Job Description

Job Description:

The Assistant Director, Aquatic Center reports to the Associate Director, Facilities & Operations and provides leadership, strategic planning, administration, and day-to-day decision-making for the safe, efficient, effective, and engaging operation of the Aquatic Center within Well-being & Recreation in support of fostering university-wide well-being. Primary areas of supervision include overall facility operations, maintenance, personnel, risk management, collaborative partnering, sponsorships, and revenue generating programming. Overseeing certification area offering American Red Cross certification programs, including CPR at different levels, Lifeguarding and instructor classes. Providing CPR classes to student staff and campus partners. Supervision encompasses one graduate assistant and approximately 150 student employees focused on providing a safe and inclusive environment and delivering exceptional service to university and community stakeholders. In addition, the Assistant Director is expected to promote and facilitate effective communication and collaboration across all efforts of the department, university, and community partners. The Assistant Director provides leadership and education to staff on areas of expertise.

Facility Operations, Maintenance & Risk Management: Serves in the role of aquatic center facility manager/operator that creates, develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive aquatic center operation that includes facility and maintenance functions, systems and protocols, risk management and emergency response planning, and provides a safe, clean, quality user-oriented experience. Operation and oversight of filtration and facility systems, maintaining water quality and adequate sanitation/oxidation, ordering water treatment chemicals and making appropriate adjustments. Collecting and managing filtration data to insure compliance with heath department standards. Oversight for the ICA Swimming & Diving facility utilization. Additional responsibilities include management of the facility graduate assistant and student personnel, designing and delivering aquatic-related programming and events, and ensuring compliance with state laws and university/divisional/departmental policies and procedures. Regularly evaluates each aspect of the areas of oversight and compiles statistical data on assessment, operation and program evaluation, participation, and satisfaction to determine needs, areas of improvement. Establishes goals, and sets direction for strategic planning. Maintains current knowledge of trends and best practices to effectively execute Aquatic Center facility operations and programming to provide an inclusive experience that meets the needs of a diverse campus and surrounding community. Maintaining facility schedule and addressing user group needs, communicating with Reservation and Events on requested events and associated event details.

Staff Development, Teamwork & Inclusion: Hires, trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates graduate assistant, and 150 undergraduate student staff. Provides leadership and guidance, promoting teamwork, accountability, and integrity. Develops and maintains working relationships, and positively influences and motivates staff. Commits to intentional and ongoing professional development of all staff. Assess ways to improve workplace productivity and processes for improvement. Anticipates future needs of students, the unit, or the department and make proactive adjustments to staffing levels or structure to meet those needs. Facilitates inclusive processes of developing and implementing change that effects multiple entities. Educates and trains new and returning employees on all operations, policies and procedures, emergency and risk management, customer service, First Aid & CPR / AED and Lifeguarding, and general employee practices. Advocates for awareness, understanding and the diversity and inclusion of all people in Well-Being and Recreation facilities, programs, and communications. Creates a culture of feedback to improve on the team's operations and services. Encourages both employees and facility users and campus partners to view themselves as having potential to make meaningful contributions and to be engaged in their communities.

Resource Administration, Management & Stewardship: Responsibly manages university resources including but not limited to finances, people, operational systems and equipment/inventory. Continuously evaluates operation efficiency, maximizes the impact of available resources, and seeks opportunities to enhance and ensure the financial strength of Well-Being & Recreation. Develops and maintains annual operational plan and associated budgets. Supervise inventory management and control of equipment checkout by developing operational process and daily inventory management via department software, or other tracking practices. Compile and analyze statistical and fiscal data and other information for inclusion in monthly and/or annual reports or audits. Oversee retail and concession operations including resale and inventory management to ensure loss prevention and promote revenue via purchasing. Ensures that budgets comply within University and Department guidelines, policy, and procedures. Consistently monitors all revenue and expense budgets pertaining to area. Coordinates use of facilities with administrative staff to ensure proper and safe management and maintenance of all Aquatic Center programing facility space.

Patron Engagement, Program & Business Development: Create, develop and deliver on-going revenue generating programs and special events to support facility operations and increase patron engagement. This includes, but not limited to Certification and Learn-to Programs, Open Swim, Swim Meets, and special events. Generate and foster university development, alumni, corporate and community partnerships to maintain and expand development, sponsorships/advertisements, and facility reservation strategies. Support ICA Swimming & Diving team practice and swim meet operations and fan engagement activities. Maintain effective communication with all user groups of the facilities; stakeholders include but are not limited to Club & Intramural Sports, Academics, Event Services, student organizations, the Division of Student Affairs, Bobcat Swim Club, and other community organizations/entities. Serve as the point of contact for Aquatic Center patrons (current/new/potential) and the community to support inquiries and concerns. Collaborate with Reservation & Events to coordinate facility usage. Manage or facilitate conflicts or issues leading to a fair resolution. Supports efforts to provide consistent customer service to patrons. Develop new and continuous opportunities to engage patrons. Assist in supporting reservation and events to ensure quality customer experience and satisfaction.

Department & Student Affairs: Actively contributes as a staff member of the Department of Well-Being & Recreation and the Division of Student Affairs that upholds the framework of equity and social justice and the personal well-being of the university community. Provides leadership, promotes collaboration, and facilitates effective communication across all department, divisional, university and community partners. Maintains current knowledge of the University, its environment, purpose, and affairs to be prepared to respond to appropriate issues. Actively participates in professional development opportunities and maintains knowledge of current trends and best practices within area of responsibility. Advocates and promotes diversity and inclusivity through role and responsibilities in support of department, division, and university initiatives. Infuses socially just practices into the work, making sure programming and training sessions are inclusive and accessible to all students. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Recreation, Facilities and/or Sports Administration, Management, or related field of study
3 Years Related Work Experience
1 Years management/supervisory Experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Business, Recreation and/or Sports Administration, Management, or related field of study
NRPA Aquatic Facility/Pool Operator. WSI Certification. American Red Cross Instructor Trainer with ability to teach basic and instructor level courses in lifeguard training and lifeguard instructor; CPR and First Aid Instructor Certified, Safety Training for Swim Coaches preferred.

Planning Unit: Vice President for Student Affairs

Department: Aquatic Center

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position: Dottie Brown, brownd17@ohio.edu

Employment Type: full-time regular

Advertised Salary:

Pay is commensurate with qualifications. Employees also enjoy a generous benefits package such as one meal per work shift, paid holidays, sick time, personal time, a tuition waiver up to 100% for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan with up to a 14% company contribution, a 12-week parental leave program, and more. Additional information is available at  

About Ohio University

Ohio University is home to one of the nation’s friendliest and most picturesque campuses. But more importantly, it’s where you can become part of a two-century tradition of excellence and embark upon a rewarding career that will make a real difference. From teaching and research to admissions, facilities maintenance, and residence life, our faculty and staff propel Ohio University’s mission of helping students become their best selves. OHIO offers competitive compensation and outstanding benefits. For a complete list of employment opportunities, please visit University is an equal access/equal opportunity affirmative action institution. For more information about Ohio University’s policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, visit

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Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Work experience placement, Shift work,

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