The Y in Central Maryland·Baltimore, Maryland
As a Y Swim Director, you will develop, organize, and implement high-quality swim programs while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. You will also recruit, hire, train, and direct staff and volunteers to maintain daily pool operations.
Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.
At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA.
We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement.
Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Swim Director is responsible for providing Cause-Driven management and operations to the Aquatic and Youth and Family Experience including: Aquatics programming, family programming, site operations, and a leadership role in the annual support campaign. Day-to-day operations include staff supervision, fiscal control, program development, program area facility management/maintenance, program optimization/fulfillment, and volunteer development. The Swim Director is also responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and leading their staff team in superior levels of member service and engagement. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Directs and supervises swim activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YCM objectives. Establishes new program activities and expands programs within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers as needed within swim Reviews and evaluates associate performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete. Ability to perform all functions as those they supervise and maintain qualifications and certifications of Lifeguard and Swim Instructor. Trainer level certifications in lifeguarding and swim instruction will be required within 120 days of employment. Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local and Y health and safety regulations and maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance. Conducts lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid and CPR training. Creates and schedules swim lessons, water fitness classes and pool rentals. Collaborates with swim team operations and initiatives. Plans, develops and implements youth and family development programs within Association guidelines and Strategic Plan. Develops, produces and distributes program information necessary to promote assigned programs in accordance with association marketing plans. Effectively coordinate facility usage for assigned programs and activities. Create and implement age appropriate activities that drive member retention and engagement. Foster a positive environment for families, children, and peers Ensure high quality programs through innovative program development, participant/member feedback and surveys. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in programs. Develops and monitors aquatic and program budgets to meet fiscal objectives. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner. Maintain high quality standards adhering to or surpassing association standards, and care and maintenance of program facility and equipment. Plan, develop, direct and monitor an effective system of communication with program and management staff regarding progress, plans and problems. Provide leadership and support for center management team, annual support campaign, and volunteer committees/boards as assigned. Attend and actively participate in Swim & Family Product Team meetings and other meetings as assigned. Implement Association best practices and policies as it relates to operations including purchasing, payroll, reporting, business management, record keeping Participate in successful annual support campaign and provide leadership to staff giving and engagement Incorporate the four character values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility and adhere to the CMY Code of Conduct Assist in all other areas as assigned.
Advancing Our Mission & Cause - Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community Building Relationships - Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs Leading Operations - Ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community Developing & Inspiring People - Support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact
EDUCATION A Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management/ Recreation/Health Sciences or related field is preferred Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, First Aid, YMCA Lifeguarding or Red Cross Lifeguarding (instructor level preferred). Required to have trainer certifications in CPR, AED, O2, Lifeguard Instructor and Swim Instructor and Certified Pool Operator (CPO) within 120 days of hire
EXPERIENCE 3-5 years supervisory experience and 2 or more years in supervision of aquatic and/or program operations at a Y or similar fitness/youth development operation. Supervision of swim team operations preferred. At least 21 years or older SKILLS Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards Flexible Schedule, days, nights and weekends – this position requires a significant amount of evening and weekend attendance and Leader on Duty Shifts. Proficient computer skills
Stand in one area for extended periods of time. Stand and walk for extended periods of time. Ascend and descend steps. Occasional outdoor activities. Lift and move up to 50lbs.
Physical
DEMANDS: Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds. While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions. Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking. Will be exposed to cleaning supplies. Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time. Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications. An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position. They may include a background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check. Additional driver’s license check, CPS, Criminal Background check, alcohol and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and maintain the minimum requirements of this position. The Y in Central Maryland provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment. Moreover, the Y is firmly committed to celebrating and achieving diversity and inclusion in all we do. We strive to be an anti-racist organization and expect all associates to treat others with respect, kindness and dignity, at all times. Thank you for considering working for the Y in Central Maryland. If being a part of our cause feels right for you, we hope you will join us.
All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.
Candidates should have at least one year of supervisory experience in lifeguarding or swim instruction and a passion for helping others learn to swim. A willingness to obtain necessary certifications is required, and applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Market context
In Maryland, Swim Director roles often attract candidates with lifeguarding, swim instruction, and team leadership experience, especially when programs need reliable supervision and safety-focused operations. This position is competitive because it combines instructional leadership, certification readiness, and youth or community service experience; the listed requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time. If you apply, confirm your supervisory background and be ready to outline how you would support staff training and swim skill development.