Washington, D.C.
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Washington, D.C.
Springfield, IL
Los Angeles, California
Providence, RI
Posted: 29-Oct-25
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Full-time
Salary: $133,900-$140,000
Sector:
Internal Number: 2500583
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
Under the general direction of the Deputy Chief Program Officer, as a member of the Community Recreation executive team, the Director of Aquatics will be responsible for the overall quality and development of programs, policies, and procedures that allow for continual improvements and innovations throughout Park District Aquatics and Sailing programs. Performs related duties as required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
- Directly supervises division and unit managers within the Department of Aquatics including the Beaches & Pools and Sailing units.
- Provides direct oversight and recommendations for the operations of Park District beaches, pools and aquatics programs.
- Directs the standards of professionalism and expectations for the development of personnel through consistent staff monitoring and communication.
- Coordinates program delivery and oversee the collaborative work within the department as it relates to staffing, competitions, trainings, and events.
- Ensure safety of facilities, aquatics patrons and lifeguard teams.
- Identifies areas of need, potential development and growth opportunities for Aquatics programming.
- Ensure lifeguard training is current with a focus on water safety, water rescue, first aid and professionalism.
- Partners with various internal and external stakeholders to support and grow the departments aquatics programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree (master’s degree preferred) in Parks and Recreation, Public or Business Administration or similar area along with seven (7) years’ operational management experience working in a large-scale service delivery setting. Previous Aquatics, Water Safety and/or Lifeguard experience is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the structure of government and non-profit agencies. Strong aptitude in project management, data analytics and reporting. Ability to plan and administer operational budgets and reporting. Extensive administrative, management and leadership skills. Excellent public relations skills. Ability to prioritize projects and efficiently manage multiple demands under pressure. Strong communication skills. Excellent organization skills. Ability to use creativity and innovation in problem solving. Ability to work cooperatively with community organizations, institutions, and city agencies.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
This job requires the employee to frequently sit and talk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. May require swimming utilizing various stroke techniques and in various water settings. The employee is regularly required to stand and talk. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work is performed in an office setting, aquatics center, beaches and outdoor pool(s).
Disclaimer: This description should not be construed to contain every function & responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this position. Incumbents may be required to perform other duties as assigned by management.
As a full-time Chicago Park District employee, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
- 13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days in first year of employment).
- 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
- 4 paid personal days per year.
- 13 paid holidays per year.
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility).
- Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
- Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
- Optional pre-tax programs – Transit
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
- Free Admission to most Chicago museums.
Senior Executive Service EEO: Officials & Administrators FLSA: Exempt
Rate of Pay: $133,000.00 - $140,000.00 annually, based on qualifications and experience.