Head Swim Coach

Description Under the direction of the Aquatics Director and in accordance with the policies of the YMCA of Southwest Florida, the Head Swim Team Coach develops, organizes, and implements high-quality competitive swim programming that fulfills the mission of the YMCA. This role oversees all aspects of the competitive swim program including athlete development, coaching sta leadership, program operations, and meet management. The Head Coach will foster positive relationships and communicate effectively with YMCA staff, coaches, swimmers, parents, and partner organizations. Requirements

• Represent the YMCA of Southwest Florida and the swim team program in a professional and positive manner within the community, at swim meets, and with governing organizations.
• Develop and promote a team philosophy of excellence rooted in the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Serve as the lead on-deck coach for the competitive swim program.
• Provide day-to-day leadership for the swim team program, including athlete development, practice execution, and team operations.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Swim Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and volunteers involved in the swim team program.
• Develop and implement the team's training group structure, practice plans, and team policies in alignment with branch and association expectations.
• Develop and support a comprehensive athlete development pathway from novice swimmers through senior-level competitive athletes.
• Support swimmer recruitment, retention, and overall program growth.
• Plan and manage team practice schedules and meet schedules, including coach assignments, travel, meet entries, and administrative meet responsibilities.
• Plan and lead team parent meetings and maintain regular communication with swim team families regarding practices, competitions, expectations, and team development.
• Manage assigned administrative duties related to daily team operations.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and sta development for coaching personnel.
• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the swim team operating budget in collaboration with branch leadership.
• Collaborate with the Aquatics Director/Association Leadership on long-term planning, program development, and team growth.
• Ensure coaching staff maintain professionalism, reliability, and adherence to YMCA policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Report regularly to the Aquatics Director/Director of Competitive Swim regarding program progress, staffing needs, operational concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support YMCA philanthropic initiatives, including the Annual Campaign, while helping cultivate community partnerships and sponsorship opportunities that support the swim team program.
• Ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all swimmers, families, staff, and volunteers.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of competitive swim coaching experience.
• At least 1 year of supervisory experience including team management, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead training groups and support athlete development.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and the ability to supervise and mentor coaching staff.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced aquatics environment.
• Ability to build positive relationships with swimmers, families, staff, officials, and community partners.
• Must demonstrate working knowledge of computer applications and program systems, including Microsoft Oice 365, Daxko, TeamUnify, USA Swimming, and other platforms required for team operations, communication, and administrative responsibilities.
• Commitment to YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Certification & Training Requirements
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Lifeguard certification (American Red Cross/YMCA LG)
• Active USA Swimming Coaches Card.
• ASCA Level 3 or higher (preferred)
• YMCA Bloodborne Pathogens Training required.
• YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Training required.
• Sta Safety Requirements / Cleaning Protocols Training required.
• Successful completion of all required background screening in accordance with YMCA policy and applicable law.
• Additional training as required by supervisor Work Environment & Physical Demands
• Must be able to stand, walk, and remain attentive on the pool deck for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to demonstrate swim techniques and assist swimmers when necessary.
• Must be able to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel to away meets as required by the program.
• Must be able to work in a warm, humid, and noisy pool environment.