Aquatics Director

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Aquatics Director managing day-to-day operations and aquatic programs at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. Ensuring safety and development of community aquatic services with strong leadership and supervision.

Posted 5/5/2026full-timeBelmont • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $42,500 - $52,700 per yearWebsite

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About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Aquatics Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations, implementation of the branch aquatic programs, and meeting the aquatic needs of the community.
Ensure a safe, fun area for children and adults to interact and enjoy.
Administers swim lessons and aquatic programs.
Scheduling of Aquatic classes, programs, and staff.
Lifeguard/Swim Instruction as needed.
Develops and promotes programs with local schools, mailings, and press releases.
Prepares and distributes rosters and schedules instructors.
Distributes and collects program evaluations.
Implements preschool movement programs.
Audits payroll reports.
Increases the number of participants, groups, and programs.
Implements Character Development in programs.
Administers emergency First aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Handles parent/member complaints.
Supervises Aquatic department staff.
Sets goals and objectives for each staff member.
Makes annual salary increment recommendations.
Fills staff vacancies in accordance with established Association policies.
Supports the Association in recruitment of diverse staff and volunteers.
Interviews, hires, and trains staff; plans, assigns, and directs work; rewards and disciplines employees; addresses staff complaints and resolves problems.
Maintains pool and deck equipment.
Orders and maintains pool supplies.
Maintains proper chemical stabilization.
Enforces safety standards.
Follows emergency procedures.
Ensures State of Michigan’s Department of Health requirements are met.
Maintains all areas in clean, presentable fashion.
Assists in overall branch quality and cleanliness.
Manages and monitors the department operating budget.
Manages the department annual budget development.
Monitors monthly budget and year-end forecast for all program areas.
Assists with Annual Campaign fundraising efforts.
Provides outstanding member service.
Registers aquatic participants.
Participates as Manager on Duty as assigned.
Recruits, trains, and rewards a diverse volunteer group.
Assists in cultivating volunteers from the membership and participant base.
Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; one - three years of recreation, pool management, lifeguard, swim instructor, or water park experience and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required.
Past supervision experience preferred.
Ability to demonstrate aquatic skills.
Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.
Working knowledge of a computer and experience with a variety of software applications.
Ability to interact with people from all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles.
YMCA experience preferred.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification required.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification required.
Swim Instructor Certification required with 90 days of hire.
AED-Oxygen Certification.
Blood Borne Pathogen training.
State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Free YMCA Family Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities & program discounts for you and your family!
20% Childcare Discount – Discount is off the regular rate for each child enrolled in a YMCA childcare program, excluding the infant room.
Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Up to 93% employer paid plan options through Blue Care Network.
Dental and Vision Insurance – low-cost coverage options.
Health Savings Account (HSA) – Receive up to $1,040 in employer contributions each year to help cover qualified medical expenses.
Generous Paid Time Off – Beginning with 4 weeks of PTO per year , plus 9 paid holidays.
Paid Parental Leave - Dedicated time off to support you during the arrival or adoption of a child.
Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
Paid Disability Leave – short & long term disability coverage.
Life Insurance – employer paid life insurance, plus voluntary coverage for the entire family.
Optional Insurance – Customize your coverage with options like accident, hospital, pet, and legal insurance , plus more to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Pay on Demand – Access your earned wages before payday.
Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
Loan Forgiveness - Eligible employees can also take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

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Hard Skills & Tools

aquatic program implementationswim instructionlifeguardingemergency first aidCardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)chemical stabilizationbudget managementprogram evaluationschedulingstaff supervision

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillsleadershipproblem-solvingcommunicationgoal settingconflict resolutioncustomer serviceteam managementrecruitmenttraining

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeAmerican Red Cross Lifeguard CertificationAmerican Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor CertificationSwim Instructor CertificationAED-Oxygen CertificationBlood Borne Pathogen trainingState of Michigan criminal background clearance