Description

The Foothills Area YMCA is seeking a Head Swim Team Coach to lead our competitive swim program into its next chapter of growth and excellence. Established just six years ago, our program has quickly grown to approximately 85 competitive swimmers and is already producing athletes competing at the state, YMCA National, and national levels.

The team currently includes 5 YMCA National Qualifiers, 1 Summer Junior Nationals Qualifier, 9 Senior State Qualifiers, and 5 Age Group State Qualifiers. At the same time, the Foothills Area YMCA is continuing to invest in the future of aquatics and is currently completing Phase 2 of its expansion, which includes the addition of a new pool.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and ambitious coach to join a young, successful program at an exciting point in its growth and help shape its long-term future.

Why FAYMCA?

• 85 Competitive Swimmers
• 6-Year-Old Program with Significant Growth Potential
• 5 YMCA National Qualifiers
• 1 Summer Junior Nationals Qualifier
• 9 Senior State Qualifiers
• 5 Age Group State Qualifiers
• New Pool Being Added as Part of the YMCA's Phase 2 Expansion
• Year-round training across two facilities
• Expanded programming across three facilities during summer league
• Established assistant coaching staff
• Administrative and operational support from the Aquatics Director
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of a growing competitive program

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head Swim Team Coach will provide the leadership and competitive vision for the Foothills Area YMCA Swim Team while supporting the mission of the Y and its commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The Head Coach will serve as the primary coach for our 12–18-year-old athletes, including state, YMCA National, and national-level swimmers. The position will lead athlete development, design and implement training plans, establish competition schedules, and prepare swimmers to achieve their highest potential.

Beyond direct coaching, the Head Coach will lead, mentor, and oversee assistant coaches responsible for the program's younger age groups, creating a consistent coaching philosophy and long-term athlete development pathway across the entire team.

The program currently operates across two year-round facilities and three facilities during the summer league season. The Head Coach will work closely with the Aquatics Director, who will provide administrative and operational support, allowing the Head Coach to focus heavily on coaching, staff development, athlete progression, and the continued growth of the program.

We are looking for a leader who sees the potential of what has been built in just six years and is excited by what comes next. With a strong competitive foundation, continued investment in aquatic facilities, and a growing program, the next Head Coach will have the opportunity to play a defining role in taking Foothills Swimming to the next level.

OUR CULTURE:  

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides vision, leadership, and management of the day-to-day operations of the successful, values-oriented Foothills Area YMCA competitive swimming program that includes multiple age group levels.
• Abides by the YMCA of the USA Swimming and Diving, ASCA, and USA Swimming Code of Ethics. Ensure all certifications are current and active.
• Recruits and hires diverse staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity. On-boards and develops them for success. Provides vision, leadership, and management to the part time staff that includes coaching and leadership traits to ensure a high-quality swim program.
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with all swimmers and parents. Encourages member and parent support and involvement, including recruiting and overseeing the Parent Committee volunteers and other volunteers.
• Develops schedule for swim team practices, potentially in multiple facilities (Walhalla pool & Foothills Area YMCA) and develops competitive swim clinics each year.
• Maintains records of attendance, registration, achievements, progress reports, and skill development.
• Prepares all meet entries assuring that every child swims in every meet they attend. Prepare and submit all other necessary information for swim meets and attend meets as assigned.
• Updates, maintains, and distributes Swim Team Handbook. Assure that regularly scheduled all-parent meetings are held (this can include the end of season banquet).
• Communicates regularly with all Swim Team coaches, Aquatics Director, Marketing Director, and Branch Executive Director of Health and Wellness.
• Supports High School Swim Teams who use the Foothills YMCA facilities during their season in collaboration with the FAYMCA Swim Team.
• Serves as an ambassador to the community by actively promoting the YMCA aquatics and wellness programs.
• Encourage recruitment of swimmers through YMCA swim lesson programs as well as other YMCA youth programs in collaboration with the Aquatics Director.
• At times, teaches swim lessons and guards during low swim team times.
• Works with the Marketing Director to ensure all swim team information is up to date and is shared with the community in a timely manner through our websites, social media pages, and monthly newsletters.
• Assists in the preparation of an annual budget and manages the budget for the Swim Team program while adhering to the budget expectations and procedures of the Foothills Area YMCA.
• Ensures all monthly/annual swim team dues/fees are paid in a timely manner as determined by the leadership team for all swim team participants.
• Evaluates all programs annually to ensure they meet the needs of program participants.
• Assists in Annual Campaign by recruiting volunteers and supporting team events in coordination with campaign efforts.
• Other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Certifications: Basic life support or professional rescuer CPR/AED, first aid, emergency oxygen
  administration, Coaches Safety Training and Lifeguard Training.
• Coaching certifications from YMCA of the USA and USA swimming. Certification from ASCA is preferred.
• Able to relate and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
• Child abuse prevention and Bloodborne Pathogens training within 30 days of hire date
• Strong ability to be an engaging presence leading staff and programs.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proven skills in human relations, public speaking, program management, and volunteer development.
• Outstanding communication skills, the ability to determine and set priorities, manage his/her staff members work schedule; as well as the capacity to handle multiple tasks appropriately in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Hours vary depending on need, including weekends and evenings.