Head Coach- Competitive Swimming

The Head Coach is responsible for developing athlete potential, organizing and managing practices, meets, clinics, and team events, and is accountable for all operational and administrative functions of the program, including scheduling, staffing, program logistics, communication, registration, financial processes, and adherence to YMCA systems, policies, and procedures. This role ensures a safe, structured, and positive environment for all participants while maintaining compliance with YMCA Competitive Sports Rules, SafeSport requirements, and all applicable regulations, and promotes and intentionally integrates the YMCA mission and core values into all aspects of program delivery, staff leadership, decision-making, and community engagement.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE

• Creates a positive, athlete-centered environment that supports development, retention, and team culture
• Fosters a safe, inclusive, and disciplined experience for swimmers and families

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP & ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

• Designs and implements training plans for all practice groups
• Leads practices and develops athletes from beginner through advanced levels
• Establishes performance goals and monitors progression

OPERATIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE

• Oversees all day-to-day operational and administrative functions of the program
• Manages scheduling, staffing, registrations, communication, and recordkeeping
• Ensures adherence to YMCA systems (including TeamUnify/SportsEngine), policies, and procedures

PROGRAM GROWTH & INTEGRATION

• Supports recruitment through swim lessons and youth programs
• Collaborates with Aquatics and Marketing to grow participation
• Evaluates program effectiveness and implements improvements
• Manages team communication platforms and public presence

MEET MANAGEMENT & EVENTS

• Develops and manages meet schedules, entries, and competition strategy
• Leads planning and execution of hosted and co-hosted meets
• Coordinates facilities, officials, volunteers, and meet logistics
• Ensures compliance with sanctioning, safety, and financial requirements

STAFF LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

• Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises coaching staff
• Provides clear expectations, feedback, and ongoing development
• Ensures staff meet certification and compliance requirements

SAFETY COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Ensures compliance with YMCA Competitive Sports Rules, USA Swimming, and SafeSport requirements
• Maintains certification and screening requirements for staff and volunteers
• Enforces supervision standards and safe practices at all times

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT & OVERSIGHT

• Recruits, organizes, and supports parent and community volunteers
• Ensures all volunteers meet YMCA and USA Swimming safety, training, certification, and membership requirements
• Oversees compliance with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention, Code of Conduct, and SafeSport-Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies
• Assigns and coordinates volunteer roles for practices, meets, and team events
• Communicates expectations for volunteer participation, including service hours per family (if applicable)

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP & PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY

• Manages program budget, revenue, expenses, and meet fees
• Ensures all financial activity is processed through YMCA-approved systems
• Maintains documentation for audit and financial compliance

FAMILY, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & MISSION ADVANCEMENT

• Builds and sustains strong relationships with swimmers, families, and community partners
• Ensures clear, consistent communication of program expectations, updates, and performance
• Drives parent involvement, volunteer engagement, and community participation
• Serves as an ambassador for the YMCA and promotes program growth
• Integrates YMCA mission and core values into all aspects of program delivery, leadership, and decision-making

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Inclusion – Creates a welcoming, respectful, and equitable environment for all
• Communication & Influence – Communicates clearly and effectively while building trust and engagement
• Developing Self & Others – Develops staff and fosters a high-performing, accountable team
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making – Uses sound judgment to make informed decisions and manage risk
• Program / Project Management – Ensures program execution meets expected outcomes
• Fiscal Management – Manages resources responsibly and supports financial sustainability