Aquatics Director

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Aquatics Director at the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County provides strategic leadership to a dynamic aquatics department, cultivating a cause-driven culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality, member-focused aquatics programming that advances safety, skill development, and community engagement, while overseeing all aspects of aquatic programming, including the YMCA swim lesson program, youth and adult swim teams, American Red Cross certification courses, and community water safety outreach and education initiatives. The Aquatics Director ensures safe, efficient, and effective pool operations while upholding the highest standards of risk management, aquatic safety, regulatory compliance, and member experience, including shared oversight of water quality, chemical systems, and overall aquatic facility operations in collaboration with the YMCA's operations team. In addition, the Aquatics Director is responsible for recruiting, hiring, scheduling, supervising, and developing a high-performing aquatics staff team of lifeguards, swim instructors, and swim team coaches. This role also plays a key part in building community partnerships and expanding access to water safety and aquatics programming throughout Tompkins County.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• A bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education or related field is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of four years of related aquatics experience required, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of instructional, recreational, and competitive aquatics programming and operations.
• At least three years' experience in a supervisory role with skills in recruiting, training, and staff management.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Active American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications, preferred upon hire and required within 30 days of employment.
• Within 30 days of hire, completion of Child Abuse Prevention and Bloodborne Pathogens trainings.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification required within 90 days of hire.
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification, or equivalent swim lesson instructor certification, required within 90 days of hire, with YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer certification required within 120 days of hire.
• Certified Pool Operator certification is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Must be a self-motivated, hands on team leader with strong communications, networking and collaboration skills.
• High level of attention to detail and quality of programming, service, and facilities.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage several projects at once and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Demonstrated success in driving revenue and managing expenses.