Swim Team Head Coach

YMCA
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The Cheshire Community YMCA is seeking a passionate and experienced Head Swim Coach to lead our year-round competitive swim team. 
Job Description

The Cheshire Community YMCA is seeking a dedicated and experienced Head Swim Coach to lead our year-round competitive swim program. This position is responsible for the overall management, coaching, and development of a swim team that emphasizes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Reporting directly to the Branch Executive Director, the Head Coach will oversee daily operations including swimmer development, staff leadership, meet coordination, and team administration. The ideal candidate brings proven coaching experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to building a positive, inclusive team culture.

This role is central to promoting the YMCA’s core values and mission by supporting the personal and athletic growth of swimmers at all levels while fostering strong connections with families and the broader community.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Experience as a Head Coach for a competitive swim team.  
  • Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills.
  • YMCA or Red Cross certifications in CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding.
  • Safe Sport certification.
  • Maintains certifications per YMCA of the USA and USA Swimming coach eligibility standards.
  • Knowledge of competitive swimming including YMCA swimming and USA Swimming.
  • Advanced knowledge in practical, theoretical and psychological concepts of competitive swimming.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Exercise Science, Sports Management, Education). 
  • At least 5 years of head coaching experience for a high-level, competitive team. 
  • USA Swimming Certification (Foundations of Coaching 201).  
  • Experience with swim team software, TeamUnify.

 

Essential Functions

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Branch Executive Director, the Swim Team Head Coach is responsible for the direct supervision and leadership of the Cheshire Community YMCA’s year-round competitive swim team.  

Leadership and Coaching

  • Lead and inspire swimmers to excellence in practice and competitions. 
  • Develop and foster a positive, disciplined and motivating team culture and atmosphere.
  • Develop and implement training plans for all skill levels.
  • Responsible for the direct coaching of at least one level of swimmers.
  • Provide feedback, goal setting and support to swimmers.
  • Create workout routines that focus on technique, endurance, strength and mental conditioning. 
  • Actively participate in annual professional development and create professional development plans for the coaching team that support continuous growth and development. 

Team Management 

  • Manage, mentor, train and schedule coaching staff to ensure program consistency and swimmer safety.
  • Ensure effective communication between coaches, swimmers and parents. 
  • Coordinate team activities including practices, meet schedules, team travel and other team events.
  • Maintain and organize team equipment.

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Work collaboratively with the Branch Executive Director to develop team strategic goals and objectives and the team budget. 
  • Complete all administrative tasks as required including but not limited to: team attendance, coach’s certifications, maintenance of team rosters, personnel and pay records. 
  • Attend all meetings, trainings and events as directed by YMCA leadership.  
  • Coordinate team scheduling, meet registration and team travel.
  • Oversee and assist in coordinating the team registration process between the YMCA, assistant coaches and the Swim Team Parent’s Association (STPA). 
  • Maintain accurate records of swimmer development, meet results, team and individual records and other program metrics.  
  • Responsible for program orientation, handouts, recognition and certifications. 
  • Prepare, distribute, interpret and enforce pool rules and regulations.

Community and Family Engagement

  • Act as the liaison and main point of contact between the YMCA and the Town of Cheshire Pool administration. 
  • Represent the team at community events, swim meets and promotional activities.
  • Cultivate a positive relationship between the swim team, the YMCA and the STPA in order to maintain open communication and encourage collaboration.
  • Represent the team professionally within the swim community.  
  • Assist in fundraising, including the YMCA Annual Support Campaign and Special Events.

Expectations:

  • Uphold the YMCA mission, standards and values. 
  • Provide a safe, and competitive swim program that fosters positive team culture and swimmer development. 
  • Adhere to all policies and procedures related to child abuse prevention.

 

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.  Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.  Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations.  Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, certifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately.  Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations, and how they impact relationships. 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.

 

Required Certifications
  • YMCA or Red Cross certifications in CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding.
  • Safe Sport certification.
  • Maintains certifications per YMCA of the USA and USA Swimming coach eligibility standards.