Aquatics Director - Shades Valley YMCA

Job Details

Job Location: Shades Valley - Homewood, AL 35209

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $47,569.00 - $50,547.00

Lead the Way in Aquatics!

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, monitor, and evaluate aquatics programs in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.


• Supervise, develop, and schedule Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, and other aquatics staff.


• Maintain safe, clean, and well-organized pool operations.


• Implement pool schedules and oversee daily aquatics programming.


• Interview prospective aquatics employees and assist with onboarding and new-hire paperwork.


• Manage staff scheduling to maintain appropriate coverage while meeting budget goals.


• Assist the Executive Director with the aquatics budget, payroll, and department purchasing.


• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.


• Teach CPR, Lifeguard, and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor training as needed.


• Complete bi-monthly payroll and required branch reports, newsletters, and impact reports.

Why This Job Is a Great Fit

• Lead a team that plays an important role in creating safe and positive experiences for members and families.


• Make a direct impact on aquatics programming and the overall member experience.


• Build leadership, staff development, budgeting, and program management skills.


• Represent the YMCA and strengthen relationships throughout the Birmingham community.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive salary


• Comprehensive benefits package:
  
  
  
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage (with significant employer contribution)
  
  
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  
  
  • Generous retirement plan with 12% employer contribution once eligible
  
  
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  
  
  
  


• YMCA perks:
  
  
  
  • Free YMCA membership for you and your household
  
  
  • Significant discounts on YMCA programs (including childcare, after-school programs, and summer camps)
  
  
  
  


• Work environment: Flexible schedule and supportive team culture


• Growth: Real opportunities to learn and expand your skills


• Mission: Work that makes a difference in your community every single day

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a confident, organized aquatics professional who enjoys leading teams and creating exceptional experiences for members and participants. The ideal candidate is comfortable managing staff, programs, budgets, and changing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on safety, service, and community relationships.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience/knowledge in aquatics management or a related field preferred.


• 1-3 years of relevant experience preferred.


• Supervisory and staff development experience preferred.


• Knowledge of budgets and financial management.


• Strong written, verbal, customer service, and computer skills.


• Proven ability to build strong community relationships.


• Current Base Lifeguard Certification.


• Must obtain LGI and CPO certifications within 6 months of hire.


• Ability to represent the YMCA in a mature and professional manner.


• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage shifting priorities.


• Successful completion of required background screening.


• Willingness to travel within the YMCA service area as needed.

Expectations

• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming pool environment.


• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, and aquatics standards.


• Provide ongoing supervision, training, and feedback to employees and volunteers.


• Follow required abuse risk management and screening practices.


• Ensure employees and volunteers maintain appropriate boundaries with children and teens.


• Promote the YMCA's values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

What Success Looks Like

• Aquatics programs are safe, well-staffed, well-organized, and consistently meet YMCA standards.


• Staff are trained, supported, and developed into a strong aquatics team.


• Pool operations remain clean, safe, efficient, and member-focused.


• Programs and staffing operate effectively within budget.


• Members, participants, employees, and community partners have a positive experience with the YMCA aquatics department.

More Than Just a Job

At the YMCA, you're part of something bigger. Your leadership helps create safe spaces, develop people, strengthen families, and build a healthier, stronger community. Every shift, program, and interaction is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.