Head Swim Coach

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The St. Cloud Area YMCA Gators is a year-round competitive swim club that participates in both the YMCA and USA Swimming circuits and offers high-quality coaching and technique instruction for swimmers of all ages. The Head Swim Coach position is a full-time position responsible for developing, organizing, and implementing high-quality swim team programs for our YMCA members. This position supports the work of the St. Cloud area Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 

The ideal candidate is energetic, knowledgeable and able to effectively communicate with swimmers, parents, assistant coaches and Aquatics management.  The Head Coach oversees all aspects of our swimming programs, including our youth and master’s programs. This position's overall objective is to grow our programs, foster a positive learning environment/relationship for swimmers, mentor as appropriate and lead in a way that aligns with the YMCA goals and vision.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers as needed.  
• Reviews and evaluates staff performance, applies corrective and disciplinary actions as needed, including the termination of a staff member’s employment. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete. 
• Plans, organizes and develops the swim team program. Creates, schedules, and attends team practices, coordinates swim meet schedules and additional events. Accessible to all levels of swimmers. 
• Attends all league meetings and team meets. Determines swimmer events and coordinates entry information to all proper individuals (swimmer, parents, meet hosts, etc.) to meet all deadlines.  
• Maintains proper team records and file reports as needed including maintaining an accurate team roster. 
• Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information to current and/or potential swim team members through various avenues.  
• Develops and monitors program budget to meet fiscal objectives. 
• Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints promptly in person, over the phone or via email. 
• Attends and actively participates in Program Committee meetings, including Parent Committee meetings. Engage all parents and cultivate relationships to create a collaborative swim team environment. 
• Provides corrective feedback that will enhance swimmers’ techniques. Maintains structure and discipline within a group setting, while encouraging and promoting swimmer participation positively through goal setting and instruction. 
• Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in program. 
• Maintains the training of self and Assistant Coaches for YMCA/USA Certifications and all additional training. 
• Works daily to nurture the potential of youth and teens; help people improve their well-being; and provide opportunities for people to give back and support their neighbors. 
• Oversees the Master’s Swim program and assists in coaching duties when coach is absent. 
• Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations. Ensure the safety of swimmers at the practices/swim meets by following proper precautions and regulations. 
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Aquatics Director. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• One to two years related experience preferred; for example, as an aquatics coordinator, supervisor or coach. 
• Working knowledge of competitive aquatics. 
• Typical requirements within 30 days of hire include: completion of: Child Abuse Prevention for Supervisory Staff; Working with Program Volunteers; CPR; First Aid; AED; Bloodborne Pathogens. 
• Completion of YMCA program-specific and trainer certifications. In addition, must complete USA swimming certifications as they relate to the position. 
• Current valid driver’s license and access to personal vehicle.