Sailing Coach - Seasonal

Lake Forest; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Lake Forest is seeking a Seasonal Coach to lead advanced athlete development across Optimists, Scholastic Teams, and the Adult Sailing Program. The role includes mentoring junior coaches, aiding program design, and driving long-term growth and competitive success.

Strong leadership and communication are essential. This seasonal position runs from September 1, 2026 to November 1, 2026, with responsibilities including planning trainings, coaching youth sailors, and traveling to regional regattas

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in high-performance youth or adult sailing programs.
• Strong communication and mentoring abilities for coaching staff and athletes.
• Experience developing structured training and performance plans.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement structured, effective training sessions for multiple fleets.
• Coach and develop youth sailors with emphasis on skill progression and teamwork.
• Travel to regional regattas to coach teams and athletes as needed.
• Mentor junior coaches and contribute to program design and growth.
• Promote a safe, inclusive environment on and off the water.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Mentorship

Education

USA Sailing Level 1 Coaching Certification

USA Sailing Safe Sport Certification

CPR Certification

Illinois NASBLA Boater’s License

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Head Sailing Coach, the Seasonal Coach serves as a senior coaching position responsible for advanced athlete development, program leadership, and competitive performance across multiple fleets, including:

• Optimists


• Scholastic Teams


• Adult Sailing Program

In addition to coaching athletes, it plays a key role in mentoring junior coaches, supporting program design, and contributing to the long-term growth, culture, and competitive success of the sailing program. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and excellent communication skills.

This position is seasonal and runs from September 1st, 2026 - November 1st, 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement structured, effective training sessions designed to meet individual and team performance goals.


• Coach and develop youth sailors with an emphasis on skill progression, sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence-building.


• Travel as needed to attend and coach at regional regattas and competitions


• Foster team development through clear communication, collaboration, and active parent engagement


• Promote and maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive environment both on and off the water.

Physical Demands and Environmental Considerations

• Some bending, kneeling and reaching items off floor and high shelves


• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. in paper boxes, storage boxes and other supplies


• Perform repetitive hand/arm movements (computer use, writing reports, etc.)


• Sitting for sustained periods while completing desk or administrative work


• Strong voice, phone, and listening skills


• Frequent standing, sitting, and movement to accomplish daily activities


• Indoor work environment is smoke-free with controlled temperature and lighting


• Possible exposure to noise from adjacent work areas or equipment

Required:

• High-level sailboat racing experience in one or more of the following:


• Optimists


• Scholastic Teams


• Adult Sailing Program J70

• USA Sailing Level 1 Coaching Certification


• USA Sailing Safe Sport Certification


• CPR Certification (training coordinated if needed)


• Illinois State NASBLA Boater’s License

Experience Seasonal Coach:

• Multiple years of racing & coaching experience at the regional, national, or international level


• Demonstrated success coaching athletes


• Experience mentoring or supervising assistant or junior coaches