Assistant Director, Aquatics and Lakes

Application deadline: Open until filled
Full-Time position (No telework)

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Assistant Director of Aquatics and Lakes within LA County Parks is an executive-level position requiring a visionary and experienced leader with a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity to lead, shape and innovate for the future of aquatic recreation for residents and visitors of Los Angeles County. LA County Parks is a regional, state and national leader in Aquatics, leading the way in innovation that advances Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in its programs, staffing and infrastructure. 

This role reports to LA County Parks Chief Deputy Director and is a key member of the Executive Management Team. This executive opportunity offers the chance to oversee a significant portfolio of public urban lakes and swimming pools with core programs, community and philanthropic partnerships, and a talented team of aquatic staff. This Assistant Director will also lead and manage programs that address public education on water safety, water recreation sports, and access. 

REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Requirements

1. A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school in any academic field; 
2. Minimum of five years of demonstrated management experience in the direction and oversight of an aquatics program related to either lakes or pools; 
3. Proven leadership and demonstrated experience in developing, managing, and expanding aquatics programming (for lakes or pools), including programs that promote access, diversity, equity, and inclusion;
4. Proven leadership experience in managing aquatics facilities for lakes or pools, preferably for a public or non-profit entity in a diverse urban environment;
5. Demonstrated experience in finance, budget development, resource allocation, and revenue generation;
6. Prior experience as a Pool Lifeguard or Lake Lifeguard, with completion of a training academy in advanced open water lifeguarding and emergency medical response, or completion of a pool lifeguard training program/course; and
7. A valid California Class “C” driver’s license or ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out essential job-related functions.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Visionary thinker with demonstrated ability in the implementation of innovative, inclusive, and sustainable aquatics programs; 
2. Experience in managing, recruiting, and maintaining a diverse, multi-cultural workforce to meet the respective needs of the various communities served; demonstrated experience working with and serving underrepresented populations in the aquatics programming field;
3. Strong leadership abilities and demonstrated organizational skills in the coordination of work over professional/technical personnel in addressing and resolving multiple on-going and highly sensitive operational priorities;
4. Demonstrated experience in implementing programs and developing partnerships with local community stakeholders, non-profit organizations and advocacy groups dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of aquatic recreation services; 
5. Very strong vertical and horizontal communication skills with staff, peers, as well as community advocates and members of the public; excellent oral communication and writing skills, with a strong emphasis in ability to compose technically sound and audience-appropriate correspondence that incorporates proper sentence structure, spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage;
6. Possess a natural ability to gregariously engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including local, State, and federal level government officials, as well as parks and social service advocates and environmental organizations; and
7. Ability to work under pressure in a high-paced environment.