Head Coach- Competitive Swimming

LEAD A LEGACY. BUILD CHAMPIONS. STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY.

The YMCA of Central Virginia is seeking a Head Coach of Competitive Swimming to lead one of the region’s most established and respected programs.

With over 60 years of history in competitive swimming, this program has developed swimmers from foundational levels through varsity and national-level competition. As a transitioning team, this is an opportunity to build on a strong foundation while bringing structure, accountability, and a clear vision for the program’s next phase.

This role goes beyond writing sets.

You will lead a comprehensive, year-round competitive swim program where swimmers train with purpose, compete at a high level, and grow both in and out of the water; aligned with the YMCA’s mission and values.

You will oversee both the performance and operational aspects of the program, including training design, competition strategy, staff leadership, and program management across multiple branches.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Building on its rich history in competitive swimming, the program guides athletes through a carefully designed pathway from early development to varsity and national competitions. Growth is promoted at every step thanks to dedicated assistant coaches, involved families, and a strong atmosphere of mentorship and responsibility. Training is supported across competitive pool facilities at the Downtown Family YMCA and Jamerson Family YMCA branches, along with strong connections within the local and regional swimming community.

Our history of competitive success includes:

• USA Swimming Club Excellence – Silver Medal Team (Top ~3% nationally)
• Olympic Trials qualifiers and national-level competitors
• YMCA National Champions (individual and relay)

This program is positioned for its next phase of growth, fully aligned with the YMCA’s mission.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Oversee all facets of a comprehensive, year-round competitive swim program spanning developmental, age group, and senior levels.
• Direct program operations, communication, and logistics across multiple training locations.
• Develop and execute training plans, practice sets, and seasonal progression to foster athlete growth and optimize performance.
• Deliver daily on-deck coaching, stroke instruction, and technical advancement.
• Guide swimmers from foundational technique through championship-level competitions.
• Organize and manage competition schedules, entries, lineups, and race strategies.
• Lead hosted and co-hosted meets, coordinating officials and volunteers effectively.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise assistant coaches to ensure uniform training standards.
• Uphold compliance with YMCA, USA Swimming, and SafeSport regulations.
• Administer program budgets, meet fees, and financial processes with diligence and accountability.
• Cultivate positive relationships with swimmers, families, and the broader swim community.
• Engage and coordinate volunteers to support meets and team activities.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Extensive knowledge of stroke mechanics, training progression, and meet strategy.
• Demonstrated success in developing swimmers through high school and championship-level competitions.
• Possesses 3–5+ years of competitive swim coaching experience, including oversight of program operations.
• Proven experience in leading and cultivating coaching staff, setting clear expectations and maintaining accountability.
• Ability to foster and maintain a high-performance team culture in alignment with the YMCA’s mission and values
• Exceptional communication skills with swimmers, families, and staff.
• Strong organizational and operational abilities across scheduling, meets, and program logistics.
• Demonstrated fiscal responsibility with the ability to effectively manage YMCA resources.
• Proficiency with TeamUnify, SportsEngine, Meet Manager, or comparable systems (preferred).

CERTIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• CPR/AED, First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches (or ability to obtain)
• SafeSport / Athlete Protection Training
• YMCA Competitive Swimming certification (or ability to obtain)
• Background screening in accordance with YMCA policy
• Compliance with YMCA, USA Swimming, and SafeSport standards

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• On-deck coaching and instruction; flexible hours to include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and travel for meets.
• Travel: 15–25%, including some weekends and overnight meets
• Fast-paced, team-driven setting requiring effective leadership and decision-making

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Salary: $65,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and YMCA membership

WHY THE Y: At the YMCA of Central Virginia, competitive swimming is a platform for building discipline, confidence, and character. We are committed to developing strong swimmers and strong individuals. 

APPLY: If you’re ready to lead, develop swimmers, and drive excellence in a competitive environment, apply below!

This posting provides an overview of the role. Full responsibilities and requirements are included in the complete job description at the application link.

The YMCA of Central Virginia is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.