Head Masters Coach

Job Title: Head Coach – Sarasota Sharks Masters Program 
Location: Sarasota, Florida/Selby Aquatic Center 
Reports To: Sarasota Sharks Head Coach, or Designee 
Job Type: Part Time 
Salary: $25,000 
 

Organization Overview: 

 
The Sarasota Sharks Swim Team is a nationally recognized, year-round aquatics program based in Sarasota, Florida. With a strong tradition of excellence, the Sarasota Sharks Masters program serves adult swimmers of all levels—from fitness swimmers to elite-level competitors. Our mission is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes lifelong fitness, competition, and camaraderie through swimming. The Sarasota Sharks Masters roster totals typically around 300, with members across the U.S. and internationally. The Sharks Masters are regarded as one of the top teams within United States Master Swimming, annually named as a Gold Medal Club. The group training at the Aquatic Center at Potter Park in Sarasota numbers around 150 members across three skill groupings. 
 

Position Summary: 

 
The Head Coach of Sarasota Sharks Masters will be responsible for the leadership, direction,  
and development of the Masters swimming program. The ideal candidate will bring experience in coaching adult swimmers, program development, and fostering a strong team culture. This role requires a dynamic leader with excellent communication skills, the ability to inspire athletes, and a commitment to promoting a positive and inclusive team environment. The Sharks currently employ four additional part-time Masters coaches. 
 

Work Environment: 

• Early mornings  

• Outside facility, can be cold in winter and hot in summer. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Plan and lead daily Masters swim practices, ensuring they are structured, effective, and appropriate for all ability levels. 

• Provide technique instruction, race strategy, and individualized feedback. 

• Ensure facility safety rules are adhered to by Masters coaches and program participants. 

• Interface and collaborate with business leadership and staff, age-group coaches and Masters coaches on pool scheduling, events, promotional activities, safety and operational issues. 

• Recruit, engage, and retain Masters swimmers, growing the program and building team spirit. 

• Prepare athletes for local, regional, and national meets. 

• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members, regardless of skill level. 

• Manage team communications, primarily done through team emails. 

• Oversee assistant coaches, ensuring consistency and quality across sessions. 

• Promote the Sarasota Sharks Masters program within the community and broader Masters swimming networks. 

• Oversee monthly roster to ensure payment of membership fees from all program  
  participants. 

• Serve as meet director for any hosted meets, The Masters currently host two. 

• Administer visitor policy and be responsive to visitor inquiries to maintain Club  
  reputation. 

• Recruit part-time Masters assistant coaches as necessary. 

• Be sure that website information is correct and up to date. 

• Provide outstanding customer service both to existing and potential members.  

Qualifications: 

• Current USA Swimming or USMS Coaching Certification (or willingness to obtain  
  within 60 days). 

• CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding certification (or willingness to obtain). 

• Experience coaching adult/Masters swimmers. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead a program and manage diverse athletes and skill levels. 

• Strong interpersonal, motivational, and organizational skills. 

• Experience with swim meet preparation and coaching. 

• Basic computer skills. 

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

• Competitive swimming background (as an athlete or coach). 

• Previous experience managing or expanding a Masters or adult fitness program. 

• Familiarity with USMS policies and competition formats. 

• Ability to organize clinics, social events, and team-building activities.  

Benefits: 

• Access to world-class aquatics facilities. 

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education. 

• Flexible scheduling (depending on position type). 

• Supportive and collaborative team environment. 

• Potential to earn yearly bonus based on performance. 

• We encourage our coaches to swim with a group when not on deck coaching. 

• Masters Membership fees for swimming are waived for all coaches. 
   

To Apply: 
Please send a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to  
barckey@sarasotasharks.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.