Elite Swim Team Coach & Program Leader

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Director of Competitive Aquatics, the Head Swim Team Coach is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the YSF swim team at their assigned site. This includes coaching, program development, communication, and administrative support. The Head Swim Team Coach plays a key role in fostering a positive team culture, supporting swimmers’ development, and contributing to the overall success of the Competitive Aquatics program. This position may also include responsibilities related to Masters Swimming depending on site needs. As part of a collaborative team, all staff members are expected to contribute to the overall success of the program and organization. While specific responsibilities are outlined below, flexibility and teamwork are essential. Staff may be asked to support additional functions or initiatives to meet program needs and uphold the YMCA’s mission. Essential Functions / Job Duties:

• Directly manage the site’s assistant coaching staff and deck support personnel, including recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling, supervising daily work, conducting performance evaluations, and making recommendations for discipline or termination as needed.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in managing the day-to-day business and operational decisions of the assigned YSF swim team site, including program design, training methodology, swimmer placement in training groups, and resolution of parent/swimmer concerns.
• Oversee the site’s swim team budget and financial operations, including monitoring expenditures, approving purchases of equipment and supplies, managing billing and fee collection processes, and ensuring accurate and timely processing of family payments and YMCA financial reporting requirements.
• Serve as the recognized head of the Competitive Aquatics swim team program at the assigned site, with full authority and accountability for the performance, culture, and outcomes of the site’s entire competitive swimming operation.
• Develop and implement seasonal training plans (Short Course and Long Course) for assigned training groups, including written goal-setting sessions with swimmers.
• Lead on-deck coaching to improve swimmers’ competence, confidence, and character, while fostering meaningful connections within the YMCA community.
• Mentor and develop assistant coaches to provide quality programming.
• Coordinate with other Head Site Coaches to promote cross-site collaboration, team chemistry, and a consistent swimmer experience.
• Serve as the primary swim team contact for the assigned site, maintaining regular communication with parents, swimmers, and staff.
• Collaborate with parent volunteers to support team operations and events.
• Assist in the planning and execution of home swimming meets and special events.
• Manage administrative tasks including swimming meet entries, billing, team website updates, and email communications.
• Provide monthly updates for assigned training groups and see that Lead Group coaches do the same.
• Attend scheduled swim meets and team events, supporting logistics and athlete preparation.
• Support the recruitment, retention, and engagement of participants through quality leadership, outreach, advertising, and community involvement.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts and social media development to promote the swimming team.
• Communicate and collaborate with the site’s Aquatics Director to promote and integrate aquatic programs.
• Participate in staff meetings and provide requested metrics and reports to the Director of Competitive Aquatics.
• Support the implementation of new competitive aquatics programs and fulfill duties and special projects assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (i.e., Leader, Team Leader, Multi-Team / Branch Leader): Mission Advancement : Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders. Implement effective systems to develop volunteers at program and fundraising leadership levels. Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others. Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Having the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well, uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities / Position Requirements: Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma and / or GED.
• Strong understanding of the sport of swimming and the rules and regulations.
• Ability to manage occasional stressful conditions, react calmly in emergencies, and work irregular hours.
• 2+ Years of Experience with Head Age Group Coaching Responsibilities or Similar
• Communicate effectively and timely with the coaching staff, swimmers, and parents as needed.
• Demonstrated managerial and organizational skills that promote team success.
• Must have/demonstrate professionalism, decision-making skills, and a willingness to follow directives from the Association Director of Competitive Aquatics
• Must have, or be willing to learn, basic working knowledge of swim team software.
• Must have a desire to learn and continue coaching education.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of Head Coach/Head Age Group Coach experience
• Preference is given to swimming experience at a college level.

Certifications:

• Current USA Swimming Coach Certification
• YMCA Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving certification (must be obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Must meet all YMCA and USA Swimming background checks and safety standards.

Position Profile

• Passionate about Aquatics.
• High-energy personality, outgoing and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
• Natural leader with a competitive drive and desire to grow.
• Individual characteristics: positive, energetic, flexible, passionate, team-oriented, etc.
• Innate desire to provide excellent customer service to participants, which will result in an exceptional program experience.

Work Environment: The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Primary works in an outdoor environment, however, occasionally visits indoor program sites. 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. Being in good physical health with full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Occasionally requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours. Ability to lift / move set up and store equipment weighing up to fifty pounds.
• Must be able to demonstrate specific skills to show technical proficiency in life guarding rescue techniques.
• Must be able to swim five hundred yards/meters non-stop and tread water for two minutes without using hands. Must be able to hear without aid and see victims.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Employment at the YMCA is at will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff members. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this job description. As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprint background screening. As a Drug-Free Employer, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards are not accepted and do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test. The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability. In accordance with House Bill 531 (2025) the Department of Children and Families require employers to make the “Care Provider Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness” website link: available to all potential candidates receiving a background check via the Clearinghouse. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area