Assistant Director of Aquatics and Safety Education

Reporting to the Associate Director of Project Management and Facility Operations, the Assistant Director of Aquatics and Safety Education oversees the organization and administration of aquatic spaces, including supervision of aquatic staff, and management of pool equipment. This position plays a critical role in creating a positive experience for users in our aquatic areas. Playing an important role in the safety of users, they have the responsibility of coordinating all external American Red Cross classes taught to those that are offered to the University community.

• Direct oversight of the UREC indoor and outdoor pools, and outdoor leisure river.
• Manage the Aquatic student supervisors and swim instructors.
• Supervises one coordinator.
• Guide and direct all reservations pertaining to our aquatic spaces per LSU policy.

Given the increased popularity of the outdoor pools, including the leisure river, this area has potential to be promoted as a destination area within UREC. The Assistant Director has an opportunity to develop intentional aquatic programming that highlights all UREC pools. This will require skills in aquatics programming and special consideration for promoting aquatics as an exciting wellness option to non-users.

Building off the previous success of the summer swim school program, the Assistant Director will enhance the curriculum to attract new campers while meeting the needs of returning participants. There is an opportunity to measure swim school success while considering the needs of various levels in planning offerings.

• Creative individual who appreciates traditional best practices in aquatics while advocating for change when necessary.
• Understands the importance of maintaining a safe and high-quality aquatics experience for our user.
• Can articulate and motivate student and professional staff of what it means to strive for excellence in their work.
• Able to communicate effectively across a variety of mediums and audiences.

Three priorities guide our work in the Division of Student Affairs. Foremost, we maintain a commitment to quality which is rooted in the belief that LSU students deserve our best effort. Every interaction we have with students should communicate care, relevance, polish, and attention to detail. We work to ensure every space, place, and staff-to-student interaction communicates a sense of home to students. Finally, we design programs, services, events, and experiences with everyone in mind. 

Ensures every aspect of the UREC aquatics program outputs including administrative tasks, implementation, and overall design exudes a high degree of quality. Sets quality as an expectation. Embraces and executes the marginal gains approach and seeks to improve all services, events, programs, and experiences in the department for continuous improvement every academic year. 

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 3 years of experience in an aquatic facility or 1 year of experience in an aquatic facility with a master’s degree. LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description. 

Master’s Degree in Sport Management, Parks and Recreation, Kinesiology, Higher Education, Business, Public Administration, or related field and 4 years of experience leading aquatics.Professional work experience in collegiate recreation, parks, and recreation, or applicable field. Experience in collegiate recreation managing a large, 40-60, part-time student staff. Working in a sport or recreation environment. 

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

American Red Cross Instructor Trainer for Lifeguards

Pool Operators Certification

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.