Competitive Swim Director

The Competitive Swim Director is responsible for the management of the swim team in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth with the YMCA of the USA, USA Swimming and the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. The individual in this position needs to possess knowledge of competitive swimming and the ability to teach technique instruction for all ages and abilities. The Director is expected to form positive relationships, mentor as appropriate and effectively communicate with coaching staff, swim team members, swim team parents and the YMCA Community. 

The Wayne YMCA Bluestreaks Team (NJBL) is a Northern NJ competitive swim team for youth ages 6 to 18, located in Wayne, NJ (Passaic County), a community of 55,000+ residents. After 11 seasons, our Head Coach/Director of Competitive Aquatics is stepping down from his role, creating an opportunity for a committed and talented Head Coach to take the helm of the Bluestreaks into the future.

The Bluestreaks, a diverse team of 117 swimmers (2022-23 season), practice at the Wayne YMCA in our six lane/25 yard pool with Colorado Timing System.  Practice currently takes place five days/week (Monday – Friday), with swim meets on the weekends.  Access to the YMCA’s extensive fitness facilities and equipment is available to the Bluestreaks for dryland training.

Supporting the full-time Director of Competitive Aquatics are three part-time Assistant Coaches, as well as two substitute Assistant Coaches.  The Bluestreaks have ten certified swim officials, and up to 100+ parent volunteers to support both swim meets and team activities.  Our coaches work very closely with the parent's committee, and collaboration plays an important role in our team’s success. The Bluestreaks offer a comprehensive year-round swimming program.  The team is organized into five groups according to their ability and swimming skills.  These include: Intro, Novice, Junior Pre- Seniors and Seniors.

 In the winter season we are part of the Northern New Jersey YMCA swim league. The competition schedule begins in October and runs through the end of March where we swim at YMCA State Championships and invitational meets. Between April and July, 90-95 swimmers compete in the spring/summer season, with swimmers participating in long course invitational meets. The team competes at Y Nationals (both short course and long course).  Our swimmers were winners at YMCA State Championships and finalists at Y National Championships in the 2021-22 season, with one swimmer the overall winner in backstroke events.  A member of the Bluestreaks has also established NJ State records for 11-12, 13-14 and 15 & Over age groups in both long and short course events. 

We are also a USA swimming team, competing at all NJ Swimming Championships as well as invitational meets.  Our swimmers have qualified for JO’s, Zone Age Championships, Sectionals, as well as the USA National Junior Championship.

The Bluestreaks also offer an 8-week stroke clinic annually from July through August. New swimmers are drawn from the Wayne YMCA extensive lesson programs and local summer lake leagues in town and surrounding areas.The Bluestreaks prides itself on working together as a “big machine”, where everyone is a part of the machine (swimmers, Coaches, parents, volunteers and officials) and driving its success FOR ALL!

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervise, develop and oversee operations of swim team.
• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate staff. Maintain a quality and professional staff.
• Develop training philosophy that is appropriate for each level of competitive swimming.
• Develop a well-rounded competitive aquatic program that develops well-rounded swimmers.
• Responsible for total management of swim team including:
• Meeting deadlines for meet entries
• Keeping accurate records of swimmers’ times
• Arranging for year-end team banquet and awards
• Making arrangements for team tryouts
• Ensuring volunteers are trained (timing, Colorado system etc.)
• Providing opportunities to develop new team members through clinics
• Schedule swim meets and team building events and coordinate logistics (i.e. work with parent committee in securing volunteers to run meets, etc.)
• Supervise entire swim meet activities including warm-ups and events; ensure the safety of the swimmers.
• Attend YMCA and USA Swim Meets as required.
• Responsible for coordinating times for swim practice schedules with the Aquatics Director that will not conflict with member programs.
• Attend and participate in program activities, staff meetings and staff trainings.
• Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Assist with community events such as Healthy Kids Day, Open Houses and Annual Community Support Campaign.
• Participate in workshops, trainings and seminars that will enhance professional growth.
• Share responsibility for the success of the overall Branch performance and help maintain a positive image for the YMCA.
• Exhibit personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Association, so as not to bring discredit to the Association
• Perform such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned by the Supervisor.    

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance.  Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

 DIRECT REPORTS:

Coach (s), Asst. Coach (s) 

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Education or related field. 
• Minimum Level 3 The American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) certification or higher.
• At least 5 years of experience coaching competitive swimming and training and competition.
• Knowledge and proven experience in the management of a competitive swim team program of 100+ swimmers.
• Prior experience hiring and supervision of assistant coaches.
• Ability to work harmoniously with the swim team parents, committee and volunteers.
• Ability to create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of the swimmers, while ensuring fair practice and swim meet experiences.
• Must be currently certified in First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Swim Coaches Safety Training. Preferred certifications include YMCA/ American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Principles of YMCA Competitive Swimming and Diving.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HyTek software (Team/Meet Manager), TeamUnify and good written and verbal communication are essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions.
• Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• The physical ability to lift and move up to 60lbs. Individual must be able to perform related physical skills such as spotting in a safe manner.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time (3-4 hours).
• Must have the visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents. Must possess the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.