Lake Forest Community High School District 115 is seeking a Community Education Swim Program (CESP) Director and Pool Manager for the 2026-2027 school year.
Description: The Community Education Swim Program Director/Pool Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and administration of the District's aquatic facility; working collaboratively with the Athletic and Wellness Departments, pool staff, and community.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in similar position - preferred
- AED/CPR Certification
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification in:
- Lifeguard Instructor
- Professional Rescuer CPR/AED Instructor
- Lifeguard Training
- CPR
- Water Safety Instructor
- Experience with office and school-based management systems - preferred
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversees the safety and security of the pool and all programs that use the pool
- Initiates the hiring process for all non-certified staff at the pool in the CESP
- Public Swim, High School, and CESP supervisors & lifeguards
- Learn to Swim Instructors
- American Red Cross Water Instructors and Instructor Trainers
- Coordinates American Red Cross lifeguard training and CPR classes
- Acts as Authorized Provider contact and Coordinator for the district
- Keeps updated list of certified instructors on file with the Red Cross
- Maintains files and associated records for courses taught
- Orders updated materials and equipment for classes
- Schedules lifeguards and shift managers for ALL pool programming
- Coordinates emergency staffing needs due to lifeguard illness or absence for ALL shifts
- Handles pool equipment upkeep and maintenance
- Ordering and maintaining inventory of equipment
- Coordinating daily, weekly, and annual repairs to the pool
- Completes work orders with Buildings and Grounds related to pool events/repairs
- Manages the pool maintenance list
- Recommends budget for the purchase of pool safety equipment
- Maintains all equipment required by the State of Illinois and Lake County Health Department
- Trains staff in the use and storage of all pool equipment
- Oversees the use and storage of all timing and scoreboard equipment used by aquatic programs
- Evaluates all non-certified staff that supervise, instruct, and lifeguard for the CESP
- Manages timesheets of all supervisors, instructors, and lifeguards for the CESP as well as supervisors and lifeguards for High School Programming
- Maintains communication, content, and printed materials regarding all CESP and pool programming
- Press releases and community brochures
- Coordinates content for aquatic center webpage
- Returns emails and phone calls to aquatic center in a timely manner
- Acts as a liaison with all pool use group leaders and administrators
- Scouts Aquatics Swim Club
- Wellness Department Chair and faculty
- Lake Forest HS Swim & Polo programs
- Special use requests
- Trains and certifies all Wellness Department and Athletic staff in lifeguard and CPR/AED as needed
- Performs other job related duties as assigned by direct supervisor
- Adheres to Board of Education policies and procedures
Competencies:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and positive problem solving attitude
- Comfortable and pleasant demeanor in busy environments
- Knowledge of Illinois High School swimming and diving and water polo procedures
- Ability to:
- work under pressure
- work with speed, attention to detail, consistency, and organization
- prioritize workflow while working with many individuals
- work harmoniously, cooperatively, and effectively with all stakeholders
- meet deadlines
- work effectively in office and school-based management systems
- lead and manage a team
- Maintain confidentiality
- Adhere to Board of Education policies and procedures
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, reach, grasp, feel, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, and lift. Repetitive motions are required. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly subject to inside environmental conditions and is subject to loud noises, heat, and humidity.
Salary and Benefits
- Base Starting Rate - $24.09/Hour
- Personal, Vacation, and Sick Day Leave provided
- Reimbursement - up to $1300 annually for tuition reimbursement
- Insurance - 100% district paid Single HMO Health (other options also available)
- Retirement - IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) - the district pays the full district premium, employees pay the 4.5% employee contribution
Summary
We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Community Education Swim Program (CESP) Director and Pool Manager to lead our community aquatic initiatives and oversee daily pool operations. This pivotal role combines program development, staff supervision, operational management, and guest engagement to promote water safety, swimming skills, and community wellness. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for aquatic education, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all participants. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on the community while managing a dynamic aquatic facility.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and oversee community swim programs focused on safety, skill-building, and recreational enjoyment.
- Manage daily pool operations, including scheduling, maintenance coordination, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Supervise staff including lifeguards, swim instructors, and administrative personnel; provide training, performance evaluations, and ongoing support.
- Lead event planning and management for community swim events, competitions, and special programs to increase engagement and participation.
- Maintain operational records such as incident reports, attendance logs, safety inspections, and program evaluations.
- Oversee budgeting processes, manage cash handling procedures, and ensure cost-effective resource allocation.
- Foster excellent guest services by addressing participant needs promptly and professionally; promote a positive environment aligned with hospitality standards.
- Ensure all staff are certified in first aid and CPR; enforce safety protocols rigorously to uphold the highest standards of water safety.
- Collaborate with local organizations and stakeholders to expand program reach and enhance community partnerships.
Skills
- Proven experience in community program management or similar roles within aquatic or recreational settings.
- Strong leadership capabilities with experience supervising teams of staff or volunteers.
- Excellent communication skills for effective team management and stakeholder engagement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for report writing, scheduling, budgeting, and correspondence.
- Experience in event management from planning through execution at venues such as pools or recreation centers.
- Demonstrated ability in operational management including shift oversight, customer service excellence, and guest relations.
- Skilled in managing budgets, cash handling procedures, and resource allocation within a hospitality or resort environment.
- Technical proficiency related to pool maintenance systems and safety equipment operation.
- Prior experience with restaurant or resort operations is a plus; assistant manager experience is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of first aid/CPR certification requirements; ability to respond swiftly to emergencies with confidence.
Join us as we foster water safety education while creating fun-filled experiences that build community spirit! This role offers a vibrant environment where leadership meets service excellence—perfect for those passionate about making waves in community wellness initiatives!
Pay: From $24.09 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
