Job Description

Job Location: Emilson Y - Hanover, MA 02339

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $69,000.00 - $72,000.00 Salary/yearThe South Shore YMCA is seeking an Aquatics Director to lead a large, dynamic, year-round Aquatics Department at the Emilson Branch.

Reporting to the Associate Executive Director, the Aquatics Director is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, safety, staffing, programming, financial performance, and continued development of the Emilson Aquatics Department.

The Aquatics Director oversees five bodies of water, including two indoor pools, two outdoor pools, and a whirlpool, as well as associated pump rooms and Aquatics support spaces. The position leads an Aquatics leadership team that includes three full-time staff, along with a large team of part-time lifeguards, swim instructors, supervisors, and other Aquatics staff.

This position requires a leader who is visible, proactive, highly organized, and able to balance daily operations with long-term planning. The Aquatics Director works collaboratively with the Aquatics leadership team to establish priorities, develop staff, delegate responsibilities, and ensure the effective operation of the department.

The Aquatics Director works closely with branch leadership, Facilities, Association Aquatics leadership, Red Cross training staff, Membership, Camp, and other departments to provide safe, high-quality, member-focused programming. The Director also has the opportunity to grow Aquatics programming, develop future leaders, and contribute to branch and Association-wide initiatives that support the YMCA’s mission and community impact.

The Director may provide direct program or lifeguard coverage when necessary; however, the primary responsibility of the position is the leadership, management, development, and overall performance of the Aquatics Department.

CORE EXPECTATIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

• Provides overall leadership and strategic direction for Emilson Aquatics programming and operations.
• Develops, evaluates, and grows high-quality Aquatics programs based on community needs, registration trends, YMCA goals, staffing, facility capacity, and financial performance.
• Maintains year-round planning for program sessions, registration, staffing, schedules, and seasonal operations.
• Regularly reviews registrations, waitlists, program capacity, and enrollment opportunities to support program growth while maintaining quality and safety.
• Ensures accurate and timely program setup, rosters, schedules, member-facing materials, and internal communication.
• Works collaboratively with Aquatics staff responsible for swim lessons, private lessons, Red Cross programming, and other program areas while maintaining overall responsibility for department performance.
• Maintains ownership of Outdoor Aquatic Center operations and works collaboratively with Camp leadership to support camp use of the facility, including staffing, scheduling, safety, facility readiness, and communication.

1. STAFF LEADERSHIP, DEVELOPMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY

• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, develops, coaches, evaluates, and retains full time and part-time Aquatics staff.
• Leads and develops a collaborative Aquatics leadership team, including the Assistant Aquatics Director and other full-time staff, by establishing clear responsibilities, coordinating priorities, supporting problem-solving, and maintaining shared awareness across the department.
• Conducts regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports and provides ongoing coaching, feedback, professional development, and performance support.
• Ensures staff receive appropriate onboarding, training, and opportunities for continued development.
• Delegates operational, administrative, program, and leadership responsibilities while maintaining appropriate Director-level oversight and accountability.
• Develops full-time staff and supervisors to take meaningful ownership within the department and support effective daily operations.
• Reviews staff performance regularly and addresses concerns promptly, appropriately, and in partnership with branch leadership and Human Resources when needed.
• Actively participates in Aquatics staff meetings, monthly in-services, leadership meetings, and professional development opportunities and ensures required staff certifications and training remain current.

1. AQUATICS OPERATIONS, SAFETY & FACILITY MANAGEMENT

• Oversees the safe and effective operation of two indoor pools, two outdoor pools, the whirlpool, pump rooms, sauna, steam room, decks, and related Aquatics spaces.
• Ensures Aquatics facilities operate in accordance with applicable state, local, Red Cross, YMCA, and South Shore YMCA health and safety standards.
• Works collaboratively with Facilities and branch leadership to ensure Aquatics spaces are safe, clean, adequately equipped, well maintained, and welcoming.
• Ensures routine operational, maintenance, water-quality, opening and closing, inspection, and documentation requirements are completed accurately and consistently.
• Maintains regular visibility throughout Aquatics areas and supports strong standards for staffing, safety, cleanliness, equipment, and facility readiness.
• Works with Facilities to identify and address mechanical, maintenance, repair, and safety concerns and ensures significant issues are communicated appropriately.
• Provides leadership in Emergency Action Plans, emergency procedures, drills, staff preparedness, and incident response.
• Ensures Aquatics facilities are appropriately secured, scheduled, equipped, and prepared for programming, member use, training, and special events.
• Participates as a member of the YMCA Professional Director team and, as a regular practice, provides branch supervision on a rotational basis, including nights and/or weekends as needed.

1. SCHEDULING & DEPARTMENT COVERAGE

• Develops and maintains staffing schedules that support safe, efficient, and effective Aquatics operations, including lifeguarding, supervision, swim instruction, programming, opening and closing responsibilities, and seasonal operations.
• Regularly reviews and adjusts staffing based on program needs, enrollment, facility use, seasonal changes, staff availability, certifications, and payroll considerations.
• Identifies and addresses schedule gaps and upcoming coverage needs proactively.
• The Aquatics Director’s work schedule is based on the operational and leadership needs of the department and may vary throughout the year. Schedule flexibility is required and may include weekdays, early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Ensures an appropriate leadership and communication structure is in place during scheduled absences.

1. MEMBER & PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCE

• Builds positive relationships with members, participants, families, and staff and responds to questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensures member and participant communication is accurate, proactive, and timely, particularly when programs, schedules, facilities, or operations change.
• Responds to member concerns and ensures appropriate follow-up through resolution.
• Works collaboratively with Membership and other branch departments to provide a consistent member experience and communicate Aquatics programs and registration opportunities.
• Supports an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for individuals and families of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Maintains a professional presence consistent with South Shore YMCA values and expectations.

1. BUDGET & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Develops and manages the Aquatics Department budget in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Monitors revenue, payroll, expenses, registrations, program performance, and financial projections and makes staffing and programming decisions accordingly.
• Ensures department payroll is reviewed, accurate, and approved on time, including appropriate follow-up on timecard discrepancies.
• Develops and monitors budgets for uniforms, equipment, certifications, program supplies, and other department needs.
• Works with the Associate Executive Director to establish enrollment, revenue, expense, and payroll goals and provides regular updates on department performance.
• Identifies opportunities to grow programming and revenue while maintaining appropriate staffing, quality, and safety standards.

1. COMMUNICATION, BRANCH & ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

• Maintains timely, professional, and proactive communication with staff, members, participants, branch leadership, and Association partners.
• Maintains consistent communication with the Associate Executive Director regarding department performance, staffing, safety, facilities, enrollment, budget, and significant operational needs.
• Completes required reports, audits, administrative responsibilities, and follow-up accurately and on time and maintains organized department records and systems.
• Serves as an active member of the Emilson Branch Director team and contributes to branch planning, initiatives, events, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Collaborates with Aquatics leadership across the South Shore YMCA to support consistent safety standards, training, programming, staff development, and operational practices.
• Builds collaborative relationships across departments and within the community that support Aquatics programming and the YMCA’s mission, including volunteer engagement where appropriate.

Qualifications• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, sports management, education, business, or a related field preferred but not required. Significant relevant experience in Aquatics, recreation, operations, or people leadership may be considered in place of formal education.

• Three or more years of progressive Aquatics, recreation, operations, or related leadership experience strongly preferred, with significant leadership experience highly valued.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, developing, and leading both full-time and part-time staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a large operation with multiple programs, facilities, schedules, and competing priorities.
• Experience with staff coaching, performance management, and accountability.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, planning, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to effectively delegate while maintaining appropriate oversight and accountability.
• Certified Pool Operator certification required or must be obtained within six months of hire.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications required or must be obtained within an established onboarding period.
• Lifeguard Instructor certification is preferred and may be required within six months of hire.
• Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification, or a comparable swim instruction certification, preferred and may be required within six months of hire.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule based on department needs, including weekdays, early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this position, the employee regularly stands, walks, communicates verbally, swims, and works in and around aquatic environments. The employee may occasionally sit, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch and must be capable of performing the physical responsibilities associated with emergency response and applicable Aquatics certifications.

WHY WORK AT THE SOUTH SHORE Y?

The South Shore YMCA is a place to build a rewarding career while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As part of the Emilson leadership team, the Aquatics Director has the opportunity to lead and develop a strong team, grow programs, build community connections, and help shape the future of Aquatics at the South Shore YMCA. Benefits include:

• Program and childcare discounts
• Free family membership for full-time staff
• Robust retirement plan up to 12%
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Vacation and sick time