About the Role
The Aquatic Director provides strategic leadership, oversees daily operations, safety, and financial performance of the Aquatics Department. This role ensures high-quality, inclusive aquatic programs aligned with the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism and empower women, balancing administrative leadership with direct service delivery.
Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee all aquatic programs, including Learn-to-Swim, water fitness, youth programs, community programs, and summer camp aquatics.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate programs to meet participation and revenue goals.
- Manage pool scheduling to maximize utilization while maintaining safety standards.
- Ensure instructional quality consistent with American Red Cross or equivalent standards.
- Collaborate with the Middies Swim Team Director to coordinate scheduling, shared pool space, and team development.
- Dedicate approximately 50% of work time to direct service (instruction, lifeguarding, WSI).
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and regulatory aquatic safety standards.
- Oversee pool maintenance, water quality, and inspections.
- Develop and enforce emergency action and risk management procedures.
- Monitor incident reporting and implement corrective actions.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, and supervise aquatic staff, including lifeguards and instructors.
- Develop staff schedules ensuring adequate coverage.
- Ensure all staff certifications remain current and compliant.
- Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective action.
- Facilitate ongoing staff training and professional development.
- Develop and manage the annual aquatic department budget.
- Monitor revenue streams and control expenses.
- Track performance against revenue and participation targets.
- Identify opportunities for program growth and earned income.
- Build partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local stakeholders.
- Promote aquatics programming to increase engagement and retention.
- Support membership growth and satisfaction.
- Represent the YWCA in community initiatives and events.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–5 years of aquatics management experience.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
- Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
- Experience with learn-to-swim programming (American Red Cross or equivalent).
- Lifeguard Certification (deep water).
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or equivalent certification.
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification.
- American Red Cross WSI Trainer (WSIT) certification (preferred).
- Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification (preferred).
- Lifeguard Management certification (preferred).
- Experience in nonprofit or community-based organizations (preferred).
- Experience managing multi-use aquatic facilities (preferred).
- Competitive swim program management experience (preferred).
- Ability to perform lifeguarding and swim instruction duties.
- Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
- Ability to lift up to 25–50 lbs as needed.
Skills
- Aquatic program management
- Risk management
- Staff supervision
- Budget management
- Community engagement
- Learn-to-swim instruction
- Lifeguarding
- Water Safety Instruction
- Pool operations
- Emergency response
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Customer service skills
Location
- White Plains, NY
Work Type
- Full-time
- Onsite
Experience Level
- 3-5 years of aquatics management experience
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Salary/Compensations
- $65,000-$70,000
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401K
- Paid Time Off
- Professional development opportunities
About the Company
- The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester serves over 4,000 individuals weekly through childcare, after-school programs, summer camp, aquatics, and mission-based services.
- The organization also provides housing for 193 low-income women.
- We are committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting dignity, justice, and opportunity for all.
Equal Opportunity
- YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
