Head Swim Coach

Position Summary

The Head Coach provides the coaching vision, operational leadership, and community presence that define the Napa Valley Swim Team (NVST). We are seeking a leader who combines technical expertise with genuine heart, someone who sees the "whole athlete," engages families as partners, and energizes our community.

This role goes beyond the pool deck: the Head Coach champions a positive team culture, builds family trust, and develops athletes across all levels, from beginners through nationally competitive swimmers. Serving as the primary employee representative to the Board of Directors, the Head Coach is accountable for all staff recruitment, training, and management.

Furthermore, the Head Coach serves as a strategic advocate for athlete progression. By leveraging a deep professional network and building connections with regional swim bodies and college programs, the Head Coach will proactively create collegiate pathways, advocating for athletes who aspire to compete at the collegiate level and beyond.

Core Responsibilities

Coaching Leadership

• Develop and implement a unified coaching strategy aligned with NVST's mission across all practice groups, ensuring consistency and staff synergy.
• Design and lead practice schedules that progress athletes through the four physiological pillars: technique, strength, endurance, and speed.
• Conduct scheduled workouts 5–6 days per week; provide on-deck coaching with direct safety supervision.
• Create seasonal training and meet attendance plans; ensure coaching coverage for all meets, practices, and events.
• Facilitate individual goal-setting for all swimmers and track progress throughout the season.
• Build and grow membership for NVST.

Team & Staff Management

• Hire with board approval onboard, schedule, and mentor assistant coaches within board-approved staffing and budget parameters.
• Lead regular coaches meetings, performance reviews, and continuing education initiatives.
• Coordinate coverage arrangements for vacations, sick leave, and personal time across the coaching staff.
• Serve as the liaison between the Board of Directors and the coaching team.
• Knowledge and management of pool operations for swim meets.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build a welcoming, inclusive team culture where families feel informed, valued, and engaged as partners in athlete development.
• Lead a structured parent education and onboarding program covering team philosophy, training principles, and seasonal planning, including DEI and support of underserved community initiatives.
• Maintain timely, clear communication with swimmers, parents, and board members via email, newsletters, and team platforms.
• Guide and support team fundraising events, banquets, and community-building activities, and commit to be in attendance unless excused by the Board
• Work with local aquatic organizations, school and college programs, and regional swim bodies to grow NVST's community presence while serving as a dedicated advocate for athlete progression and further opportunities. 

Communications & Social Media

• Participate in team communications across digital channels, including social media presence that reflects NVST's values and celebrates athlete achievements.
• Communicate meet entries, results, and team news to membership in a timely manner.

Program Operations

• Develop annual organizational plans covering program offerings, group sizes, and pricing for board approval.
• Create and execute a team growth strategy — including recruiting and retention initiatives — to meet annual budget goals.
• Manage NVST's adherence to all USA Swimming, Zone 3, and local organizational standards.
• Develop and maintain a membership education program relevant to each practice group.
• Generate monthly attendance rosters and provide them to the Administrative Manager.
• Coordinate meet entry submissions and awards selection for the annual recognition banquet.
• Coordinate volunteer and chaperone logistics for team travel events.

Board Partnership

• Attend all Board of Directors meetings as a non-voting member; provide written coaching reports.
• Participate on committees as directed by club by-laws.
• Attend or designate a representative to all Zone 3 Board Meetings.
• Actively communicate with the Board to develop, approve, and implement effective membership policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Current USA Swimming coach certification in good standing
• ASCA Level 3 certification or higher
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Minimum 4 years of competitive swim coaching experience, including at least 2 years as a head coach in a multi-level program
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred

• Coaching or competitive experience at the senior, collegiate, national, or international level
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
• Experience with a team management and communication programs and software
• Experience managing social media accounts for a team, organization, or program

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proven ability to build trust with parents, athletes, and community stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel to swim meets as needed
• Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions including heat, cold, and rain
• Computer literacy with google workspace and digital communication platforms
• Demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to respond thoughtfully and calmly in challenging situations including with swimmers, parents, fellow coaches, governmental agencies, swimming organizations and the general public

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Ability to swim, demonstrate techniques, and work in/around the water for extended periods of time, including responding to emergencies. Ability to stand, walk, move equipment and move along the pool deck for long durations in varying weather conditions. Exposure to water, pool chemicals, and moderate noise. Frequent interaction with swimmers of all ages.