Head Coach- Competitive Swimming

YMCA of the USA; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (if provided by branch

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

YMCA of the USA is seeking a Head Coach of Competitive Swimming to lead a year-round program and its staff. You will develop training plans, oversee meets and scheduling, and ensure safety, compliance, and financial oversight aligned with YMCA and USA Swimming standards.

You will collaborate with aquatics and marketing to grow participation and mentor coaches and volunteers to build a strong team culture and achievement across all levels.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of competitive swim coaching experience including program leadership and administration.
• Strong knowledge of competitive swimming techniques, athlete development, and progression.
• Ability to lead staff, manage team operations, and oversee practices and meets.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience building relationships with swimmers, families, staff, and community partners.
• Familiarity with YMCA policies, USA Swimming, and SafeSport requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the year-round competitive swim program and staff.
• Design training plans for all practice groups and monitor progression.
• Oversee scheduling, registrations, and meet logistics.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and financial oversight.
• Collaborate with Aquatics and Marketing to grow participation.
• Recruit, hire, and develop coaching staff; supervise volunteers.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Swimming coaching

Athlete development

Meet management

Volunteer coordination

Budget oversight

Education

Certification in swimming coaching (STSC/USA Swimming)

Tools

TeamUnify

SportsEngine

Meet Manager

Microsoft 365

Job description

• Prevention Policies

Lead a Legacy. Build Champions. Strengthen Community. Shape athletes and lead a program that advances the YMCA mission.

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Associate Executive Branch Director, the Head Coach of Competitive Swimming leads all aspects of a year-round competitive swim program, including coaching, athlete development, staff leadership, and program operations.

This role is responsible for delivering a high-quality, mission-driven program that develops athletes at every level while ensuring effective scheduling, meet execution, communication, and financial oversight.

Ensures a safe, structured environment in compliance with YMCA, USA Swimming, and SafeSport standards, while advancing the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18
• 3–5+ years of competitive swim coaching experience, including program leadership and administration
• Strong knowledge of competitive swimming techniques, athlete development, and training progression
• Demonstrated ability to lead staff, manage team operations, and oversee practices and meets
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability to build relationships with swimmers, families, staff, and community partners
• Experience with TeamUnify, SportsEngine, Meet Manager, or similar systems preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 or similar tools

Essential Functions

The Head Coach & Director of Competitive Swimming is responsible for the overall leadership, execution, and oversight of the following essential functions, including all operational, administrative, and programmatic aspects of the swim team:

Transformative Experience

• Creates a positive, athlete-centered environment that supports development, retention, and team culture
• Fosters a safe, inclusive, and disciplined experience for swimmers and families

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP & ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

• Designs and implements training plans for all practice groups
• Leads practices and develops athletes from beginner through advanced levels
• Establishes performance goals and monitors progression

OPERATIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE

• Oversees all day-to-day operational and administrative functions of the program
• Manages scheduling, staffing, registrations, communication, and recordkeeping
• Ensures adherence to YMCA systems (including TeamUnify/SportsEngine), policies, and procedures

PROGRAM GROWTH & INTEGRATION

• Supports recruitment through swim lessons and youth programs
• Collaborates with Aquatics and Marketing to grow participation
• Evaluates program effectiveness and implements improvements
• Manages team communication platforms and public presence

MEET MANAGEMENT & EVENTS

• Develops and manages meet schedules, entries, and competition strategy
• Leads planning and execution of hosted and co-hosted meets
• Coordinates facilities, officials, volunteers, and meet logistics
• Ensures compliance with sanctioning, safety, and financial requirements

STAFF LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

• Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises coaching staff
• Provides clear expectations, feedback, and ongoing development
• Ensures staff meet certification and compliance requirements

SAFETY COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Ensures compliance with YMCA Competitive Sports Rules, USA Swimming, and SafeSport requirements
• Maintains certification and screening requirements for staff and volunteers
• Enforces supervision standards and safe practices at all times

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT & OVERSIGHT

• Recruits, organizes, and supports parent and community volunteers
• Ensures all volunteers meet YMCA and USA Swimming safety, training, certification, and membership requirements
• Oversees compliance with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention, Code of Conduct, and SafeSport-Minor Athlete Abuse
• Prevention Policies
• Assigns and coordinates volunteer roles for practices, meets, and team events
• Communicates expectations for volunteer participation, including service hours per family (if applicable)

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP & PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY

• Manages program budget, revenue, expenses, and meet fees
• Ensures all financial activity is processed through YMCA-approved systems
• Maintains documentation for audit and financial compliance

FAMILY, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & MISSION ADVANCEMENT

• Builds and sustains strong relationships with swimmers, families, and community partners
• Ensures clear, consistent communication of program expectations, updates, and performance
• Drives parent involvement, volunteer engagement, and community participation
• Serves as an ambassador for the YMCA and promotes program growth
• Integrates YMCA mission and core values into all aspects of program delivery, leadership, and decision-making

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Inclusion – Creates a welcoming, respectful, and equitable environment for all
• Communication & Influence – Communicates clearly and effectively while building trust and engagement
• Developing Self & Others – Develops staff and fosters a high-performing, accountable team
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making – Uses sound judgment to make informed decisions and manage risk
• Program / Project Management – Ensures program execution meets expected outcomes
• Fiscal Management – Manages resources responsibly and supports financial sustainability

Required Certifications

• Current certifications (or ability to obtain within required timeframe): Safety Training for Swim Coaches (STSC)
• CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer
• First Aid
• Child Protection / SafeSport Training
• Principles of YMCA Competitive Swimming and Diving
• Background screening in accordance with YMCA policy
• Active YMCA coach registration and compliance with YMCA Competitive Sports, USA Swimming, and SafeSport requirements
• Ability to maintain all certifications required for on-deck eligibility