quality standards.

• Build relationships with schools, agencies, community organizations, and program partners.
• Respond promptly and professionally to member and community inquiries.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Campaign.

• Complete payroll, recordkeeping, reporting, scheduling, and other administrative duties.
• Attend and participate in required meetings, trainings, and association initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Lead and model a high-quality swim lesson program.
• Maintain Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certifications (Instructor/Trainer certification preferred).
• Obtain and maintain Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification within 90 days of hire.
• Conduct monthly lifeguard in-service trainings.
• Maintain compliance documentation, including:
• Pool chemistry records
• Patron load records
• Staff certification tracking
• Emergency drill documentation
• OSHA compliance records

This is a highly visible leadership role that combines people management, customer service, program operations, and safety oversight.

• Enjoy mentoring and developing staff.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities.
• Are comfortable making decisions and solving problems independently.
• Have strong organizational and communication skills.
• Value community impact and mission-driven work.
• Enjoy balancing administrative responsibilities with direct program involvement.

• Managing multiple priorities, schedules, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Responding to unexpected staffing, facility, or participant issues.
• Working occasional evenings, weekends, and special events based on program needs.
• Maintaining high safety standards while delivering exceptional member experiences.
• Balancing budget expectations with program growth and service quality.

• Associate degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Three years of related supervisory or program leadership experience.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software systems.
• Ability to effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certifications.
• Maintains current technical and industry knowledge.