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Job Description
Aquatics Director (Stratford-Bridgeport)
CENTRAL CT COAST YMCA, INC.
Stratford, CT Job Details Full-time $54,000 - $62,000 a year 22 hours ago Qualifications CPR Certification Customer communication Staff supervision Lifeguard Training Team leadership Staff scheduling Sports coaching Team scheduling Team development First Aid Certification Filtration Pool chemistry balancing Lifeguard Certification Customer service problem-solving Staffing management Stakeholder relationship building AED Certification Staff development Full Job Description The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is seeking an experienced Aquatics Director to lead the Stratford YMCA's aquatics department and provide additional oversight and support for aquatics programming at the Bridgeport YMCA. The Aquatics Director is responsible for creating safe, high-quality, and welcoming aquatic experiences for members and program participants. This position leads the Stratford YMCA's day-to-day pool operations, swim lessons, staffing, scheduling, and competitive swim team program. The Director will also work closely with Bridgeport YMCA leadership and aquatics staff to support consistent safety practices, program quality, staffing, training, and operational standards.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead aquatics operations at the Stratford YMCA, including pool schedules, swim lessons, open swim, lap swim, and other aquatic programming. Oversee the Stratford YMCA swim team program, including coaching staff, practice schedules, meet coordination, athlete development, family communication, and team culture. Provide leadership and operational oversight for the Bridgeport YMCA aquatics program in partnership with branch leadership and on-site staff. Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and develop lifeguards, swim instructors, coaches, and other aquatics staff. Maintain appropriate lifeguard coverage and ensure staff certifications, required training, in-service sessions, emergency drills, and performance expectations remain current. Promote a strong culture of safety through consistent enforcement of YMCA policies, emergency preparedness, risk management practices, and proactive hazard prevention. Ensure compliance with YMCA standards and all applicable health, safety, and pool operation requirements. Partner with facility and maintenance staff to monitor water quality, filtration systems, equipment, supplies, and repair needs. Manage the aquatics budget, monitor program enrollment and financial performance, and identify opportunities to strengthen participation, member satisfaction, and retention. Build positive relationships with members, participants, swim team families, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Support branch and Association initiatives, including Manager on Duty coverage, the Annual Campaign, staff meetings, and required training. Must be at least 21 years old. At least one year of experience as an Aquatics Coordinator, aquatics supervisor, or in a comparable aquatics leadership position. Experience supervising, scheduling, coaching, and developing aquatics staff. Experience with competitive swimming or swim team operations preferred. Ability to lead programs and staff across two YMCA locations and travel regularly between Stratford and Bridgeport. Current Lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, and Swim Instructor certifications, or the ability to obtain required certifications within established onboarding timelines. YMCA Aquatics training as applicable to the position. Certified Pool Operator certification required within six months of hire. Working knowledge of pool filtration and chlorination systems, water safety practices, and aquatic risk management. Strong organizational, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills. Ability to remain calm, responsive, and decisive during emergencies. Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, swim meets, and special events. Ability to work in and around the pool for extended periods, respond to emergencies in a busy aquatic environment, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. The Aquatics Director plays an important role in delivering safe, inclusive, and engaging aquatic experiences at the Stratford and Bridgeport YMCAs. This is an opportunity for a strong aquatics leader to develop staff, strengthen programs, support a competitive swim team, and help ensure consistent quality and safety across two branches. The YMCA offers the opportunity to do meaningful work while helping children, adults, and families build confidence, develop skills, and connect with their community.
