MAKE WAVES IN YOUR COMMUNITY! The West End YMCA in Willoughby is seeking a passionate, safety‑driven Aquatics Director to lead all aquatic programs and staff. This full‑time leadership role offers the chance to shape a high‑quality swim experience, build strong teams, and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for swimmers of all ages. Your work helps families grow, gain confidence, and stay healthy.
Benefits: Excellent healthcare package, life insurance, 8% retirement (upon completion of specific requirements), paid vacation, free family membership, optional dental, and other benefits as listed in the personnel policy.
- The Lake County Y, a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organization, is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide leadership and oversight for all aquatics programs and services, ensuring they meet community needs, YMCA standards, and organizational objectives.
- Direct the daily operation of aquatic facilities, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and YMCA health, safety, and risk management regulations. Maintain accurate records of pool chemistry, inspections, maintenance, and safety procedures.
- Oversee the maintenance, cleanliness, and overall condition of all aquatic areas, including pools, whirlpools, deck areas, equipment, and related systems. Coordinate routine maintenance, deep cleaning, preventative maintenance schedules, seasonal shutdowns, repairs, and reopening procedures. Work closely with the maintenance department, vendors, and contractors to ensure the aquatic areas remain safe, functional, and compliant with all applicable regulations.
- Develop and manage the aquatic facility schedule, including swim lessons, water fitness classes, lifeguard coverage, swim team practices, competitions, and special events.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, train, develop, schedule, supervise, and evaluate aquatic staff and volunteers. Maintain staff certification records and implement strategies to promote employee engagement, retention, and professional growth.
- Schedule RSPs, Lifeguarding, Swim Lessons, CPR, First Aid, AED, and other required certification training for staff.
- Design, implement, and expand aquatic programs that support community needs and align with the YMCA's strategic goals and mission.
- Assist with the promotion and marketing of aquatics programs, including registration processes, member communications, and scholarship application review and administration.
- Collaborate with YMCA leadership and peers to develop innovative programming, improve service quality, pursue grant opportunities, and ensure consistency across the association.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with community organizations, schools, health agencies, and other partners to strengthen community engagement and program impact.
- Develop, manage, and monitor department budgets to achieve fiscal goals while maintaining high-quality programs and services.
- Coordinate facility usage and resources to support aquatic programs, special events, rentals, and association-wide initiatives.
- Support YMCA fundraising campaigns, annual giving efforts, community events, and special projects.
- Collect, analyze, and report program participation, financial performance, and outcome data to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for growth.
- Understand your role as a mandated reporter for elder and child abuse. Report and respond to situations in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate and uphold the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and growth mindset in all aspects of your work.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in related field OR equivalent experience.
- One to two years’ related experience preferred.
- Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification. Oxygen Administration certification required within 30 days of hire.
- Current YMCA Lifeguarding or Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification.
- Must be able to demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with individual’s certification standards.
- Obtain Certified Pool Operation (CPR) certification within 6 months of hire.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Medium work. Exerting 75 pounds of force rarely (i.e., removing someone from the pool in a rescue), and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.
- Frequently subject to environmental conditions- heat and humidity both inside and outside. May occur mostly outside.
- Ability to: pass lifeguard water test; stand, sit, stoop, kneel, and crouch frequently throughout the work shift; Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods; use hands and fingers for fine motor skills frequently; walk on a variety of uneven surfaces and climb stairs frequently; have visual acuity to determine safety and security of participants in the program as well as the facility; receive detailed information through sound as well as express through spoken word; read and interpret instructions, procedures, manuals, and other documents.
This is a full-time salary exempt position. Applications are being accepted until the position has been filled. The Lake County YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $44,000.00 - $49,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
