Head Swim Coach - Lakota Family YMCA Stingrays Swim Team

Job Description: The Lakota Family YMCA seeks a passionate and motivated individual to step into the role of Head Coach to lead our growing swim team program. We are located in Liberty Township, Ohio, roughly 20 miles northwest of Cincinnati, and participate in the Tri-County and Southwest Ohio YMCA swim leagues. The ideal candidate will possess a strong, fundamental knowledge of stroke technique and physical conditioning, as well as the ability to positively motivate swim team participants using an understanding of individual swimmers’ strengths and goals. 

The Lakota YMCA Stingrays comprises a recreational summer team and year-round competitive team. Our program caters to a wide variety of swimmers of varying abilities ranging in age from 5-18, with approximately 125 participants currently enrolled in the program. The Head Coach position is a full-time position, requiring mornings, nights, and weekends, and involves planning and overseeing practices, recruiting/hiring assistant coaching staff, and a variety of administrative tasks. 

Job Requirements: 

·        Work 40 hours/week (varying hours); includes mornings, evenings, weekends 

·        Have a passion for coaching and developing athletes of all skill and age levels 

·        Possess fundamental knowledge of competitive swim-stroke technique  

·        Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills

·        Demonstrate an ability to lead and work well with others

·        Possess thorough understanding, application, and enforcement of YMCA and USA-Swimming rules, policies, and procedures

·        Demonstrate excellent customer service and decision-making skills

Qualifications:

·        Must be 18+ years of age 

·        Bachelor’s degree in athletic training, sports/recreation management or other such relevant field preferred

·        Minimum 2+ years' professional coaching experience, ideally in a head coaching or YMCA-Swimming or USA-Swimming position, preferred 

·        Experience using Team Unify/Sports Engine, HyTek, and/or Team/Meet Manager preferred

Training & Certifications:

·        Must obtain or possess current American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 3-6 months of employment

·        Must obtain or possess Safety Training for Swim Coaches (STSC) within 3-6 months of employment

·        Must obtain or possess Coaches Membership with USA Swimming within 3-6 months of employment

·        Complete Principles of YMCA Swimming and Diving (Y-USA) and Child Protection Training (SafeSport) within 3-6 months of employment

·        Obtain or possess ASCA membership within 3-6 months of employment (preferred, not required)

Primary Responsibilities:

·        Develop and administer effective training programs for the competitive and recreational swim teams focusing on stroke technique and physical conditioning 

·        Create a positive, fun and encouraging team environment where swimmers are encouraged to learn and grow

·        Recruit, hire and train assistant coaching staff to assist in administering practice, communicating with parents and team participants, and attend team competitions

·        Work with the Aquatics Director and Swim Team Parent Board to plan and execute team-building activities and social functions

Secondary Responsibilities: 

·        Abide by and enforce policies of Y-USA and USA-Swimming 

·        Abide by and enforce policies of Lakota Family YMCA Employee Manual, including thorough knowledge and administration of emergency action plan (EAP)

·        Assist aquatic staff (lifeguards, swim lesson instructors, etc.) in administering EAP in the event of an emergency

·        Assist aquatics and YMCA staff in maintaining facility cleanliness and appearance

·        Manage and organize team equipment and other applicable inventory 

·        Complete incident and/or contamination reports as needed

·        Communicate suggestions, concerns, or required maintenance needs to the Aquatics Director or Facilities Director 

·        Fulfill requests of the Aquatics Direct and/or other professional YMCA staff as needed

·        Assume responsibility for safety of swim team participants and patrons during all aspects of aquatic programming and regular operating hours

·        Promote all aquatics and YMCA program