Lake Washington Masters Head Coach

We are seeking a passionate and experienced coach to serve as the next Head Coach for the Lake Washington Masters Swim Team. As a Masters Head Coach, you will be responsible for designing and implementing swim training programs tailored to the needs and goals of adult swimmers. You will inspire, motivate, and guide individuals of varying skill levels, fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment conducive to personal growth, achievement and connection.  

This is a full-time position which coaches or provides oversight for three practices and a development hour Monday through Friday between 5:15am and 1pm and a Saturday practice from 10am to 11:15am.  Some flexibility is needed to work competitions, attend meetings and team socials, and support Lake Washington Masters and Wave Aquatics needs.  The Lake Washington Masters program is supported by part-time assistant coaches who may cover some practices and a swimmer development hour for those training to join the team. 

As a member of Wave Aquatics’ Leadership Team, the LWM Head Coach will be a positive and supportive team member, mentoring staff and supporting our expectations for excellence throughout the organization. The Masters coach will support other programs and pool operations as needed, including serving as a lifeguard on an as-needed basis.

About our team:
Lake Washington Masters is a registered club of U.S. Masters Swimming, a year-round team offering high quality professional coaching and technique instruction for adults of all ages and abilities. We have a competitive group, from former Olympians and D1 Collegiate swimmers to triathletes and dedicated fitness swimmers. Our "slow" lanes do 100y repeats on a 2:00 send-off. Workouts are always challenging, but we make it fun by accepting that challenge and supporting our teammates every step of the way. Our swimmers prioritize both meeting their swimming goals and a strong sense of community.  Practices take place at Juanita Aquatics Center located on the campus of Juanita High School in Kirkland, WA.  

Lake Washington Masters offers a Development Hour for those who don't quite have the times of the Masters Swimmers, yet desire swim coaching and to achieve their swimming goals.  Some Development Hour participants are working toward joining Masters in faster lanes, other use Development Hours to maintain their fitness and enjoy our swimming community.  

Lake Washington Masters is a program of Wave Aquatics, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire engagement in aquatics within the Eastside community.

 As a Masters Head Swim Coach, you will provide the following:

• Leadership: Utilize your strong leadership qualities with your ability to coach and motivate swimmers towards their goals. Provide clear guidance and direction, fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment.  

• Communication Skills: Use your excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate training techniques and provide constructive feedback. Communicate effectively with Masters members and Wave staff regarding program logistics, schedule, and pool use.

• Technical Expertise: Proficiently demonstrate the use of stroke mechanics, training methodologies, and periodization techniques to optimize performance.  

• Individualized Programming: Develop customized training plans tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each swimmer.  

• Team Management: Oversee and manage team logistics, including meet entries, scheduling, membership, billing, and coordination of part-time assistant coaches.  

• Community Engagement & Program Growth: Foster and grow a vibrant and inclusive Masters swim community through networking, outreach, marketing and collaboration with local organizations.  
• Equity and Inclusion: Promote a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all members of our community, actively removing barriers to participation in Masters swimming.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years coaching experience in competitive swimming, with a focus on adult athletes preferred. 
• Certifications:
  • Current certification in lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid.  Training and certification are offered in-house if needed.   
  • ASCA Level 2 certification or higher is preferred
• Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. Demonstrate transparency and accountability in all actions and decisions. 

• Good Judgment: Make critical decisions related to pool operations, safety, and customer service. Resolve conflicts and problems with a fair and balanced approach. 
• Flexibility: Adaptability to early mornings, weekends and occasional additional hours in the evenings to accommodate the needs of our diverse membership.

Wave Aquatics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage you to apply for the above role if you are passionate about supporting Aquatics, even if you don’t meet all the qualifications.  We will consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or other protected classes.

Review of applications will begin February 23, with the position open until filled.