Greater Joliet Area YMCA logo

Shorewood Aquatics Director

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $48,000.00 - $54,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Retirement Plan
Paid vacation
Paid holidays
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life insurance
Professional development opportunities
Free YMCA programming

Job Description

The YMCA is a prominent nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Known widely for its community-centric programs and services, the Y fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can find a place to belong and grow. The organization's mission is deeply embedded in its culture, which values genuineness, hope, nurturing, and determination. Within this framework, the YMCA continuously works towards building a stronger community by offering a broad spectrum of programs aimed at various age groups, abilities, and interests.

The Aquatics Director role at the YMCA is a leadership position that plays a crucial part in advancing the organization's mission by managing quality aquatics programs in a member-focused setting. This position is designed for a motivated professional who is passionate about aquatics, community well-being, and youth development. The Aquatics Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of aquatic programming, including swim lessons, safety around water initiatives, water fitness classes, and personal training services. This role demands a strategic leader who can develop and implement new activities, expand program reach, and cultivate strong community partnerships.

In addition to program oversight, the Aquatics Director leads a team including the Aquatics Manager and other program staff, fostering a supportive and motivating work environment. They are charged with recruiting, hiring, training, and scheduling personnel and volunteers to ensure all aquatic services maintain high standards and safety compliance. This leadership role also requires managing facility operations such as pool maintenance and chemical record-keeping, ensuring all state, local, and YMCA-specific health and safety regulations are strictly followed.

As a vital safety advocate, the Aquatics Director maintains current certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and related areas, and is responsible for ongoing staff training and certification records. The position requires active involvement in the YMCA's fundraising activities and special events, directly supporting the association’s financial and community goals. Strong communication skills, a relationship-building mindset, and the ability to respond promptly to member and community inquiries are essential aspects of this role.

The position offers a full-time schedule with flexible hours, including nights and weekends, reflecting the YMCA's operational needs. Benefits include a defined contribution retirement plan with significant association contributions, paid time off, health and dental insurance, professional development opportunities, and access to free YMCA programming. This role is ideal for a dedicated aquatics professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven organization that values community strength and individual potential.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • One to two years aquatics supervisory experience preferred
  • Minimum age of 21
  • Lifeguard certification
  • CPR certification
  • First Aid certification
  • AED certification
  • Child Abuse Prevention certification
  • Bloodborne Pathogens certification
  • LGI certification within 6 months
  • Ability to train and develop staff
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse people
  • Ability to work flexible hours including nights and weekends

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent
  • Experience in a supervisory aquatics role preferred
  • One to two years related experience preferred such as aquatics coordinator or supervisor
  • Minimum age of 21
  • Ability to train, lead and develop lifeguard and instructor staff
  • Current lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, AED, Child Abuse Prevention and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications required within 30 days of employment
  • LGI certification required within 6 months
  • Certified pool operator preferred
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse community groups

Job Duties

  • Directs and supervises program staff and Aquatics Manager to meet community needs and fulfill YMCA objectives
  • Establishes new program activities and expands programs in line with strategic and operating plans
  • Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations
  • Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers
  • Coordinates schedule for all aquatics programming including swim lessons and personal training
  • Leads implementation of swim lessons, Go Blue, and safety around water programs
  • Provides ongoing training and in-services for lifeguard and aquatics instructors
  • Ensures safety of all individuals in aquatics area
  • Monitors daily pool operations ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
  • Secures and schedules pool facility and maintains chemical records
  • Maintains certifications and conducts necessary training
  • Creates and schedules swim and water fitness classes
  • Collaborates with Health and Wellness Director on water fitness staffing and scheduling
  • Provides emergency coverage for lifeguards and instructors as needed
  • Manages program budget to meet fiscal objectives
  • Supports annual fundraising and special events
  • Models relationship-building skills
  • Responds to member and community inquiries timely
  • Participates in Aquatics Cabinet meetings
  • Serves as Leader on Duty as assigned
  • Works flexible schedule including nights and weekends
  • Compiles program statistics and evaluates effectiveness and participation

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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