Assistant Director, Aquatics

Kent, Ohio, Kent State University Recreation and Wellness Services is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Director, Aquatics. (Position #993789) . Applications will only be accepted through the Kent State University jobs website . The application deadline for this position is Sunday, November 1, 2026. For more information about Kent State University Recreation and Wellness Services, please visit https://www.kent.edu/recwell . Basic Function: Assist in directing the daily operations and programmatic needs of the Natatorium. Reports to Senior Associate Director, Recreation and Wellness Services. Examples of Duties: Duties / essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Coordinate the daily operations of Aquatics programming including youth swim team, Learn-to-Swim, private swim lessons, and American Red Cross safety classes.

Hire, train, and supervise Aquatics student staff; supervise full-time Pool Technician.

Participate in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.

Plan monitor, and maintain program budget; prepare and maintain program reports and records.

Review programs and services to ensure safety and risk management practices are followed and make recommendations for enhancements; ensure completion of supervised employees’ required safety and risk management training.

Evaluate effectiveness of programs and services.

Provide operational and facility oversight of the Natatorium.

Provide maintenance support to the Natatorium, including backup support to the Pool Technician.

Assist with planning and conducting annual maintenance shutdown for department and area.

Plan, monitor, and maintain program budget; prepare and maintain program reports and records.

Responsible for maintaining all records and requirements specific to the Ohio Revised Code for swimming pool operations.

Review programs and services to ensure safety and risk management practices are followed and make recommendations for enhancements.

Provide departmental support of training and development initiatives.

Support department through safety and risk management education and training.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in sport administration, recreation administration, education, or a relevant field. Three years of experience in aquatics, to include at least one year in a supervisory or lead capacity.

License / Certification:

Required American Red Cross or equivalent certifications:

Lifeguarding (current or willing to obtain upon hiring)

Lifeguarding Instructor (current or willing to obtain upon hiring)

Certified Pool Operator Certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of employment

Knowledge Of:

Desktop office computing applications

Budgeting procedures

Best practices in recreation*

Risk and safety practices relative to recreation services *

Skill In:

Written, verbal and interpersonal communication *

Handling difficult situations involving conflict to patrons *

Interpreting and applying policies in a consistent manner

Managing multiple projects with a strict deadline *

The evaluation of programs/services and make recommendations *

Developing programs/services which are safe, inclusive and diverse

Ability To:

Manage people and projects

Work independently and as part of team

Mentor, train and instruct student employees

Work with diverse populations in an effective manner

Apply state and federal regulations applicable to the department (Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications - if applicable:

Master's degree in a relevant field

Certifications:

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor / Instructor Trainer

Assessments: Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies. Working Conditions / Physical Requirements: None. Working Schedule: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM, or otherwise discussed with your supervisor. Additional Information: Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind. Must pass a security check. For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free . Disclaimer: The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities. More about Recreation and Wellness Services at Kent State University: WHO WE ARE - We are committed to building communities of belonging by encouraging well-being through inclusive leadership, recreation, and wellness experiences. Our staff includes programmers, administrators and more than 250 student employees all focused on creating an outstanding experience for the people we serve. WHAT WE DO - Recreation and Wellness Services serves the Kent State University community. That community includes but is not limited to students, faculty, staff, and community members. We offer outdoor adventure programming, swim lessons, fitness classes, personal training, ice skating and hockey lessons, community sport leagues, paddling trips and so much more! WHERE WE'RE LOCATED - We are located on Kent State University’s Kent Campus in Kent, Ohio, which is in Northeast Ohio. Recreation and Wellness Services maintains several facilities across campus, including the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Ice Arena, Disc Golf course, outdoor courts, tennis courts, and outdoor sports fields. More about Kent State University: Kent State University is the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists by U.S. News & World Report. Kent State also holds the esteemed distinction of being one of only five institutions in Ohio to be recognized as an R1 top-tier research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. With eight campuses spanning Northeast Ohio, a College of Podiatric Medicine, a Twinsburg Academic Center and academic sites in locations around the globe – such as New York City; Florence, Italy; and Curitiba, Brazil – Kent State is one of Ohio’s leading public universities and a major educational, economic and cultural resource far beyond the Northeast Ohio region it has served since 1910. https://www.kent.edu/