Aquatics Director

Our Commitment to Equity
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

*This is an on-site position

We are looking for a responsible and engaged leader who is excited at the prospect of developing and leading our Aquatics team and programs. Our staff team plays a key role in developing the potential in our young people, ensuring aquatic safety standards are met, and serving on an engaging and dynamic team. You will be responsible for the development, implementation, administration, growth, and evaluation of effective, innovative, and safe aquatics programs. You will ensure that day to day operations run smoothly and that members and program participants have an exceptional experience.

This is a temporary role with an expected end date of December 11, 2026.

What you'll get from working at the Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle 
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance 
• Retirement with generous employer contributions 
• Free access to mental health resources 
• Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO) 
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare, day camp, overnight camp and outdoor leadership programs
  25% for part-time staff, 50% for full-time staff

*Some benefits only available to full-time staff

Compensation: $80,168.40/annually.

• Directs and manages the development, operations, and growth of the Aquatics Department to meet the needs of the community served.
• Establishes innovative aquatics programming and expands program(s) within the branch and community in accordance with the Association and branch strategic plans.  Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Develops and manages the aquatics budget/s meeting or exceeding fiscal objectives. Closely monitors revenue and expense.
• Recruits, hires, trains, mentors, evaluates, and supervises assigned staff and volunteers. Provides development and leadership to direct reports.  Partners with HR to develop an annual recruiting strategy ensuring a steady pool of quality candidates.
• Ensures that safety procedures are followed and that all programs/pool deck are in compliance with YMCA standards, all regulations and other applicable standards.
• Compiles program statistics and provides data and reports as required for program(s). Monitors program quality through innovative program evaluations and ongoing training of staff.
• Conducts lifeguarding and swim instructor certification trainings and in-service training for Aquatics staff.
• Creates template for staff and pool schedule to ensure proper staffing ratios and most effective use of pool to best meet the needs of the community.
• Provides leadership and support for branch management team, annual fundraising campaign, volunteer recruitment, and volunteer committees/boards as assigned.
• Collaborates with the Association Marketing Department to develop, produce, and distribute program information necessary to promote aquatics programming.
• Other duties as assigned.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

• Bachelor's degree or related field or equivalent education/experience.
• 4 or more years of related experience including staff and volunteer supervision, program development, budget management, and fund raising.
• Ability/experience training Aquatic employees.
• Current lifeguard and swim instructor certification from a recognized organization (e.g. Red Cross, YMCA).*
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.*
• Current Administering Emergency Oxygen Certification.*
• Ability to obtain a YSLI-T, LGI, and CAP Trainer Certification within the first 90 days, or first training offered.
• Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate affectively at all levels of the organization and to represent the Y in a professional manner.
• Strong computer skills, including word processing, database, spreadsheet software, and web-based applications.

*Ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). 
• Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful. 

Leadership Competencies:

• Values: Strengthens the Y’s culture by demonstrating the values of the Y - honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility - in every aspect of work.
• Inclusion: Models cultural competence and supports diversity, effectively working with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. 
• Develop Self and Others: Demonstrates teamwork and personal accountability, seeking and providing feedback, coaching, and resources for development. 
• Quality Results: Takes the initiative and holds self and others accountable to meet or exceed quantitative and qualitative goals relating to people (employees and members), philanthropy, finance and volunteerism.
• Change Capacity: Facilitates change, seeks opportunities in the change process, models adaptability, and leads transition in support of the Y’s mission.
• Inspire Others: Promotes creativity, generates excitement, and rewards risk taking, while consistently

Effect On End Results:

Branches receive exceptional leadership in the areas of aquatics, safety and emergency response resulting in exceptional aquatics programs and safe facilities and pools.

Expected Hours of Work: 

You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you

• Thrive on working in a collaborative environment.
• Are very adaptable.
• Have high ownership and strong work ethic.
• Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet.
• Truly enjoy being of service to people.
• Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together.
• Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all.

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.