The Aquatics & Safety Coordinator is responsible for the administration and management of a comprehensive aquatics & safety program, which includes aquatics and safety programming, and aquatic facility management and operations. This position provides oversight of departmental risk management. This position encompasses a wide variety of administrative and supervisory duties in the areas of personnel management, budget development & monitoring, facility operations, risk management, policy and procedures development, program administration, and program assessment and evaluation. The Aquatics & Safety Coordinator directly supervises and provides leadership for lifeguards, head lifeguards, water safety instructors, lifeguard instructors, CPR instructors, and Graduate Administrator for Aquatics, and reports to the Assistant Director for Facility Operations & Aquatics.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

Personnel Management (30%): 

• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule, supervise, develop and evaluate all employees reporting to the Aquatics & Safety Coordinator, including lifeguards, head lifeguards, water safety instructors, lifeguard instructors, and CPR instructors. 
• Provide leadership to a staff of one Graduate Administrator for Aquatics. 
• Effectively communicate department, Division, and University mission, vision, values, and goals to staff.
• Create an environment promoting and fostering student learning and development, and establish a staff culture that supports RecWell mission and values.  
• Support the training and development of Graduate Administrator for Aquatics by establishing individual and programmatic goals, routinely providing feedback on programmatic performance and identifying specific areas for continued development. 
• Ensure consistent and quality service standards are met.
• Regularly monitor staff time and verify payroll.  
• Revise employee training materials and operating manuals annually.

Aquatic & Safety Programs (25%):  

• Plan, implement, and manage a comprehensive aquatics and safety program to include a diverse array of offerings to meet the needs of the campus community.  
• Coordinate formal and informal aquatics & safety programming, including learn-to-swim, aquatic certification courses, CPR/AED/First Aid certification courses, lap swimming, and recreational aquatic activities.  
• Collaborate with RecWell staff and campus partners to increase programmatic opportunities, such as water exercise, kayak clinics, and special events. 
• Ensure programs are appropriately staffed to meet industry standards; some direct teaching and instruction where qualified is expected.  

Risk Management (20%): 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate an effective risk management plan for the department.
• Serve as the Chair for the Departmental Risk Management Committee.
• Create, revise, and implement a comprehensive risk management plan for the aquatic program that includes staff training, certification requirements, program management, regular audits, emergency action plans, and appropriate documentation.
• Ensure aquatic staff have the appropriate aquatic certifications and have met in-service standards.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of activities, facilities, and equipment and report work order needs to the appropriate person.   

Facility Management (5%):  

• Manage day-to-day operations of both the Cary Street Gym and MCV Campus aquatic facilities.
• Collaborate with the Facility Maintenance team to identify, plan, and coordinate regular routine aquatic facility maintenance, emergency maintenance, and work requests.
• Assist in the scheduling of all aquatic facilities, including internal programming and rentals.  
• Create a culture of customer service for the aquatics staff. 
• Communicate any closures or events that may impact informal use of aquatic facilities. 
• Assist in resolving participant conduct problems according to department guidelines. 
• Serve as part of the on-site/on-call team, providing regular evening and weekend supervisory support.

Program Promotion/Public Relations (5%): 

• Assist with the development of strategies to publicize and promote programmatic offerings in areas of responsibilities.
• Provide information in an accurate and timely manner to the marketing and communications team for the creation of marketing and promotional materials. 
• Ensure effective communication of special events to RecWell staff, members, and the University Community.

Fiscal/Statistical/Database/Equipment Management (10%):  

• Participate in the departmental budget allocation process by forecasting projected expenditures, identifying long-term capital improvement projects, and setting revenue projections for all programming areas.
• Monitor the annual budgets for programming areas, including projecting operational needs, approving purchases, and monitoring spending. 
• Establish and meet revenue goals for aquatic & safety programs.
• Prepare, analyze and report participation statistics and assist with program evaluations and assessments in areas of responsibility. 
• Conduct regular equipment inventories.
• Assist in long range fiscal planning.

General Administration (5%):  

• Assist with articulating the vision for the department.
• Collaborate with campus partners within the Division of Student Affairs and academic units to develop and implement programs and events that contribute to student success.
• Serve as the departmental liaison with key internal and external partners and academic units, as well as serve on various external committees within the institution and professional organizations. 
• Serve on RecWell committees and work teams. 
• Investigate new and emerging trends and explore opportunities for growth within recreational programming.
• Maintain professional skill sets and certifications as appropriate for job responsibilities and as a professional.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or Supervisor. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree; prefer degree in recreation, physical education or related field.
  
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
  
• Two (2) years of experience in a position requiring similar responsibilities. Time spent working as a graduate assistant or paraprofessional may be counted toward this requirement.
  
• Demonstrated experience in all aspects of personnel management and staff development; ability to motivate and supervise staff.
  
• Demonstrated experience in pool operations, aquatics programming, and facility management.
  
• Demonstrated administrative skills in budget development and fiscal/statistical management; planning, implementing and evaluating programs; risk management.
  
• Ability to take initiative, problem solve and meet deadlines.
  
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certification or ability to obtain.
  
• Current Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor Certifications or ability to obtain.
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.
  
• Ability to lift and handle physical equipment set-ups for various activities.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree; prefer degree in recreation or related field.
  
• Instructor Trainer certifications in Lifeguard Training and Water Safety or ability to obtain.
  
• Certified Pool Operator, Aquatic Facility Operator, or similar pool operator’s license or ability to obtain.
• Experience working in a university/college recreational sports setting.
• Ability to function independently and as a member of a team in a constantly changing environment
• Ability to obtain additional certifications related to position responsibilities

 Other requirements:

• Position involves working regular evenings and weekends
  
• Position is located in a non-smoking work area
  
  

Apply online at: https://vcu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/404?c=vcu 

Start date is flexible. 

Contact Amanda Simmons (alsimmons@vcu.edu), Interim Associate Director for Facilities, with any questions.