Competitive Swimming Director: Lead, Develop & Inspire

YMCA of the USA; Branford (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the USA in Branford, CT seeks a Competitive Swimming Director to lead the organization's competitive swim program, oversee coaching staff, athlete development, and meet operations while aligning with YMCA standards. This role focuses on building strong relationships with swimmers, families, volunteers, and the broader YMCA community.

The director will manage staff recruitment and development, plan tryouts and meets, develop budgets, and ensure safety and compliance across all aquatic

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience coaching a competitive swim program.
• Proven experience managing competitive swimming programs and teaching stroke technique to swimmers of varying ages and abilities.
• Advanced knowledge of the practical, theoretical, and psychological principles of competitive swimming.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, supervise, evaluate, and support staff and volunteers.
• Strong leadership, communication, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build a positive team culture while supporting both recreational and highly committed competitive athletes.
• Active participation in local, regional, or national swim coaching organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and oversee the competitive swim program in alignment with YMCA values, policies, and competitive swimming standards.
• Recruit, train, supervise, schedule, coach, and evaluate swim team staff.
• Plan and administer team tryouts, practices, training plans, swim meets, clinics, and team-building activities.
• Develop the annual swim team budget and marketing plan in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Maintain accurate swimmer records, including skills, times, achievements, recognition, and certifications.
• Coordinate meet schedules and logistics with coaching staff, volunteers, families, officials, and the parent committee.
• Supervise swim meets, warm-ups, practices, and events while ensuring compliance with aquatic health and safety requirements.
• Coordinate practice schedules with the Aquatics Director to support both swim team and member programming.
• Build positive relationships with swimmers and families and provide athletes with consistent motivation, guidance, and development.
• Maintain regular office hours and communicate effectively with coaching staff, swimmers, parents, volunteers, and YMCA leadership.
• Support branch initiatives and community events, including Healthy Kids Day, open houses, and the Annual Campaign.
• Follow and enforce all YMCA policies and procedures, including emergency response, aquatic safety, and child abuse prevention requirements.

Skills

Coaching

Staff management

Leadership

Program development

Budget planning

Communication

Recruitment

Job description

YMCA of the USA in Branford, CT seeks a Competitive Swimming Director to lead the organization's competitive swim program, oversee coaching staff, athlete development, and meet operations while aligning with YMCA standards. This role focuses on building strong relationships with swimmers, families, volunteers, and the broader YMCA community.

The director will manage staff recruitment and development, plan tryouts and meets, develop budgets, and ensure safety and compliance across all aquatic