Fixed Term 1 Year

Start - September 2025

This position reports to the General Manager, Community & Corporate Program Development and focuses on developing and enhancing aquatic and lifesaving programs across the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. Working closely with the Aquatic Program Director, the Specialist ensures exceptional member experiences, supports program execution, fosters a healthy team dynamic, and contributes to the overall goals of building healthy communities.

Why work at the Y?

• Great people and dynamic work environment
• We pay most of your benefit premiums
• Complimentary individual Y membership
• 5% employer-matching pension plan
• Many opportunities for growth & advancement

Are you the right fit?

Program Development

• Develop and oversee aquatic programs across YMCA-YWCA Community Hubs.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA Canada, Lifesaving Society, and provincial standards.
• Support goal setting, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Certify and train instructors to deliver high-quality, safe programming.
• Foster innovative, community-focused aquatic programs for all ages.
• Collaborate with Hub Managers and Aquatic Directors to meet program priorities.
• Provide instruction for advanced aquatics and lifesaving courses as needed.
• Backfill leadership roles during vacancies.

Finance

• Work with the leadership team to support the development of the annual program budget.
• Help ensure the financial sustainability of Community Hub operations and the overall Association.

People & Culture

• Foster a positive, safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace, providing mentorship, coaching, and professional development to support staff growth.

What else do you need?

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in aquatic program development and delivery.
• Post-secondary education or course work in Recreation, Kinesiology, or related program. Experience will be considered in lieu of educational requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, welcoming cultures.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong decision making, problem solving, and analytical skills
• Standard First Aid or Aquatic Emergency Care certification (current)
• NL (National Lifeguard) Certification
• YSI (YMCA Swim Instructor) or equivalent
• LSI (Lifesaving Instructor)
• FAI (First Aid Instructor)
• YMCA Aquatic Trainer (in progress/to obtain)
• YMCA Aquatic Trainer Educator (to be obtained based on YMCA Canada program availability)
• YMCA Champion (in progress/to obtain)
• Clear Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Abuse Registry Check

Assets:

• NLI (National Lifeguard Instructor) & LSI IT (Lifesaving Trainer)

Application Deadline: August 29, 2025

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

The Y is committed to providing an inclusive environment where diversity is welcomed and encouraged. If you require accommodation during any part of the recruitment or selection process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This includes providing you with alternate formats of job postings.

Contact hr@ymanitoba.ca

The Y is entrusted to provide a safe environment for children and vulnerable individuals. All applicants will be thoroughly screened through a review process including Police Record Checks with Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Abuse Registry Checks.

Experience

Required

• YSI (YMCA Swim Instructor) or equivalent instructor certification
• Post-secondary education or course work in Recreation, Kinesiology, or related program. Experience will be considered in lieu of educational requirements
• 5 year(s): Aquatic program development and delivery

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Lifesaving Instructor
• First Aid Instructor
• National Lifeguard
• CPR C
• Standard First Aid

Preferred

• Aquatic Emergency Care