The Aquatics Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of ISHCMC's aquatics programmes and facilities. The role is responsible for delivering a high-quality, safe, and inclusive aquatics programme that supports student wellbeing, skill development, and competitive pathways, while aligning with ISHCMC's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Working closely with the Director of Co-Curricular and Community Engagement, Athletic Directors, and PE Leaders of Learning, the Aquatics Director ensures that all aquatics provisionfrom curriculum swimming to co-curricular and competitive programmesmeets IB requirements, Cognita quality standards, and international best practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Leadership & Student Experience
Design, implement, and continuously improve an inclusive, developmentally appropriate aquatics program that promotes physical wellbeing, confidence, and lifelong swimming skills.
Deliver curriculum-linked swimming instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 10 in collaboration with Primary and Secondary PE Leaders of Learning, ensuring alignment with PYP and MYP expectations.
Lead and professionally coach ISHCMC's aquatics pathways, including:
Learn-to-Swim Programs
Inclusive Stingrays Swim Team
Developmental and Competitive Stingrays Teams
Additional programmes such as artistic swimming and water polo
Ensure consistent assessment, goal-setting, and feedback practices that support student progress, performance improvement, and personal growth.
Foster student agency, leadership, positive mindset, and strong team culture across all aquatics programmes.
- Team Leadership & Professional Culture
Provide clear leadership, direction, and line management for aquatics staff, including coaches, lifeguards, and pool technicians.
Recruit, induct, develop, and retain high-quality aquatics personnel, ensuring all staff hold appropriate qualifications and certifications.
Build a shared coaching philosophy and consistent instructional approach across the aquatics team.
Lead ongoing professional learning, certification compliance, and lifesaving training for aquatics staff.
Model high professional standards, reflective practice, and continuous improvement.
- Operations, Safety & Compliance
Ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of all aquatics facilities in accordance with local regulations, Cognita safeguarding requirements, and international best practice.
Collaborate with the Health and Safety Manager and Director of Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding to design, implement, and review aquatics safety protocols.
Oversee pool maintenance, equipment, and facilities, including coordination with external vendors and service providers.
Manage aquatics scheduling to balance curriculum, co-curricular, team training, and community use while maintaining a safe pool environment.
Coordinate and oversee local and travelling swim meets and events (e.g. ISHCMC Invitational, Time Trials, Stingrays Pool Party).
Utilise aquatics-related technologies and systems (e.g. HyTek, Touchpad System, TeamUnify, Meet Manager) to support performance monitoring and operational efficiency.
- Planning, Data & Budget Management
Develop and implement annual aquatics action plans with clear goals, measures of success, and review cycles.
Use a range of data sources to monitor programme quality, student participation, performance, and growth.
Develop and manage the aquatics budget, ensuring effective use of resources and cost-conscious decision-making.
Make informed recommendations regarding equipment, staffing, and programme expansion.
- Community Engagement & Growth
Deliver exceptional aquatics experiences that strengthen ISHCMC's reputation and value proposition for students and families.
Engage students and parents through regular communication, feedback mechanisms, and community events.
Adapt programmes to respond to changing student needs and maximise participation and retention.
Build productive partnerships within the Cognita network and with external organisations to enhance opportunities for students.
Capabilities & Characteristics
Personal & Professional Characteristics
Models high expectations through words, actions, and behaviour.
Demonstrates strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills.
Builds positive relationships across the school community.
Remains professional, composed, and decisive under pressure.
Responds effectively to emergency situations.
Works collaboratively and independently to solve complex problems.
Willing and able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events.
Essential
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of 710 years of progressively responsible experience in aquatics leadership, ideally including service as an Aquatics Director or equivalent.
Highly capable swimming teacher/coach
Professional Aquatics Coaching Qualifications.
Current First Aid and CPR certification.
Current Lifeguard certification.
Certified Pool Operator qualification (or ability to obtain within six months of appointment).
Demonstrated experience in pool operations, maintenance, and safety management.
Desirable
Experience working in an international school and/or IB environment.
Experience leading competitive and developmental swim programmes.
Safeguarding & Child Protection
The Aquatics Director has a shared responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The role requires full compliance with Cognita safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures at all times. Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Head of School, or relevant Cognita safeguarding personnel.
Terms of Employment
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safer recruitment practices, including background and police checks relevant to countries of residence, will be completed prior to appointment. Appointment is subject to satisfactory checks.
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 28 Feb 2026
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair and equitable in our recruitment process.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
