ASSOCIATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Job Description

Job Description

Decatur Shelby County YMCA

Job Description

Job Title : Association Program Director

Original Date : 10 / 2 / 2025

Revised Date : 11 / 03 / 2025

Department : Aquatics

Reports To : Branch Executive Directors

Basic Functions and Scope of Responsibility

The Association Program Director is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational excellence of association-wide program areas including Aquatics, Sports, and supplemental Programs across the Decatur Shelby County YMCA. This role provides direction and oversight for the development, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality, mission-driven programs that serve community needs and advance the YMCA’s strategic goals. The Director ensures strong risk management, particularly in Aquatics, and provides leadership in staff supervision and development, facility and program operations, and budget management. In collaboration with branch leaders and community partners, the Association Program Director fosters innovative growth, community engagement, and consistent delivery of impactful services across both branches of the association.

Role Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and daily oversight for association-wide program areas including Aquatics, Sports, and supplemental Programs to ensure alignment with YMCA goals and community needs.

Ensure all Aquatics operations meet or exceed YMCA, state, and local health and safety regulations, serving as the association’s lead in Aquatics risk management.

Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff (full-time and part-time) and volunteers; develop a high-performing team culture across program areas.

Oversee fiscal management of program areas including budget development, payroll approval, and accurate reporting of certifications, risk management documentation, and participation data.

Collaborate with Executive Directors and other association leaders to develop, expand, and evaluate programs that increase community reach and engagement.

Build and maintain community partnerships that enhance association program offerings and visibility.

Ensure delivery of staff certifications and trainings in lifeguarding, swim instruction, CPR, emergency procedures, coaching standards, and other applicable areas.

Support facility and program space readiness, maintenance standards, and safe operations.

Collect and analyze participation and impact data; use results to drive program improvements.

Perform all other duties assigned by the CEO or Executive Branch Directors.

Education, Experience & Training

Must be 21 years of age

Bachelor's degree with three (3) years of successful aquatic management or equivalent experience

Two (2) years demonstrated experience in staff and team leadership

CPR / CPRO for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent, First Aid and Emergency Oxygen, or willingness to obtain within 30 days of employment

YMCA Aquatic Supervisor certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within 30 days of employment

Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certification at time of hire preferred

Must hold or can acquire Lifeguard Instructor certification within 90 days of hire

Lifeguard Instructor Trainer and Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer certifications preferred or achieved within 1 year of hire

Certified Pool Operator or equivalent preferred, or willingness to pursue within one year of hire

Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community

Core Competencies

Caring : Show a sincere concern for others

Honesty : Be truthful in what you say and do

Respect : Follow the golden rule

Responsibility : Be accountable for your promises and actions

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone / smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.

The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.

Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment in the aquatic environment.

Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. The job description is not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in the job classification. This document is not a contract and does not, in any way, alter the at-will employment relationship.

DSYMCA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity of expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.