Lead Site Coach/Head Age Group Coach- Marblehead YMCA

YMCA of the North Shore; Marblehead (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Health insurance for eligible full‑tim

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The YMCA of the North Shore SHARKS are seeking a Lead Site Coach / Head Age Group Coach to guide one training site and oversee the developmental pathway for swimmers aged 6–12 across all SHARKS locations.

You will shape the age group program, mentor assistant coaches, lead daily practices, coordinate meets, and ensure a positive, athlete‑centered environment that emphasizes skill development and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Lead Coach, Head Age Group Coach, or Program Director within a competitive swim program.
• Experience coaching across multiple sites preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership supervising, mentoring, and developing coaching staff.
• Advanced knowledge of long-term athlete development and age group training for 6–12 year olds.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the technical training curriculum and long‑term athlete development pathway for swimmers ages 6–12 across all SHARKS training sites.
• Design progressive practices to develop stroke technique, racing skills, confidence, and sportsmanship.
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture focused on personal growth, belonging, and achievement.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Mentoring coaches

Athlete development

Team management

Communication

USA Swimming knowledge

Education

USA Swimming Coach Certification

YMCA Swimming Certification

ASCA Certification (Level 2+)

Tools

TeamUnify

Meet Manager

USA Swimming Data Hub

Job description

Lead Site Coach / Head Age Group Coach

YMCA of the North Shore SHARKS Swim Team

Lead. Inspire. Develop the Next Generation of Competitive Swimmers.

Are you an experienced swim coach who is passionate about athlete development and building a positive team culture? The YMCA of the North Shore SHARKS is seeking a dynamic Lead Site Coach / Head Age Group Coach to provide leadership for one of our training sites while guiding the developmental pathway for swimmers ages 6–12 across our entire competitive swim program.

The YMCA of the North Shore SHARKS is a YMCA and USA Swimming competitive swim team serving more than 250 age group swimmers and over 100 Masters swimmers across multiple North Shore training locations.

In this leadership role, you'll work closely with the Head Coach to shape the future of our age group program by developing curriculum, mentoring coaches, leading daily training sessions, and creating an environment where young athletes thrive both in and out of the pool. If you're passionate about developing swimmers, building relationships, and fostering a lifelong love of the sport, we'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

Athlete Development & Program Leadership

• Develop and implement the technical training curriculum and long‑term athlete development pathway for swimmers ages 6–12 across all SHARKS training sites.
• Design engaging, progressive practices that develop strong stroke technique, racing skills, confidence, and sportsmanship.
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture focused on personal growth, belonging, and athletic achievement.

Site Leadership

• Serve as the primary on‑deck coach for the competitive age group program at your designated training site.
• Oversee daily practice operations, scheduling, safety, and overall program quality.
• Ensure a fun, organized, and supportive environment where athletes can reach their full potential.

Coaching & Staff Development

• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and develop assistant age group coaches.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and training to ensure consistent instructional quality and curriculum implementation.
• Promote collaboration and professional growth among coaching staff.

Team Operations & Competition

• Coordinate swim meets, season planning, meet registrations, and competitive opportunities for swimmers ages 6–12.
• Monitor athlete progress using performance data and coaching technology, including TeamUnify, SwimCloud, and the USA Swimming Data Hub.
• Support efficient pool scheduling, equipment management, and overall team operations.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with swimmers, parents, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicate effectively regarding athlete development, practice expectations, competitions, and team events.
• Partner with volunteer leadership to support successful swim meets, fundraising initiatives, and team social events.

Safety & Professional Excellence

• Maintain all required YMCA and USA Swimming certifications.
• Ensure all practices and competitions follow YMCA, USA Swimming, and safety guidelines.
• Stay current with emerging coaching techniques, athlete development strategies, and industry best practices.

Why You’ll Love Working at the YMCA of the North Shore

At the YMCA, you’ll do more than coach swimming—you’ll help young athletes build confidence, resilience, discipline, and lifelong skills that extend far beyond the pool.

YMCA Employee Benefits

• Free YMCA membership
• Employee discounts on YMCA programs and services
• Health and dental insurance for eligible full‑time employees
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 12% employer‑funded retirement contribution (no employee match required)
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Ongoing professional development and coaching education
• The opportunity to shape one of the North Shore’s premier competitive swim programs

Make an Impact

If you’re ready to lead a talented coaching team, inspire young athletes, and help shape the future of competitive swimming, we’d love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Lead Coach, Head Age Group Coach, or Program Director within a competitive swim program required.
• Experience coaching within a multi‑site competitive swim program strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising, mentoring, and developing coaching staff.
• Advanced knowledge of long‑term athlete development, age group training methodologies, and stroke mechanics for swimmers ages 6–12.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Self‑motivated, energetic, and committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and athlete‑centered team culture.
• Proficiency with TeamUnify, Meet Manager, and other competitive swimming software platforms preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with athletes, families, volunteers, and staff.
• Commitment to the YMCA’s mission and core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Required Certifications

• USA Swimming Coach Certification
• YMCA Swimming Certification (Principles of YMCA Competitive Swimming preferred)
• American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Certification (Level 2 or higher preferred)
• Lifeguard Certification or Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches
• CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to actively coach, instruct, and observe swimmers in proper stroke technique and training activities
• Must be able to remain on the pool deck for extended periods in a warm and humid environment
• Ability to demonstrate swimming techniques and provide hands‑on instruction when appropriate
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies
• Ability to lift, move, and transport swim equipment as needed
• Ability to attend practices, swim meets, and team events, including evenings and weekends
• Proficiency with technology and software used for swimmer development, meet management, communication, and administrative responsibilities
• Ability to communicate effectively with swimmers, parents, staff, officials, and volunteers in a variety of settings

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran’s status.