What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Germantown Academy Dive Club Program Director position at Germantown Academy?
Germantown Academy
We inspire students to be: Independent in Thought • Confident in Expression •
Compassionate in Spirit • Collaborative in Action • Honorable in Deed
Position Title: Part-Time Germantown Academy Dive Club Program Director
Germantown Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school located on a beautiful 126-acre campus in the Fort Washington suburbs near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades PK-12. Founded in 1759, GA is America’s oldest non-sectarian day school with rich traditions and a strong commitment to ongoing innovation of curricular and pedagogical practices.
Germantown Academy is committed to the work of equity and inclusion and believes that equal opportunity in all aspects of employment supports the mission of the school and the successful attainment of our strategic objectives. Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and a respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds.
In accordance with Germantown Academy’s Mission Statement, the mission of the Germantown Academy Dive Club (GADC) is to provide a competitive diving program for divers of all levels. As a member of USA Diving, GADC strives to instill a true love and passion for diving while developing the skills necessary to become a positive contributor to the overall GA community and to society.
Position Summary: The Germantown Academy Dive Club (GADC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced part-time Program Director. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing the dive club, coaching athletes, developing their skills, fostering a positive team culture, and supporting the overall growth of the GADC and GAAC programs. This role includes coaching, team administration, staff leadership, communication with athletes and families, and contributing to program development and success. This is a part-time, 12-month position beginning as soon as possible for 25 hours per week. The salary is highly competitive and commensurate with experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Coaching & Team Responsibilities:
•Develop and implement a progressive, comprehensive training program for all divers in the club that focuses on skill development, technique, and optimal performance.
•Lead daily practices by providing constructive feedback and fostering a supportive, motivating environment that encourages personal growth, team unity, and athletic excellence.
•Prepare divers for local, regional, and national meets with appropriate training schedules and meet strategies.
•Ensure age- appropriate technique, training intensity, and physical conditioning for divers to reach their full potential.
•Develop individual performance plans for divers, tracking progress and adjusting goals as needed.
•Always behave in concordance with the values upheld by the GA mission statement.
Staff Responsibilities:
•Collaborate with other coaching staff to ensure the alignment of the training philosophy and consistency across all training groups.
•Supervise assistant coaches and provide guidance, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for the coaching staff.
•Foster a positive team culture that emphasizes hard work in an environment of support.
Communication with Membership:
•Serve as the primary point of contact for parents of divers, providing regular updates on the team, upcoming events, and general scheduling.
•Respond to emails, phone calls, and inquiries from parents in a timely and professional manner.
•Conduct regular parent meetings to review team goals, progress, and expectations.
•Establish appropriate modes of communication with parents including healthy boundaries.
Program Growth & Retention:
•Assist in the recruitment and retention of divers, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for divers of all backgrounds and skill levels.
•Work with the director of aquatics and team administration to develop and implement strategies to grow the team and engage the broader community.
•Foster positive relationships with divers and families to encourage long-term participation in the program.
Administrative Responsibilities:
•Assist the team administrator with the planning and execution of team travel arrangements, including meet sign-ups, lodging, and logistics.
•Help manage the team’s competition calendar, ensuring that divers are entered into appropriate meets and events.
•Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including attendance, performance, and progress.
•Collaborate with aquatics leadership to manage day-to-day operations and administrative duties related to the program.
Team Travel & Meet Responsibilities:
•Lead and coordinate travel for divers attending competitions, including team itineraries and transportation and lodging (when appropriate).
•Attend competitions as the lead coach, managing the team’s warm-ups, event entries, and ensuring divers are prepared and focused.
•Ensure that team goals, performance standards, and team values are represented at competitions.
•Supervise and support divers at meets, ensuring that they are well-prepared and have a positive experience.
Performance Duties:
•Monitor and assess diver performance at meets and adjust training plans as needed.
•Provide constructive feedback to divers on both strengths and areas for improvement.
•Ensure divers maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
•Work with the coaching staff to identify and prepare athletes for competitive opportunities, including championships and qualification meets.
Professional Development Responsibilities:
•Stay up to date with the latest coaching techniques, practices, and USA Diving guidelines through workshops, clinics, and continuing education.
•Attend USA Diving events, conferences, and coach development opportunities to enhance personal and professional growth.
•Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth as a coach and contribute to the overall development of the GADC coaching staff.
Qualifications:
•Proven track record of developing athletes, with at least 3-5 years of coaching experience, preferably in a USA Diving environment.
•Experience in working with divers at the Junior National and National level.
•USA Diving Registered Coach with current certifications (including background check, safety training, and CPR/First Aid).
•Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and engage athletes.
•Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interact with divers, parents, and fellow coaches.
•Ability to work collaboratively with other coaches, parents, and team leadership to achieve the overall goals of the program.
•Experience with team administration, including meet entries, team travel, and schedule coordination.
•Experience working with the TeamUnify platform.
•Passion for coaching and a deep understanding of the developmental needs for divers of all ages.