Senior Program Director - Aquatics

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Branch Executive, the Senior Program Director

• Aquatics provides leadership for the day-to-day operations of the branch aquatics department while also guiding association-wide aquatics initiatives. This position promotes consistency, safety, and program quality across the YMCA through leadership of aquatics curriculum, safety and compliance practices, staff onboarding and training, programming, and strategic priorities. The Senior Program Director builds strong relationships with members, staff, schools, families, and community partners to advance safe, high-quality aquatic experiences throughout the association. Salary Range: $60,000–$67,000 per year ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Lead the day-to-day operations of the branch aquatics department, including staffing, scheduling, program execution, and facility readiness, to ensure a safe, clean, engaging, and consistently high-quality aquatic environment.
2. Recruit, supervise, train, coach, and evaluate branch lifeguards and swim instructors, while supporting association-wide aquatics recruitment, onboarding, and staff development, to build a qualified, engaged, and safety-focused aquatics workforce.
3. Provide association-wide leadership for aquatics curriculum, programming, instructional practices, participant progression, and member experience, to promote consistent, high-quality program delivery and positive participant outcomes across YMCA locations.
4. Lead association-wide aquatic safety and compliance efforts by establishing and reinforcing practices aligned with YMCA standards, certification requirements, internal procedures, reporting expectations, and child abuse prevention practices, to maintain safe environments and consistent compliance across aquatic programs.
5. Coordinate Safety Around Water and First Aid/CPR programming, including scheduling, staffing, promotion, registration support, and outreach with branches, schools, families, employees, and community partners, to expand access to water safety education and lifesaving skills throughout the community.
6. Support branch and association budget planning by providing operational input related to staffing, training, equipment, programming, growth opportunities, and strategic initiatives, to promote responsible use of resources and support sustainable aquatic programs.
7. Advance branch and association aquatics priorities by developing and implementing plans related to operations, staffing, safety, outreach, program growth, and service delivery, to strengthen program effectiveness and support consistent execution across locations.
8. Evaluate program performance, staff readiness, schedules, outreach efforts, and service delivery while maintaining accurate records, training documentation, schedules, and communication tools, to identify opportunities for improvement and support informed operational decision-making.
9. Provide operational or emergency coverage as needed, to maintain safe, reliable, and uninterrupted aquatic services. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
10. Perform all other duties as assigned.
11. Follow all YMCA abuse prevention and risk management policies, including required trainings, mandated reporting, and monitoring of high-risk areas.
12. Collaborate with branch and association leaders on cross-functional priorities, community engagement, special events, trainings, and service initiatives that support the YMCA mission.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Previous supervisory experience required; aquatics leadership experience preferred.
2. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership across multiple locations, balance competing priorities, and build effective working relationships with children, families, staff, members, and diverse community partners.
3. Within 3 months of hire, obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor, Pool & Spa Operator, Emergency Oxygen Administration, Lifeguard Supervisor, Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens, and other certifications required by the YMCA.
4. Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate meetings and training and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences.
5. Proficiency with standard business technology and applications used for budgeting, financial management, scheduling, communication, and program administration. COMPETENCIES:
6. Accountability: Takes ownership of work outcomes and consistently meets commitments with minimal supervision. Proactively identifies and corrects mistakes, communicates progress and challenges, and ensures responsibilities are fulfilled accurately and on time. Holds self and others to high standards of performance to ensure organizational goals are achieved.
7. Communication & Influence: Clearly conveys expectations and program goals, adapts communication style to diverse audiences, and effectively persuades others to support initiatives and organizational priorities.
8. Leadership: Provides direction and guidance to staff by setting clear expectations, modeling YMCA values, and fostering a supportive environment that encourages accountability and growth.
9. Collaboration: Builds strong working relationships across departments and with external partners, actively contributing to shared goals and resolving conflicts constructively.
10. Creativity: Develops fresh ideas and program enhancements by combining member feedback, best practices, and emerging trends to strengthen program quality and relevance.
11. Motivating: Inspires team members and volunteers by recognizing achievements, encouraging professional development, and promoting a positive, high-energy work environment.
12. Innovative: Identifies opportunities to modernize programs, processes, or partnerships, and implements practical solutions that improve participant experience and operational efficiency.
13. Trustworthy: Demonstrates integrity, reliability, and sound judgment in handling sensitive information, making decisions, and representing the YMCA in all interactions. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
14. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person and through communication devices and to recognize and respond promptly to audible and visual signals, including during emergency situations.
15. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform the physical activities necessary to support aquatic programs and respond to operational or emergency needs.
16. Ability to observe and assess pool areas, facilities, equipment, program spaces, documents, and computer screens and to move throughout YMCA facilities as needed to oversee operations and safety.
17. Ability to work effectively in aquatic environments that may be humid, wet, noisy, and physically active and to respond promptly to changing operational and safety conditions. This job description represents the major functions of the job but is not intended to be all inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for performing other duties as necessary for Association success.