Competitive Aquatics Director – Lehigh Valley Region of the River Crossing YMCA

Applications due 07/16/26

Job Description:

Date posted: June 18, 2026

Location: Nazareth YMCA, South Main Street, Nazareth, PA, USA

Competitive Aquatics Director – Lehigh Valley Region

Location: Nazareth, PA
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000

Lead, Inspire, and Shape the Future of Competitive Swimming

River Crossing YMCA is seeking an experienced and passionate Competitive Aquatics Director to lead competitive swimming in the Lehigh Valley Region. This position serves as the Head Coach for the Nazareth Bluefins while providing leadership, support, and oversight for the Bethlehem Stars program.

This is an exciting opportunity for a coach and leader who is committed to athlete development, staff mentorship, program growth, and building a culture of excellence across multiple YMCA branches.

The Lehigh Valley Region is home to two established and growing competitive swim programs with a strong history of athlete achievement and community engagement. The Competitive Aquatics Director will work closely with coaches, families, and YMCA leadership to strengthen both programs while creating a unified vision for competitive swimming throughout the region.

In addition, both teams will be founding participants in the newly established River Crossing YMCA Swim League beginning with the 2026-2027 season. This innovative league will bring together River Crossing YMCA swim teams in a competitive environment focused on athlete development, meaningful competition, and YMCA values. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help shape the future of competitive swimming within one of the region’s largest YMCA associations.

Why Join River Crossing YMCA?

  • Free YMCA membership with access to all branches
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Discounts on child care and summer camp programs
  • Retirement benefits and planning support
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Six paid holidays annually
  • Supplemental insurance options
  • Professional development and growth opportunities

Qualifications

  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
  • Competitive swim coaching experience preferred
  • Swim lesson instruction experience preferred
  • Pool management or aquatics administration experience preferred
  • Previous YMCA experience preferred
  • Experience working with nonprofit or volunteer-based organizations preferred
  • Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related technology
  • Ability to work weekday afternoons/evenings and attend weekend swim meets

Required Certifications

  • USA Swimming Coach Certification
  • YMCA Swim Coach Certification

Essential Responsibilities

Program Leadership

  • Serve as Head Coach for the Nazareth Bluefins swim team
  • Provide leadership, oversight, and support for the Bethlehem Stars swim team program
  • Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate coaching staff across the region
  • Foster a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, accountability, and inclusion
  • Support athlete development at all levels of the program
  • Assist with team recruitment, retention, and member engagement initiatives

Aquatics Operations

  • Collaborate with branch leadership to ensure effective pool scheduling and usage
  • Promote a positive experience for all aquatic participants, including swim team members, lesson participants, and recreational users
  • Ensure pool and deck areas remain safe, clean, and well-maintained
  • Enforce YMCA policies, pool rules, and safety procedures

Safety & Member Service

  • Respond appropriately to emergencies, incidents, and member concerns
  • Complete all accident and incident reports accurately and promptly
  • Anticipate and minimize potential risks within the aquatic environment
  • Deliver exceptional service to athletes, families, members, and staff

Communication & Administration

  • Maintain proactive communication with swimmers, families, coaches, and YMCA leadership
  • Respond promptly to member inquiries, concerns, and feedback
  • Support special events, swim meets, and other branch initiatives as needed
  • Collaborate with association leadership to advance strategic goals for competitive aquatics

What You Can Expect

  • A supportive and collaborative leadership team
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
  • Meaningful work that strengthens the community
  • The opportunity to lead and influence multiple competitive swim programs
  • The chance to help shape the future of the River Crossing YMCA Swim League
  • A rewarding role that positively impacts young athletes and families every day

River Crossing YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

If you’re passionate about competitive swimming, leadership, and youth development, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Ready to Make an Impact?

Applications must be submitted through the River Crossing YMCA careers portal:

https://myjobs.adp.com/rcymcaexternal/cx/job-listing

Questions about the position, program vision, or growth opportunities are welcome. Please contact:

Lou Petto
Senior Director of Competitive Aquatics
River Crossing YMCA
[email protected]

Apply today and help shape the next generation of swimmers while leading the growth of competitive swimming throughout the Lehigh Valley Region.

Contact Information

Lou Petto