Aquatics Director

Are you ready to make a splash in the world of aquatics and lead a team dedicated to promoting water safety, skill development, and community engagement? The YMCA of Rapid City is actively seeking a passionate individual to take on the role of Aquatics Director, a pivotal position responsible for the overall development, promotion, organization, supervision, and evaluation of YMCA aquatic activities and programs.

In this dynamic leadership role, reporting to the Operations Director, you will be the driving force behind creating an environment that aligns with the YMCA's mission and core values. You'll play a crucial part in shaping a culture where the community is strengthened through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

As the Aquatics Director, your responsibilities are multifaceted. You will be at the helm of developing, promoting, conducting, supervising, and evaluating a diverse range of aquatic instruction classes and programs. Your goal is to not only foster positive character development but also enhance skills across various age groups, making aquatics an engaging and enriching experience for families, youth, seniors, teens, and adults alike.

Beyond instructional programs, you will be instrumental in creating and supervising aquatic activities that resonate with the community, fostering enthusiasm, and garnering support for YMCA aquatics. Your strategic approach will contribute to the overarching vision of strengthening the community through a holistic approach to youth development, healthy living practices, and social responsibility.

Recruitment becomes a key aspect of your role, as you seek to bring on board the finest instructors and lifeguards. These individuals, under your guidance, will not only serve as guardians of safety but also as positive role models, ensuring the success and excellence of YMCA aquatic programs.

Training takes center stage, with a commitment to developing and ensuring the training of all YMCA aquatic volunteers and staff. This emphasis extends to upholding YMCA standards of excellence, where continuous improvement is not just encouraged but embedded in the very fabric of your leadership approach.

Safety is paramount, and you will ensure that all areas, including those in public view and storage spaces, are immaculately clean and organized. Compliance with local, state, and federal codes in all aquatic facilities becomes a routine part of your commitment to maintaining the highest standards.

Financial stewardship is another dimension of your role, where you will actively manage income and expenses to meet or exceed budget projections. The recruitment and retention of participants play a significant role in achieving this financial balance, as you work to promote new participants and ensure the continued engagement of existing ones.

Your leadership competencies, ranging from engaging the community to critical thinking and decision-making, will be integral to the success of the aquatics programs. Collaboration, effective communication, and program/project management will be the tools by which you shape a thriving aquatics community within the YMCA.

Qualifications for this role include a four-year degree in recreation, physical education, or a related field, or a minimum of six years of related field experience. Current certifications in lifeguard and swim instruction, preferably YMCA certifications, are essential. An advanced aquatic certification within one year of employment will further enhance your capacity to lead.

If you are ready to dive into a role that combines passion for aquatics with impactful leadership, the YMCA invites you to join as an Aquatics Director. This is not just a job; it's an opportunity to contribute to the YMCA movement and be at the forefront of building a stronger, safer, and more engaged community through aquatics. Apply now and be the driving force behind a wave of positive change!