The Opportunity
Donner Swim Club (DSC) is seeking a dynamic, visionary Head Coach to lead the next era of our program’s growth and excellence. Formed in 1948 and incorporated in 1965, DSC is one of Indiana’s oldest and most successful swim clubs.
Located in Columbus, Indiana, conveniently situated midway between Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Louisville. DSC provides our nearly 150 athletes with access to premier competition while maintaining a deeply supportive, family-oriented culture; these athletes are spread across the swim groups of Novice, Developmental, Age Group, and Senior and our Dive Team. We believe great programs develop more than just fast swimmers; they build confident, resilient young people. We are looking for a leader to elevate DSC—competitively, culturally, and organizationally.
The Role
The Head Coach serves as the strategic, cultural, and competitive leader of DSC, reporting to the Board of Directors. While administrative competency is important, DSC prioritizes customer-building, technical excellence, and athlete development above all else. You will partner with our coaching staff to ensure DSC remains the premier choice for families seeking both performance and community.
Key Responsibilities
Culture & Community Leadership
- Represent DSC: Act with professionalism and integrity within the team, the Indiana Swimming LSC, and the broader swimming community.
- Advance the Mission: Embody and advance the club’s values, fostering a family-oriented environment where athletes feel they belong.
- Character First: Promote a culture where progress, growth, and character matter as much as results; build a team identity centered on effort and resilience.
- Communication: Maintain proactive, clear, and professional communication with athletes, parents, officials, and coaching peers.
- Community Outreach: Advance community interest in the sport and fitness of swimming, including oversight of lessons and Masters programs.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Mentor Talent: Recruit, mentor, and retain a strong coaching staff, serving as a visible and approachable leader across all groups.
- Technical Up-skilling: Provide ongoing professional development and align the staff around a shared philosophy of athlete-centered development.
- Build Depth: Ensure continuity and leadership depth across all levels of the coaching pipeline.
Athlete Development & Coaching
- Lead the Senior Group: Actively coach the senior group while providing hands-on support and guidance to age-group coaches.
- Strategic Training: Design and implement training plans tailored to swimmers of various abilities and competitive goals, promoting long-term retention.
- Excellence & Confidence: Cultivate technical excellence, smart training progression, and racing confidence.
- Collegiate Planning: Support collegiate recruiting guidance and long-term athlete planning, balancing high performance with athlete well-being.
Program Operations & Administration
- Board Partnership: Collaborate on program direction, budgeting, and long-term planning; maintain professional and proactive communication with the Board.
- Systems & Finance: Demonstrate familiarity with club management systems and manage program budgets and financial operations effectively.
- Promotion & Growth: Utilize social media and communication platforms to promote team culture and achievements; support fundraising and community partnerships.
- Logistics: Oversee meet planning (including DSC’s tradition of hosting successful invitationals and championships), team travel, and scheduling.
- Compliance: Ensure full compliance with USA Swimming and Indiana Swimming requirements.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Culture-Builder: An exceptional culture-builder first and a strong technician second.
- Proven Track Record: A record of coaching swimmers to competitive success and developing athletes across all stages of the pipeline.
- Growth-Oriented: Motivated to take an already strong program and help it grow into something truly special.
- Energy & Presence: Brings high energy, visibility, and a professional presence to the deck and the community.
Qualifications
- Experience: 3-5 years of coaching experience; prior Head Coach or Lead Coach experience is strongly preferred.
- Certifications: Current USA Swimming certifications and Safe Sport compliance.
- Availability: Flexible schedule for early mornings, evenings, weekend meets, and travel.
Facilities & Compensation
DSC swimmers benefit from three excellent facilities:
- Columbus North HS Natatorium: 8-lane 25m/y facility, separate diving well, with dedicated spectator seating.
- Columbus East HS Natatorium: 8-lane 25y facility with dedicated spectator seating.
- Donner Park Pool: Outdoor 8-lane 50m facility, separate diving well, with dedicated spectator seating.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Professional development support.
- Engaged Board partnership and a competitive athlete pipeline with significant growth potential.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following to President@donnerswimclub.com:
- Cover Letter
- Resume (including certifications)
- Three Professional References
- Personal Statement: Outlining your coaching philosophy and vision for DSC.
Applications will be reviewed confidentially. DSC is an equal opportunity employer.