Job Description:
Date posted: May 24, 2024
Location: Bakersfield, CA, USA
About the 661 Foundation
The 661 Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enabling infrastructure that promotes positive habits, creating and providing access to recreational facilities and activities, and improving community engagement, with a strong emphasis on supporting underserved and underprivileged youth and communities. We offer financial assistance and grants to charitable organizations and individuals, and develop programs that foster education, health, and community development.
Job Summary:
We’re seeking an Aquatics Director who is not just capable, but passionate about establishing and leading our non-profit organization’s inaugural swimming program at a brand-new 50-meter aquatics facility. Your role will extend beyond merely managing programs; you’ll be instrumental in shaping the very fabric of our aquatic community. From envisioning and implementing competitive swimming programs to fostering a culture of safety, excellence, and inclusivity, you’ll be the driving force behind our mission.
What we’re looking for:
We’re not just seeking an Aquatics Director; we’re on the lookout for A+ players, top-tier talent, individuals who are truly exceptional in their field. We want someone who sees this opportunity not just as a job, but as a career—a chance to leave a lasting impact on the community and the sport of swimming. We’re willing to invest in the best of the best, recognizing and rewarding excellence every step of the way.
Your mission:
Your primary mission will be to develop and implement a comprehensive range of competitive swimming programs, tailored to diverse ages and skill levels. From competitive swimming to diving and water polo, you’ll have the creative freedom to shape our offerings and elevate our community’s aquatic experience. With your business acumen and visionary leadership, you’ll steer our program towards success, setting the bar high for safety, instruction quality, and customer service.
Opportunities abound:
This isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to build something remarkable. As the Aquatics Director, you’ll have the chance to assemble and train a team of dedicated professionals who share your passion and vision. Together, you’ll not only achieve our immediate goals but also pave the way for future success on regional, state, and national levels.
About the facility:
Located on the campus of Highland High School, the Aquatic Center is also conveniently situated directly adjacent to an elementary school and a middle school, providing access to a population of 4,100 potential program participants all based within 200 yards of the facility. And that’s not even counting the other schools in the district. In addition to the olympic size pool, the facility features seating for 356 spectators, a full-color video display and scoreboard, competition lighting for optimal visibility during evening practices and events, and two 1 meter diving boards. Additionally, there will be boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, a 900-square-foot classroom equipped for swim clinics, workshops, and educational seminars, and an aquatics director office adjacent to the pool deck.
This brand-new facility was made possible by a Highland High School graduate who is the founder of the 661 Foundation. It stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to education and athletics in Kern County. Our state-of-the-art Aquatic Center boasts amenities designed to meet the highest standards of competitive swimming, including an Olympic-size pool.
With 8 lanes dedicated to long course swimming and an impressive 19 lanes for short course events, our facility offers unparalleled opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts alike to train, compete, and enjoy the water.
What you get to do:
- Program Development
- Develop and implement swimming programs for all ages and skill levels, including swim lessons and competitive swim teams.
- Create and implement the business plan.
- Act as liaison with school officials and school district, fostering a productive relationship.
- Staff Management
- Recruit, train, coach, schedule, and manage a team of lifeguards, swim instructors, and other swimming staff.
- Provide ongoing training and performance evaluations.
- Safety Compliance
- Ensure all safety protocols and procedures are followed, including lifeguard certifications, pool maintenance, and emergency response plans.
- Customer Service
- Provide exceptional customer service to members and guests, addressing concerns and inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Budget Management
- Develop and manage the swimming department budget, including revenue generation, expense control, and financial reporting.
- Marketing and Promotion
- Collaborate with the marketing team to promote swimming programs and events through various channels, including social media, website, and community outreach.
- Facility and Equipment Maintenance
- Coordinate with maintenance staff to ensure the swimming facilities are clean, safe, and properly maintained.
- Coordinate equipment procurement and other logistical needs to ensure effective team operations.
- Community Engagement:
- Foster positive relationships with local schools, swim clubs, and community organizations to promote participation in swimming programs and events.
What you bring to the role:
- Proven track record as a Swim Director or similar role, demonstrating the ability to create and implement comprehensive swimming programs tailored to diverse audiences. We are seeking a candidate who has successfully developed innovative and engaging programming that caters to individuals of all ages and skill levels, including swim lessons and competitive swim teams.
- Experience in curriculum development specific to swimming instruction, including designing lesson plans, skill progression frameworks, and evaluation criteria to ensure program effectiveness and participant satisfaction.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including management, instructors, coaches, and support staff, to align program objectives with organizational goals and priorities.
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Sports Administration, or a related field (preferred).
- Previous experience creating and establishing a swimming program or facility.
- Lifeguard certification and CPR/First Aid certification required.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of swimming techniques, safety procedures, and program development.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
- Passion for promoting swimming as a lifelong activity for health and recreation.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to swim proficiently and perform lifeguard duties as needed.
- Ability to lift and move equipment, including pool covers and lane lines.
- Comfortable working in an indoor or outdoor aquatic environment.
How to Apply
Apply via our Applicant Tracking System linked here.
Contact Information