Supervisor, Aquatics & Child/Youth Programs
About the role
**Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people!**At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
About the Role:
The Supervisor, Aquatics & Child/Youth Programs plays a key leadership role in shaping exceptional experiences for children, youth, and families across our YMCA community. This unique dual‑department position offers the opportunity to lead two dynamic program areas, influence cross‑center operations, and mentor emerging leaders in both Aquatics and Child/Youth services.
You will provide strategic oversight, hands‑on coaching, and operational excellence across assigned centers—ensuring safe, high‑quality programs that reflect our Family unique value proposition (UVP) and support strong membership growth. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, people‑centered leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is passionate about developing staff and strengthening community impact.
This position offers the rare opportunity to leadtwo high‑impact program areas—Aquatics and Child/Youth—while influencing the member experience across our downtown center. You’ll mentor diverse teams, innovate programs, and help shape the next generation of YMCA leaders. If you’re energized by variety, collaboration, and meaningful community impact, this role offers a rewarding path for growth.
Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to staff and volunteers through role modeling, relationship building, and The Y Way Service Standards.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Aquatics Operations Coordinator, Child & Youth staff, and Day Camp Coordinators.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing performance development to build engaged, motivated, and high‑performing teams.
- Ensure staffing plans and timelines support program quality, member satisfaction, and growth.
Operational Excellence & Program Quality
- Collaborate with Program Managers and Branch General Managers on annual budget planning; monitor financial performance and implement approved strategies.
- Ensure all programs operate in a safe, supportive environment by following YMCA Health, Safety, Child Protection, and Emergency procedures.
- Monitor and respond to emerging risk issues, ensuring compliance with pool standards, regulations, and best practices.
- Identify facility or equipment needs and support annual replacement or refurbishment plans.
Program Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Work with Program Managers to ensure programs evolve with YMCA Canada updates, industry trends, community needs, and best practices.
- Lead ongoing evaluation of Swim Programs, ensuring accessibility, progression, and high‑quality instruction.
- Maintain a continuous improvement plan to elevate sessional swimming lessons and overall member experience.
- Ensure administrative systems and YMCA technology are used effectively and consistently to support member convenience and operational efficiency.
Community Engagement & Relationship Building
- Build and maintain strong community partnerships that enhance program delivery and support integrated services.
- Promote programs to achieve participation and financial targets while strengthening the YMCA’s presence and impact in the community.
- Respond promptly to incidents and emergencies in accordance with YMCA policies, completing required reports and recommendations.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a program leadership capacity including experience in program management, budgeting and administration.
- University degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Education, or related experience an asset.
- Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector check.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office and other forms of technology effectively.
- Flexible work schedule – including early mornings, evenings, weekends and stat holidays .
Certifications
- Obtain Lifesaving Swim Instructor (LSI) and YMCA Champion - Aquatics within 1 year of hire date.
- Obtain Oxygen Administration (O2) within 6 months of hire date.
- NCCP FMS (Fundamental Movement Skills) and HIGH Five Certification is considered an asset.
- Familiar with Pool Standards and Regulations for operating an aquatics facility is an asset.
- Intermediate First Aid & CPR-C, Leadership Certification in Aquatic Supervisor Training (AST), National Lifeguard Instructor (NLI) or First Aid Instructor (FAI) is an asset.
- Aquatics Emergency Care (AEC) and National Coaching Certification (NCCP) are an asset.
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.
**Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:**Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Not the right fit? Search for Supervisor, Aquatics & Child/Youth Programs jobs in Edmonton, AB
About YMCA of Northern Alberta
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charitable, mission based organization dedicated to the development of thousands of people in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA has responded to urgent community issues since 1907 by addressing several of the key social determinants of health—including education, housing, physical health and well-being—the YMCA is committed to building healthy families, children and communities. YMCA staff and volunteers work together to provide important programs for children, youth, adults and families; working in a holistic and strategic manner to support participants in achieving their goals.
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Supervisor, Aquatics & Child/Youth Programs
About the role
**Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people!**At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
About the Role:
The Supervisor, Aquatics & Child/Youth Programs plays a key leadership role in shaping exceptional experiences for children, youth, and families across our YMCA community. This unique dual‑department position offers the opportunity to lead two dynamic program areas, influence cross‑center operations, and mentor emerging leaders in both Aquatics and Child/Youth services.
You will provide strategic oversight, hands‑on coaching, and operational excellence across assigned centers—ensuring safe, high‑quality programs that reflect our Family unique value proposition (UVP) and support strong membership growth. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, people‑centered leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is passionate about developing staff and strengthening community impact.
This position offers the rare opportunity to leadtwo high‑impact program areas—Aquatics and Child/Youth—while influencing the member experience across our downtown center. You’ll mentor diverse teams, innovate programs, and help shape the next generation of YMCA leaders. If you’re energized by variety, collaboration, and meaningful community impact, this role offers a rewarding path for growth.
Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to staff and volunteers through role modeling, relationship building, and The Y Way Service Standards.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Aquatics Operations Coordinator, Child & Youth staff, and Day Camp Coordinators.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing performance development to build engaged, motivated, and high‑performing teams.
- Ensure staffing plans and timelines support program quality, member satisfaction, and growth.
Operational Excellence & Program Quality
- Collaborate with Program Managers and Branch General Managers on annual budget planning; monitor financial performance and implement approved strategies.
- Ensure all programs operate in a safe, supportive environment by following YMCA Health, Safety, Child Protection, and Emergency procedures.
- Monitor and respond to emerging risk issues, ensuring compliance with pool standards, regulations, and best practices.
- Identify facility or equipment needs and support annual replacement or refurbishment plans.
Program Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Work with Program Managers to ensure programs evolve with YMCA Canada updates, industry trends, community needs, and best practices.
- Lead ongoing evaluation of Swim Programs, ensuring accessibility, progression, and high‑quality instruction.
- Maintain a continuous improvement plan to elevate sessional swimming lessons and overall member experience.
- Ensure administrative systems and YMCA technology are used effectively and consistently to support member convenience and operational efficiency.
Community Engagement & Relationship Building
- Build and maintain strong community partnerships that enhance program delivery and support integrated services.
- Promote programs to achieve participation and financial targets while strengthening the YMCA’s presence and impact in the community.
- Respond promptly to incidents and emergencies in accordance with YMCA policies, completing required reports and recommendations.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a program leadership capacity including experience in program management, budgeting and administration.
- University degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Education, or related experience an asset.
- Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector check.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office and other forms of technology effectively.
- Flexible work schedule – including early mornings, evenings, weekends and stat holidays .
Certifications
- Obtain Lifesaving Swim Instructor (LSI) and YMCA Champion - Aquatics within 1 year of hire date.
- Obtain Oxygen Administration (O2) within 6 months of hire date.
- NCCP FMS (Fundamental Movement Skills) and HIGH Five Certification is considered an asset.
- Familiar with Pool Standards and Regulations for operating an aquatics facility is an asset.
- Intermediate First Aid & CPR-C, Leadership Certification in Aquatic Supervisor Training (AST), National Lifeguard Instructor (NLI) or First Aid Instructor (FAI) is an asset.
- Aquatics Emergency Care (AEC) and National Coaching Certification (NCCP) are an asset.
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.
**Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:**Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Not the right fit? Search for Supervisor, Aquatics & Child/Youth Programs jobs in Edmonton, AB
About YMCA of Northern Alberta
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charitable, mission based organization dedicated to the development of thousands of people in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA has responded to urgent community issues since 1907 by addressing several of the key social determinants of health—including education, housing, physical health and well-being—the YMCA is committed to building healthy families, children and communities. YMCA staff and volunteers work together to provide important programs for children, youth, adults and families; working in a holistic and strategic manner to support participants in achieving their goals.