Head of Aquatics

Head of Aquatics – Lakeshore Sport & Fitness (Lincoln Park)

Come join our team! At Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, Chicago’s #1 spot for sport, fitness, and fun, we’re proud of our vibrant community and supportive culture where we keep improving and always celebrate each other.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced aquatics leader to own and grow the aquatics program at our Lincoln Park club. As Head of Aquatics, you’ll set the vision for everything that happens in and around our pool, from swim lessons and youth programs to lifeguard operations, safety standards, and member experience. You’ll lead a team of lifeguards, swim instructors, and coordinators, and partner with club leadership to build one of the best aquatics programs in Chicago.

This role is ideal for an aquatics director, assistant director, or senior swim program leader who loves developing people, building programs, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for swimmers of all ages.

What You’ll Lead

• Own the overall aquatics program, including swim lessons, youth and adult programs, clinics, and special events
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop lifeguards, swim instructors, and the Aquatics Coordinator
• Build schedules and staffing plans so the pool is always safely covered
• Set and enforce safety standards, emergency procedures, in-service trainings, and drills
• Make sure all team certifications stay current and the pool meets health department and club standards
• Partner with Facilities on pool maintenance, water quality, and chemical safety
• Grow lesson enrollment and program revenue, and manage the aquatics budget and payroll
• Build strong relationships with members and parents, handling feedback and concerns with care and professionalism
• Work with Children’s Programming, Front Desk, Membership, and Marketing to promote and grow aquatics offerings
• Teach lessons and cover deck shifts when needed, leading by example

What You Bring

• 3+ years of aquatics experience, including at least 1–2 years in a supervisory or program leadership role
• Current Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications
• Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor (WSI), or Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification strongly preferred
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills
• Experience with scheduling, budgeting, and program development
• Excellent communication skills with members, parents, and team members
• Calm, confident decision-making in emergencies
• Availability that includes early mornings, evenings, and weekends based on program needs

Our Values

We live our values every day: Professionalism in how we lead and serve, Ownership in how we show up and solve problems, Team in how we support one another, Quality in the experiences we deliver, and Positivity in the energy we bring to our club.

Pay & Benefits

Salary: $45,000 – $55,000 per year, based on experience and certifications.

Benefits (full-time):

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Complimentary club membership, childcare for team members’ children, and discounts on club services