Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Aquatics Program Coordinator supports the daily delivery of high-quality YMCA programs by providing hands-on leadership in assigned program areas, ensuring safe, engaging, and inclusive experiences for all participants. This role maintains a strong daily presence in program spaces, assists with logistics and communication, and builds positive relationships with members, families, and staff. The Coordinator supports program operations through direct service, administrative tasks, and collaboration with Program Directors, helping ensure smooth execution of activities and alignment with YMCA standards and mission.
This position is for an outdoor pool at the Meadowmont location of the Chapel Hill-Carborro YMCA.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Program Delivery
- Maintain a consistent daily presence in assigned program areas to ensure high-quality, safe, and engaging experiences for participants.
- Lead hands-on program activities, following established curriculum, schedules, and safety procedures.
- Support program logistics by preparing spaces, organizing materials, and ensuring equipment is clean, functional, and properly stored.
- Provide responsive, friendly service to members, participants, and families throughout daily program operations.
Participant Experience
- Build positive, welcoming relationships with participants, families, and members through proactive communication and attentive service.
- Address questions, concerns, and needs in a timely, professional manner, escalating issues to the Program Director when appropriate.
- Help create an inclusive, supportive environment where all participants feel safe, engaged, and connected.
Program Quality
- Ensure all assigned programs follow YMCA policies, safety standards, and risk-management procedures.
- Monitor program spaces for cleanliness, organization, and hazard prevention, addressing issues promptly.
- Assist with routine program evaluations by collecting feedback, tracking participation data, and reporting trends or concerns.
Communication & Collaboration
- Maintain regular, clear, and concise communication with Program Directors and other team members.
- Collaborate with staff across departments to support smooth operations, shared initiatives, and member engagement efforts.
- Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, volunteers, and families as appropriate to the program area.
Operational Support
- Assist with program registration processes, member inquiries, and general administrative tasks as assigned.
- Support the implementation of marketing, outreach, and engagement strategies to promote programs and increase participation.
- Follow established procedures for financial transactions, facility access, and program documentation when applicable to the role.
- Maintain a reliable, consistent work schedule that includes evenings and weekends based on program needs.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and the YMCA’s mission.
- This job description may be modified when appropriate by Human Resources.
Program Specific Responsibilities
- Build strong, positive relationships with members, participants, and staff by maintaining clear communication, supporting daily aquatics operations, and ensuring a welcoming, mission-driven environment.
- Lead hands-on aquatics programming by teaching swim lessons, lifeguarding, and assisting with other aquatic activities to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for all participants.
- Support staff readiness by orienting and training new lifeguards, developing monthly guard schedules, conducting skill and safety checks, and maintaining open communication with supervisors and aquatics staff.
- Oversee swim lesson operations by ensuring accurate scheduling, timely communication with families, proper progress reporting, and adherence to YMCA safety and instructional standards.
- Maintain pool safety and compliance by performing chemical tests, monitoring water quality, inspecting for hazards, completing required documentation, and responding to emergencies according to YMCA procedures.
- Assist the Aquatics Director with certification tracking, scheduling recertification classes, supporting staff meetings and in-service trainings, providing administrative support, and helping ensure departmental compliance with YMCA and association standards.
- Obtain and maintain required certifications within 30 days of hire: CPRO, Basic First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, Lifeguard Certification, and Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma or GED required and 1-2 years of related experience.
- Passion for building community and fostering meaningful relationships through programs and services.
- Experience supporting program delivery and staff development in a team-based environment.
- Ability to coordinate staff, programs, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting.
- Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions.
- Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred, but not required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Primarily office and program settings with frequent interaction in gyms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces.
- Moderate noise levels; may be louder during youth or community activities.
- Regular use of computer, phone, and other office technology.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching; occasional lifting or moving up to 40 lbs.
- Some work performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Flexible schedule required — may include early mornings, evenings, weekends.
- Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
- A clean driving record is required to meet YMCA insurance standards.
- Travel between branch and/or site locations, and to off-site meetings and events may be required.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.