What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Coach Swim position at ILLINOIS COLLEGE?
The primary function of the Head Swim Coach is to facilitate all operations of successful men’s and women’s swim programs, including recruiting, retaining and coaching members of the swim team. The Head Swim Coach is responsible for day-to-day coaching responsibilities and is expected to meet annual recruiting and retention goals. The head coach is responsible for facilitating the coordination of travel, competition management, equipment management, camps, and fundraising. In addition to the day-to-day duties of coaching the swim programs, this position serves as the pool manager and provides daily management, maintenance, and routine cleaning of the natatorium.
Essential Functions
The following list of duties is meant to be representative of the work performed in this position. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical extension of position responsibilities.
Coaching 80%
- Recruit, retain and graduate successful student-athletes
- In direct planning with the Director of Athletics and the office of admissions, develop and execute recruiting strategies to meet the recruitment and retention goals set by the College
- Ensure academic performance and personal development of student-athletes by engaging with the Core Retention Group and the Student Life team
- Coordinate all aspects of a successful swim program including scheduling and facilitating competition, daily practice plans, player management, equipment management, camps, and fundraising
- Demonstrate high level of intercultural competence and the ability to work with diverse population
- Maintain a high level of professionalism on and off the pool deck toward student athletes, other coaches, parents, administrators, and members of the community
- Adhere to all Illinois College, Midwest Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations
- Attend regular athletic and admission staff meetings
- Assume additional administrative responsibilities within Athletics Department, as assigned by the Director of Athletics
Pool Management 20%
- Monitor chemical balance for the swimming pool and hot tub, daily; adjusting levels, as needed
- Check mechanical operations, daily
- Operate robotic pool cleaner and clean the filter bags twice a week
- Backwash the pool and hot tub every two weeks
- Shock the pool and hot tub, monthly
- Order all chemicals for pool operations, as needed
- Report all mechanical and electrical problems to Facilities Management
- Hire and supervise student workers and lifeguards
- Annually meet and discuss pool operation with the State Inspector
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, required
- Intercultural competency; ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
- Able to develop and maintain collaborative relationships, engage in creative problem-solving, and extend enlightened hospitality when working with others.
- Valid driver’s license and evidence of insurability, required
- Swim coaching experience at the NCAA level, Division III, preferred
- Recruiting experience at the collegiate level, Division III, preferred
- Must understand and value the liberal arts experience for students at Illinois College, especially including participation in other sports, clubs and organizations, and having an academic experience
- Ability to obtain an Illinois Department of Health Pool Operator Certification
- First Aid and AED certification, preferred
- Ability to work weekdays, weekends, and some evenings
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Possess an outcomes-oriented approach to coaching
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
Job Title: Head Men’s and Women’s Swim Coach/Pool Manager
Department: Athletics
Reports to: Assistant AD
Status: Full Time, Salaried Exempt (12-month)
Date Last Revised: August 2026
About Illinois College:
Illinois College is a residential, private liberal arts college located in the heart of Illinois, 70 miles northeast of Saint Louis, Missouri, and 30 miles west of Springfield, the capital of Illinois. True to its founding vision in 1829, Illinois College is a community committed to the highest standards of scholarship and integrity in the liberal arts. The College develops in its students qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling lives of leadership and service, fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.
Salary : $45,000 - $55,000