Associate Coach of Competitive Aquatics

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

An exciting opportunity to join the team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues to $22+ million.

The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Coach of Competitive Aquatics supports a high quality, member-focused YMCA competitive aquatics program and enables swimmers to grow as individuals, achieve their goals as swimmers, and expand their overall potential. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in the overall management of the competitive swim team program, with a strong emphasis on athlete development, teamwork, persistence, positive attitudes, and the integration of YMCA core values.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of annual training plans, schedules, and strategies designed to motivate participants, promote long-term athlete development, and support achievement of program goals.
• Support the planning, organization, and communication of seasonal practice plans and expectations for assigned practice groups, ensuring clarity and consistency for athletes and families.
• Provide day-to-day supervision, guidance, and support to coaching staff to ensure a safe, inclusive, and high-quality program environment aligned with YMCA standards.
• Assist with the development, scheduling, and supervision of coaching staff and volunteers, fostering a positive team culture and opportunities for professional growth.
• Ensure accurate entry of swim meet information and timely, professional communication with parents and families to support engagement, transparency, and positive member experiences.
• Monitor and evaluate participation and effectiveness of the 13-and-Over program through the collection and analysis of program data and participation metrics to inform continuous improvement.
• Participate in the review and evaluation of staff performance, contributing to goal-setting, feedback, and strategies that motivate staff and support individual and program success.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date rosters and attendance records for all 13-and-Over (13O) practice groups to support effective program management, safety, and member engagement.
• Consistently present a professional image and model appropriate conduct, serving as a positive role model for athletes, families, and staff while reflecting YMCA values.
• Serve as an ambassador for the YMCA by communicating the value and impact of YMCA programs in support of the Annual Campaign. Champion departmental fundraising efforts and special events that strengthen community support for the Y’s mission.
• Attend YMCA and Swim Team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities as assigned to support ongoing learning, collaboration, and program alignment.
• Attend all swim meets, including those requiring overnight travel, to support athletes, collaborate with coaching staff, and gain comprehensive experience in meet operations and team leadership athlete development, teamwork, persistence, positive attitudes, and the integration of YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associate’s degree or equivalent experience preferred. 
2. Must have 1-2 years of coaching experience with various ages. 
3. Previous experience working with children preferred.
4. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community; track record of building authentic, constructive relationships with others.
5. Must be in good standing with USA Swimming and YMCA Swimming. 
6. Supervisory experience a plus.  
7. Has working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.

Benefits of working full-time at GSC YMCA include:

• FREE family membership to Greater Somerset County YMCA, including full access to all of our branch facilities including Bridgewater YMCA, Hillsborough YMCA, Princeton YMCA, Somerset Hills YMCA, and Somerville YMCA.
• FREE nationwide membership with access to over 2,500 YMCA locations across the country
• Discounted program fees
• Paid sick leave and short-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous 12% retirement contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund after eligibility period (no employee contribution required)
• Medical and dental insurance with prescription coverage
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account for medical and/or dependent care
• 100% contribution towards life insurance and long-term disability
• Optional additional life insurance and dependent life insurance available at low rates
• 403(b) Smart Savings Plan
• Generous paid time off policy
• 7 paid holidays

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.