Supervisor, Aquatics and Children's Programming 

Location: Stratford YMCA, Stratford-Perth Region

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Tuesday – Saturday. Evenings and Weekends Required. 

Employment Type: Full Time Permanent 

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: July 2026 

Deadline to Apply: July 17, 2026 

Starting Rate or Range: $49,000 - $54,000

Total Rewards Package:  

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being. 

Time Away from Work

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Full-time team members start with:

• 3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases

• 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which the Y, matches. After three consecutive years of service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory for full-time employees.

Health, Dental, and Well-Being Benefits

The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a comprehensive group benefits package to full-time employees (starting 3 months after the start date), including:

• Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Paramedical services, Vision care

• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services

• A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers

• Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Role Overview:   

Who are we… 

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.  

We strive to be a great place to work so that all employees can live with purpose, passion, and potential to Shine On! This is where you come in.   

What will you do…

We are seeking a motivated and people centered leader who brings a genuine passion for building strong communities and understands the connection between strong leadership, staff engagement and member experience. As the Supervisor of Aquatics and Children’s Programs, you will lead and inspire teams with purpose and care, foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, and guide the delivery of high-quality programs that create meaningful experiences for children, youth, families, and members at the Stratford YMCA. 

• You will guide the day-to-day delivery of aquatics and children’s programs by mentoring staff and responding to community needs. You will use participation trends and program insights to support continuous improvement and program growth. 
• You will lead with a coaching mindset, supporting and developing staff and volunteers through mentorship, feedback, and hands-on leadership. Your on-deck and in-program presence during peak evening and weekend hours will help build strong teams, positive culture, and ensure consistent program delivery. 
• You will champion safety and quality by ensuring all aquatic programs operate in full compliance with YMCA standards, policies, and all applicable Ontario legislation and public health requirements. This includes maintaining pool water quality standards, proper handling and storage of pool chemicals, WHMIS compliance, and adherence to Occupational Health & Safety regulations 
• You will support the delivery of the YMCA Swim program, aquatic leadership programs, recreational aquatics, and children’s programs, helping participants of all ages build skills, confidence, and connection. 
• You will facilitate staff trainings quarterly in-service trainings and professional learning opportunities. You will manage operational and administrative responsibilities, including program schedules, staffing schedules, payroll submissions, and record keeping. 
• You will work within established program budgets by support revenue growth through balancing financial accountability with expense management.  
• You will build strong, meaningful relationships with members, families, staff, and colleagues across the Association, acting as a key point of contact while ensuring clear, timely, and respectful communication. 
• You will work a Tuesday to Saturday schedule, providing consistent leadership coverage during peak operational hours, including Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with flexibility to support program and operational needs. 
• As part of this role, you will also provide direct program delivery for a minimum of 10–15 hours per week, building relationships, and mentoring staff through active leadership.

What will you bring… 

• 2–3 years of progressive supervisory experience in Aquatics, along with post secondary education in a related field or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience. 
• Strong leadership skills rooted in coaching, development, and relationship building, creating a positive workplace culture through regular feedback, support, and investment in staff and volunteer growth, while empowering teams to deliver high quality programs. 
• You will bring current aquatic certifications, including National Lifeguard, Standard First Aid with CPR and AED, Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Instructor. 
• Aquatic Supervisor Training, advanced Aquatic Leadership certifications (Bronze Examiner, First Aid Instructor/Examiner, NL Instructor/Examiner, YMCA Champion and LSS Examiner Mentor), Aquatic Fitness Instructor and Certified Pool Operator are considered a strong asset. 
• You will bring a solid understanding of aquatic safety standards, risk management practices, and emergency response procedures, with the ability to lead teams in maintaining safe and welcoming program environments. 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, balancing staffing needs, program delivery, and operational demands in a fast paced environment. 
• Effective communication skills and a people first approach that values respect, empathy, and inclusion, enabling you to build meaningful relationships and collaborate effectively with staff, members, and community partners.  

You will bring a commitment to the YMCA’s mission and values and an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check, along with a genuine passion for community, strong leadership and problem‑solving skills, confidence in leading large teams, and the motivation to deliver meaningful program experiences. 

This role requires regular travel across the region, which may not always be easily accessible through public transit. The employee must be able to arrange their transportation to these sites. A valid G driver’s license and full-time vehicle access are strongly recommended.

Additional Information: 

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Youth 

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - are considered in the decision-making process, in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) 

We embrace the values of justice, access, inclusion, diversity, and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity-deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting.  We understand that knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. 

Our Commitment to Privacy 

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws.  We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices in keeping with privacy laws.  Please visit our website [https://www.ymcathreerivers.ca/privacy] for more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy.  

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted. 

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page [https://www.ymcathreerivers.ca/careers].