Make Waves. Build Leaders. Save Lives.
At the Y, we’re more than a gym or pool — we’re a cause-driven organization focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As Aquatics Director, you’ll play a vital leadership role in advancing our mission while building a culture of excellence, safety, and engagement.
The YMCA Alexandria is seeking a passionate, mission-driven Aquatics Director to lead one of our most impactful program areas. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love developing teams, and are energized by creating safe, high-quality aquatic experiences for the community — this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.
Position: Aquatics Director Salary: $55,000.00 Position Overview The Aquatics Director oversees all aquatic operations, programming, staffing, and safety initiatives. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery, maximizing pool utilization, managing budgets, and developing a strong, engaged aquatics team. You’ll report to the Executive Director and collaborate closely with association leadership while directly supervising Aquatics leadership staff, lifeguards, swim instructors, and pool operators.
What you will do at the Y: Program Leadership & Operations
Lead and implement innovative aquatic programs aligned with YMCA mission and community needs
Maximize pool utilization and member satisfaction
Schedule aquatic programs, classes, and special events
Support swim team operations including scheduling, marketing, and finances
Team Development & Supervision
Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop aquatics staff
Conduct performance management and ongoing in-service training
Build strong team culture focused on safety, professionalism, and service excellence
Financial & Administrative Oversight
Manage departmental budget and meet financial goals
Assist branch leadership with planning, scheduling, and operational strategy
Maintain current certifications, licenses, and inspection readiness
Member Experience & Community Engagement
Deliver exceptional service to members, families, and community partners
Serve as an “Aquatics Ambassador” welcoming and engaging participants
Promote YMCA values and character development initiatives
Who You Are: Education & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree required
Minimum 5 years of relevant aquatics leadership experience
Strong background in program management, staff development, and operations
Certifications (Required)
YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
CPR Pro and First Aid
Two aquatic training proficiencies
Skills & Competencies
Proven leadership and team-building ability
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Budget and financial management experience
Strategic planning and problem-solving skills
Commitment to YMCA mission and values
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 40+ pounds
Meet all YMCA Lifeguarding physical prerequisites
Swim 500 yards continuously
Perform rescues and emergency response skills
Ability to see and hear participants in distress
Why You’ll Love Working at the Y: We support you inside and outside the workplace. When you join the YMCA, you join a community focused on growth, belonging, and purpose.
Mission-Driven Work:
Every day, you’ll help families gain access to essential child care services.
Competitive Pay:
$55,000, depending on experience.
Robust Benefits:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
Free YMCA Membership:
Full access for you and your family.
Retirement Support:
The Y contributes 10% of your salary into a retirement plan, with optional 403(b) and Roth plans available.
Generous Paid Time Off:
Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Career Growth:
Opportunities for ongoing training, leadership development, and advancement.
Be Part of Something Bigger—Apply Today! The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and strive to create a welcoming environment where all staff, members, and families feel respected, supported, and included.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The YMCA Alexandria is seeking a passionate, mission-driven Aquatics Director to lead one of our most impactful program areas. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love developing teams, and are energized by creating safe, high-quality aquatic experiences for the community — this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.
Position: Aquatics Director Salary: $55,000.00 Position Overview The Aquatics Director oversees all aquatic operations, programming, staffing, and safety initiatives. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery, maximizing pool utilization, managing budgets, and developing a strong, engaged aquatics team. You’ll report to the Executive Director and collaborate closely with association leadership while directly supervising Aquatics leadership staff, lifeguards, swim instructors, and pool operators.
What you will do at the Y: Program Leadership & Operations
Lead and implement innovative aquatic programs aligned with YMCA mission and community needs
Maximize pool utilization and member satisfaction
Schedule aquatic programs, classes, and special events
Support swim team operations including scheduling, marketing, and finances
Team Development & Supervision
Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop aquatics staff
Conduct performance management and ongoing in-service training
Build strong team culture focused on safety, professionalism, and service excellence
Financial & Administrative Oversight
Manage departmental budget and meet financial goals
Assist branch leadership with planning, scheduling, and operational strategy
Maintain current certifications, licenses, and inspection readiness
Member Experience & Community Engagement
Deliver exceptional service to members, families, and community partners
Serve as an “Aquatics Ambassador” welcoming and engaging participants
Promote YMCA values and character development initiatives
Who You Are: Education & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree required
Minimum 5 years of relevant aquatics leadership experience
Strong background in program management, staff development, and operations
Certifications (Required)
YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
CPR Pro and First Aid
Two aquatic training proficiencies
Skills & Competencies
Proven leadership and team-building ability
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Budget and financial management experience
Strategic planning and problem-solving skills
Commitment to YMCA mission and values
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 40+ pounds
Meet all YMCA Lifeguarding physical prerequisites
Swim 500 yards continuously
Perform rescues and emergency response skills
Ability to see and hear participants in distress
Why You’ll Love Working at the Y: We support you inside and outside the workplace. When you join the YMCA, you join a community focused on growth, belonging, and purpose.
Mission-Driven Work:
Every day, you’ll help families gain access to essential child care services.
Competitive Pay:
$55,000, depending on experience.
Robust Benefits:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
Free YMCA Membership:
Full access for you and your family.
Retirement Support:
The Y contributes 10% of your salary into a retirement plan, with optional 403(b) and Roth plans available.
Generous Paid Time Off:
Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Career Growth:
Opportunities for ongoing training, leadership development, and advancement.
Be Part of Something Bigger—Apply Today! The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and strive to create a welcoming environment where all staff, members, and families feel respected, supported, and included.
#J-18808-Ljbffr