Aquatics Director

POSITION SUMMARY 
Under the direction of the Senior Director: Sports and Recreation and in accordance with the mission and purpose of the Ann Arbor YMCA, the Aquatics Director shall be responsible for the administration, direction, and supervision of all aquatic instruction and recreational swims, adult aquatics programming, Safety Around Water/outreach and community-based programs, and Barracudas Swim Club. The Aquatics Director will provide direct supervision for the Aquatics Coordinator and Barracudas Swim Team Head Coach. In addition, the Aquatics Director will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Natatorium at the Ann Arbor YMCA.  

• A bachelor's degree in physical education or related field, or combination of higher education and experience with continued pursuit of degree is required. 
• A minimum of three (3) years of aquatic program supervision required; YMCA experience preferred. 
• Must be highly motivated with leadership ability, strong teaching skills for all levels and ages. 
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills, organizational abilities, and supervisory skills are required. 
• Demonstrated ability to initiate work independently as well as participate as a member of a team. 
• Multilingual ability is preferred. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular work hours. 
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time. 
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids. 
• Must be able to meet all physical requirements of a Lifeguard. 
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds. 
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time. 
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking. 
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate. 
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time. 

Member Engagement & Retention:

• Administration of Aquatics Center, including but not limited to orientations for new members and daily experience of members in the pool; implementation of member engagement program initiatives. 
• Cultivate member relationships – with the goal to move members through casual, connected, committed cycle. This includes cultivating members for volunteers to programs, committees, Board of Directors, and Annual Campaign. 
• Make sure clear, concise, and consistent information is communicated to members and staff. 
• Shared responsibility for member service and membership retention as it relates to the Aquatics Program and Facility. 
• Act as a member of the Leadership Team; provide informal assistance in facility supervision and facility usage guidelines implementation. 
• Assist in the Annual Campaign, as assigned. 
• Assist in association special events. 

Program and Facility Operations:

• Establish new program activities and expand programming within the community in accordance with the Association’s strategic plan. 
• Responsible for the promotion and supervision of swim lessons from infant through adult and Barracudas Swim Team. Incorporate a system of program evaluation and follow-up. 
• Oversee Safety Around Water program and special interest aquatic areas, including but not limited to lifeguarding, water exercise and arthritis programs, and all aquatics outreach and aquatics grant-funded programs. 
• Manages and oversees the department implementation, troubleshooting, and staff adaptation of the natatorium AI drowning prevention technology (Lynxight). 
• Schedule and supervise all recreational swims, including lap, open, family, and special event swims. Incorporate a schedule of program evaluation and follow-up. 
• Develop, manage, and meet Aquatic Department program budget goals and make changes as necessary. Provide pricing recommendations. Investigate trends in finances according to monthly and annual reports. Constantly review and complete program analysis for responsible fiscal control. 
• Assist facility department in maintaining aquatic facilities, equipment, and other maintenance needs related to providing a safe aquatic environment for lap pool and family pool, including but not limited to chemical balancing, cleanliness, and management of the Chem-Trol System.
• Responsible for the overall safety and cleanliness of all aquatic areas and its equipment.  

Team Leadership:

• Oversee the support of all full-time, part-time, and volunteer staff related to aquatic programs i.e., Aquatics Coordinator, swim team coaches, lifeguards, and swim instructors. Maintain harmony among staff members and resolve grievances. 
• Plan, evaluate, attend, and ensure LG in-service training of staff monthly, with additional LGIs to ensure the highest standards of safety and Risk Management 
• Act as the direct supervisor to all full-time aquatics staff, swim instructors, and aquatics certification staff (LGIs, LGITs). 
• Provide oversight and guidance to Aquatics Coordinator to enable them to deliver high-quality programming and create increased member value in the aquatics department. 
• Develop and monitor staff development plans and training opportunities that promote career growth within the Y. 
• Participate as a member of the various committees as they relate to aquatics (youth development, Safety Task Force).
• Advocate for association-wide policies and practices, and develop innovative ways to grow the membership experience, base, and practices through aquatics programming. 

Safety and Risk Management:

• Ensure all Ann Arbor YMCA aquatics standards and best practices are implemented and followed. Apply YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to best practices, emergency procedures, medical and disciplinary situations, and child abuse prevention. 
• Ensure all aquatics staff are properly trained and prepared for emergency situations. This includes implementing and following training requirements in addition to ensuring proper reporting of all incidents/accidents according to risk management procedures. 
• Maintain safety and sanitary standards in accordance with the State Health Department. 
• Maintain compliance with risk management, Great American Insurance requirements, ADA requirements, and all regulations that are set by the appropriate governmental agencies. 
• Maintain Aquatic Safety Practices as related to Child Protection and Aquatic Safety Membership Qualifications for Y-USA. 
• Monitor and order equipment as needed. 

Camping Aquatic Safety:

• Act in collaboration with the camp leadership staff in opening and closing of the waterfronts at Camp Birkett and Camp AGQ.  
• Facilitate relationships and schedule regular communication with YMCA camp leadership to discuss staff development, understand staff expectations, and communicate program needs for a successful waterfront program. 
• Organize and plan waterfront staff training and assist in lifeguard certification process for camp staff. Assist in the development and implementation of swim evaluations of campers. 
• Work in collaboration with camp Aquatic leads to ensure waterfront safety.  

Completes all special projects as assigned. This is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform all other reasonably related duties if requested by the supervisor.

Team Leader

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAININGS REQUIRED: 

• YMCA Team Leader certification is preferred, or the ability to obtain within two (2) years is required. 
• Certification in Lifeguarding, WSI or YMCA Swim Instruction, CPR, and First Aid is required. 
• POOL/CPO certification is preferred, or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire is required. 
• Instructor-level certifications in CPR/AED, O2 Administration, First AID, and Lifeguarding are preferred, or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire is required.