Aquatics Director

Position Overview

The Aquatics Director is a pivotal leadership role that reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for the strategic vision and operational excellence of the District's aquatic facilities and programs. This position serves as a primary partner to the Executive Director in advancing the District's mission to equitably provide high-quality recreation to all islanders and visitors. The Aquatics Director is essential to achieving the District's vision of supporting a "culture of health, safety, and wellness" on Vashon while ensuring programs serve all demographics. Furthermore, the Aquatic Director supports the Executive Director in safeguarding the Districts financial and organizational health through strong leadership and team building, aggressive grant administration, and leading with environmental stewardship in all facility operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Staff Management & Professional Development (25%)

• Recruitment & Supervision: Recruit, hire, and supervise a dedicated staff of lifeguards and instructors, ensuring the pool is an attractive employer.
• Training & Safety: Provide and coordinate mandatory training in lifeguard protocols, CPR/AED, water safety, and high-level customer service.
• Culture Building: Foster a positive, cooperative, and respectful organizational culture that values staff strength and well-being.

2. Capital Project Management & Grant Administration (25%)

• Grant Leadership: Serve as a key person in identifying and managing grant administration for aquatic projects, assisting the District in aggressively pursuing alternative funding through state, county, and special interest programs.
• Construction Oversight: With support from the Executive Director, provide direct contractor management and oversight for new pool construction and significant capital projects, including the installation of a permanent retractable roof.
• Asset Preservation: Prioritize capital improvements based on pressing asset preservation needs and compliance with current safety, liability, and regulatory code requirements.
• Technical Coordination: Work with specialized architectural and engineering firms to manage facility evaluations and implement infrastructure upgrades.

3. Promotion, Awareness & Community Engagement (25%)

• Pool Promotion: Actively lead efforts to increase the promotion and community awareness of the pool's recreational and instructional programs.
• Strategic Marketing: Design and implement marketing strategies that reach all island demographics, specifically addressing the high community demand for swim lessons, lap swimming and other water-based activities.
• Partnership Building: Prioritize and maintain community partnerships to expand District capacity and variety of programming.

4. Operational Leadership & Program Development (25%)

• Program Innovation: Enhance and expand recreation programsincluding open swim, lap swim, and water aerobicsin line with community demographic interests and health trends. This includes designing, planning, and staffing programs.
• Equitable Access: Address and offer ideas to eliminate physical or financial barriers to program participation to ensure the pool serves all islanders equitably.
• Financial Oversight: Prepare and manage the annual aquatics budget, setting benchmarks for income and expenses to safeguard the Districts financial health and security.
• Standard Setting: Maintain the facility to the highest quality standards of safety, function, and beauty.

5 . Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2 years in an aquatic facility supervisory or leadership role.
• Certifications: Must hold Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) or Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification, Basic Lifeguard Certification, First Aid, and Adult/Pediatric CPR and AED. All certifications are due within 1 year of employment.
• Project Skills: Experience in project management or public facility administrative oversight.