Description

• Under the supervision of the Director of Competitive Aquatics, the Head Swim Team Coach is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the YSF swim team at their assigned site. This includes coaching, program development, communication, and administrative support. The Head Swim Team Coach plays a key role in fostering a positive team culture, supporting swimmers’ development, and contributing to the overall success of the Competitive Aquatics program. This position may also include responsibilities related to Masters Swimming depending on site needs. As part of a collaborative team, all staff members are expected to contribute to the overall success of the program and organization. While specific responsibilities are outlined below, flexibility and teamwork are essential. Staff may be asked to support additional functions or initiatives to meet program needs and uphold the YMCA’s mission.

Requirements

• Directly manage the site’s assistant coaching staff and deck support personnel, including recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling, supervising daily work, conducting performance evaluations, and making recommendations for discipline or termination as needed.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in managing the day-to-day business and operational decisions of the assigned YSF swim team site, including program design, training methodology, swimmer placement in training groups, and resolution of parent/swimmer concerns.
• Oversee the site’s swim team budget and financial operations, including monitoring expenditures, approving purchases of equipment and supplies, managing billing and fee collection processes, and ensuring accurate and timely processing of family payments and YMCA financial reporting requirements.
• Serve as the recognized head of the Competitive Aquatics swim team program at the assigned site, with full authority and accountability for the performance, culture, and outcomes of the site’s entire competitive swimming operation.
• Develop and implement seasonal training plans (Short Course and Long Course) for assigned training groups, including written goal-setting sessions with swimmers.
• Lead on-deck coaching to improve swimmers’ competence, confidence, and character, while fostering meaningful connections within the YMCA community.
• Mentor and develop assistant coaches to provide quality programming.
• Coordinate with other Head Site Coaches to promote cross-site collaboration, team chemistry, and a consistent swimmer experience.
• Serve as the primary swim team contact for the assigned site, maintaining regular communication with parents, swimmers, and staff.
• Collaborate with parent volunteers to support team operations and events.
• Assist in the planning and execution of home swimming meets and special events.
• Manage administrative tasks including swimming meet entries, billing, team website updates, and email communications.
• Provide monthly updates for assigned training groups and see that Lead Group coaches do the same.
• Attend scheduled swim meets and team events, supporting logistics and athlete preparation.
• Support the recruitment, retention, and engagement of participants through quality leadership, outreach, advertising, and community involvement.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts and social media development to promote the swimming team.
• Communicate and collaborate with the site’s Aquatics Director to promote and integrate aquatic programs.
• Participate in staff meetings and provide requested metrics and reports to the Director of Competitive Aquatics.
• Support the implementation of new competitive aquatics programs and fulfill duties and special projects assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities / Position Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma and / or GED.
• Strong understanding of the sport of swimming and the rules and regulations.
  Ability to manage occasional stressful conditions, react calmly in emergencies, and work irregular hours.
• 2+ Years of Experience with Head Age Group Coaching Responsibilities or Similar
• Communicate effectively and timely with the coaching staff, swimmers, and parents as needed.
• Demonstrated managerial and organizational skills that promote team success.
• Must have/demonstrate professionalism, decision-making skills, and a willingness to follow directives from the Association Director of Competitive Aquatics
• Must have, or be willing to learn, basic working knowledge of swim team software.
• Must have a desire to learn and continue coaching education.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of Head Coach/Head Age Group Coach experience
• Preference is given to swimming experience at a college level.

Certifications:

• Current USA Swimming Coach Certification
• YMCA Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving certification (must be obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Must meet all YMCA and USA Swimming background checks and safety standards.