Director of Aquatic Operations-Association Office

About the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Guided by our mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, the Y shows up every day for youth, families, and communities across our region. We are a place where people achieve goals, build meaningful relationships, and find a true sense of belonging rooted in our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Our Culture: Achievement, Relationships & Belonging Everything we do is rooted in three pillars and this role is central to living them out every day: Achievement Helping every swimmer, from first-time floater to seasoned lap swimmer, reach their personal goals Relationships Building authentic, lasting connections among lifeguards, instructors, families and members Belonging Creating a pool deck where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued We are welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined and we look for the same qualities in our leaders. The Role Water changes lives at the Y. Every swim lesson we teach is a drowning prevented, a fear conquered, a child who grows up safe around water. The Director of Aquatic Operations leads that work providing direct leadership for aquatics at an assigned branch while sharing association-wide responsibility for aquatic guidelines, risk mitigation, staff development and program quality across our branches. You will build the systems that keep our pools safe and the culture that keeps our members coming back. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Branch Aquatic Leadership Provide direct leadership and operational oversight for aquatic programming at the assigned branch day-to-day operations, staff scheduling and supervision, program quality, compliance, cleanliness and daily chemical log completion. Communicate clearly and consistently with branch staff and members, responding to inquiries, concerns and complaints in a timely, relationship-centered way. Model the Ys culture on the pool deck so every member experiences Achievement, Relationships and Belonging. Association-Wide Strategy & Risk Management Develop and administer the Association Aquatic Guidelines, creating quality standards and systems that mitigate risk across all assigned branches. Share responsibility for the long-range vision, strategies and goals of the Association aquatic department. Build and implement a system for facility and equipment inspections, association-wide emergency procedures, and pool opening and closing protocols. Ensure all pool and whirlpool operations adhere to state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations. Staff Development & Training Recruit, train, evaluate and oversee assigned branch Aquatic Directors, and support the hiring and evaluation of aquatics staff. Share responsibility for strategies that recruit, hire and develop diverse aquatic staff for maximum impact, engaging volunteers as needed. Develop and deliver ongoing association-wide training so every aquatic team member has a path to full YMCA aquatic leadership certification. Coordinate association-wide CPR, First Aid and Emergency Oxygen training for all staff. Develop scheduling guidelines that maximize ratios and financial accountability across the Association. Program Growth, Partnerships & Stewardship Share responsibility for coordinating, managing and expanding aquatic programs and services for all ages, ensuring equity among the communities we serve. Collaborate with external partners YUSA, the Arthritis Foundation, Silver Sneakers and others to broaden the Ys reach and serve all populations. Work with Aquatic Directors and Neighborhood Business Analysts on program evaluations, including cost analysis, enrollment and qualitative measures. Assist with annual aquatics budget planning association-wide, emphasizing income production and expense control. Create opportunities for philanthropic and community partnership efforts. SAFETY & ABUSE PREVENTION Safety is the foundation of everything we do in aquatics. This role carries direct responsibility for the Ys commitment to abuse prevention and a safe environment for every participant: Adhere to established boundaries, policies and procedures, and complete all required abuse prevention training. Recognize and promptly report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors, policy violations and suspected abuse. Comply with all mandated reporting requirements. Fulfill additional abuse risk management responsibilities specific to aquatics, and hold the team to the same standard. KEY SKILLS Aquatic operations expertise pool chemistry, water quality, facility systems and preventive maintenance. Risk management and regulatory compliance across multiple sites. Staff recruitment, training, supervision and certification management. Program development and quality assurance for swim lessons, water fitness, competitive and therapeutic aquatics. Budget development, administration and data-informed decision making. Clear, timely communication and relationship building with staff, members and community partners. Ability to relate effectively to people from all social and economic segments of the communities we serve. AI fluency ability to leverage artificial intelligence tools to strengthen scheduling, analysis, training and operational efficiency. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors degree in Recreation, Health, Physical Education or a related field. 5+ years of aquatic leadership experience required; YMCA aquatics experience preferred. CPO certification preferred. Current YMCA or ARC Lifeguarding, plus CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen Administration. Completion of YMCA trainer certifications: YMCA Lifeguard Instructor, YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor and Water Fitness Instructor. Experience in personnel supervision, recruitment, training and development of staff and volunteers. Skills in budget development and administration, planning and program development preferred.