Job Description

LOPEZ SWIM CENTER

SWIM CENTER/AQUATIC DIRECTOR

Lopez Island, WA

March 21, 2025

 Organization:            Lopez Swim Center | Friends of Lopez Island Pool (FLIP)

Location:                    Lopez Island, Washington

Reports to:FLIP Board of Directors

Position Type:           Full-time

Salary Range:$75,000-$85,000; commensurate with experience

OVERVIEW:

FLIP seeks a dynamic, visionary aquatic professional with entrepreneurial and leadership skills to oversee the Lopez Swim Center from final stages of construction through full operations and ongoing success. The Swim Center Director will play a pivotal role as the top management position and will provide strategic direction, daily operational oversight of a $1 million annual operating budget, and manage staffing, finances, and facility maintenance to ensure a safe, inclusive, positive and enriching experience for our community. 

 Lopez Island is located within the San Juan Islands, a premier tourist destination in Washington State, known for its natural beauty and mild climate.  Referred to as the "friendly island," Lopez Island is often described as a welcoming community that attracts nature lovers, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts with its rural charm and laid-back atmosphere.  Activities like biking, kayaking, golf, fishing and beach combing are enjoyed year-round. Accessible by ferry or small plane 1.5 hours north of Seattle, the Lopez Swim Center will serve Lopez residents, a large second home population, neighboring islands, and over 80,000 summer tourists.

The Friends of Lopez Island Pool (FLIP), a community-focused nonprofit, is privately funding the building of the Lopez Swim Center and will own and operate the facility as a membership model while also open to the public, without tax support. Construction is underway, with a planned November 2025 opening. Visit www.lopezislandpool.org for details.

 The Lopez Swim Center, with strong community support, will be the only all-ages, year-round aquatic recreational facility on Lopez Island.  The Center will have two pools, a 4-lane 25-yard lap pool and a warm-water program and activity pool. The pools transition from outdoors in the summer to indoors with an air-supported dome during cooler seasons. The facility includes indoor and outdoor spaces for community events and activities.   

SWIM CENTER OPERATIONS & LEADERSHIP

• Oversee Lopez Swim Center operations and build and grow a culture of excellence, providing strategic leadership and daily operational oversight.
• Drive growth by leading the Swim Center with visionary strategies, curating a comprehensive portfolio of programs
• Drive revenue by creating a sustainable revenue stream through programming, membership, and by building community and programming relationships to generate rental income
• Ensure operational efficiency; establish and implement operational policies and procedures

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & OVERSIGHT

• Develop and manage the annual and long-term budgets with full responsibility for optimizing resources and driving profitability while maintaining service excellence
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability
• Monitor revenue and expenses, analyze financial performance, and implement strategies for improvement.
• Oversee purchasing and inventory management ensuring cost-effectiveness and appropriate resource allocation.

MEMBERSHIP AND PUBLIC USE    

• Work closely with FLIP Board, community engagement, and marketing team to set membership and user goals and driving membership and use to achieve these goals.
• Develop strong relationships with members and users, fostering direct communication and maximizing participation in aquatic programs.
• Member experience optimization: Ensure front desk and office staff are fully knowledgeable about program offerings, schedules, and any changes, delivering a seamless experience to all members and daily users.
• Oversee membership and daily use programs to ensure an exceptional experience for all
• Manage membership and program registration systems and financial assistance program.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

• Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing aquatics team, overseeing continuous staff development through in-services and training
• Create and implement staff job descriptions, compensation guidelines, policies, and performance reviews.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork and professional development. Maintain consistent communication with aquatics staff, involving them in program and member engagement.
• Manage and collaborate with Swim Center service providers such as accounting firm  and consultants as necessary.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of a diverse range of aquatic programs, including swim lessons, water fitness classes, competitive swimming, and recreational activities.
• Assess community needs and trends to identify opportunities for new program development and enhancements.
• Ensure program quality and effectiveness through regular evaluation and feedback mechanisms.
• Manage program registration and scheduling, maximizing participation and revenue generation.
• Develop and manage outside user rental and usage agreements

FACILITY & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Manage and mitigate risk, ensuring the safety and well-being of all patrons and staff
• Develop and conduct Swim Center management, operational, emergency, and safety procedures, manuals, training, and action plans
• Oversee Swim Center maintenance and perform regular and light maintenance upkeep ensuring a clean, safe, and functional environment.
• Manage facility scheduling and usage, maximizing utilization and minimizing disruptions.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors for repairs, maintenance, and capital improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and codes.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/MARKETING/ FUNDRAISING

• Support staff and board initiatives to develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and potential sponsors.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in recreation management, sports management, or a related field preferred or equivalent training and experience
• Proven experience in managing aquatic or recreational facilities and aquatic programs.
• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with pool mechanical and operating systems
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets.
• Knowledge of aquatics, safety and risk management practices.
• Certifications and renewals can be obtained once hired in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding (Instructor certifications a plus).
• Passion for aquatics and community service.

JOB DETAILS

• Full-time salaried position
• Position to start in late spring or early summer
• Hours are flexible, often requiring weekends and evenings based upon job requirement
• Requires physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.

BENEFITS

• Two-weeks of paid vacation/year beginning after six months of employment, opportunity to increase after year two
• Health insurance stipend
• Participation in Swim Center performance-based management bonus pool
• Assistance in finding and securing housing on Lopez Island

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please include the following in your application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References

Apply by May 1, 2025

Please send applications by email to:

Stu Isaac, Interim Swim Center Director and Aquatic Advisor

Email: stu@isaacsportsgroup.com

For questions and additional information Requests: Please email Stu Isaac

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