Full Time Head Coach

Position: Head Swim Coach

Location: Madison, Alabama

Madison Swimming Association (MSA) is seeking an experienced, energetic, and athlete-focused Head Swim Coach to lead and continue building our year-round competitive swim program.  MSA is a board-governed, non-profit USA Swimming club that has served the North Alabama community for more than 30 years. The team consists of approximately 190 swimmers ranging from novice athletes to Southeastern and national-level competitors, including Olympic Trials qualifiers.  Our mission is to develop swimmers both in and out of the water by emphasizing technical excellence, hard work, sportsmanship, personal growth, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the sport.  The ideal candidate will be a strong teacher, communicator, and leader who is passionate about swimmer development at every level of the program and committed to building a positive, unified team culture.

Primary Responsibilities

Athlete Development & Coaching

• Lead and oversee all aspects of the competitive swim program
• Plan and implement age-appropriate and skill-appropriate training for all practice groups
• Emphasize stroke technique development, swimmer progression, and long-term athlete development across all levels
• Develop seasonal plans, practice plans, and dryland programming
• Foster a positive, disciplined, and encouraging training environment
• Build meaningful relationships with swimmers while maintaining professionalism and appropriate boundaries
• Promote team unity, accountability, sportsmanship, and athlete confidence

Staff Leadership & Program Management

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches
• Ensure consistent coaching standards and communication across all practice groups
• Coordinate meet schedules, entries, staffing, and travel
• Maintain a visible, engaged leadership presence on deck while attending the vast majority of team competitions and swim meets
• Communicate effectively and professionally with athletes, families, coaches, officials, and board members
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors on strategic planning, team operations, fundraising, social events, and program growth
• Prepare and present monthly coaching updates to the Board

Club & Community Engagement

• Help promote and grow the club within the Madison and North Alabama swimming communities
• Build positive working relationships with local schools, aquatic facilities, and community partners
• Support a healthy balance between athletics, academics, and personal development for swimmers

 Compliance & Professionalism

• Maintain all required USA Swimming and Southeastern Swimming certifications and remain in good standing
• Ensure compliance with Safe Sport policies and all applicable USA Swimming and Southeastern Swimming regulations
• Model professionalism, integrity, and sportsmanship in all interactions

Qualifications

• Competitive swimming coaching experience required; head coaching experience preferred
• Demonstrated success developing swimmers across a wide range of ages and ability levels
• Strong knowledge of stroke technique, training progression, and dryland development
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to positively engage with swimmers, parents, coaches, and volunteers
• Experience with Meet Manager, TeamUnify, and related swim software preferred
• Passion for continued coaching education and professional growth
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required

Compensation

• Full-time salaried position
• Salary commensurate with experience, anticipated range: $50,000–$70,000
• Reimbursement for approved meet travel, professional dues, certifications, and continuing education

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to:

Caroline Wathen
MSA Board President
msamarlinspresident@gmail.com

Applications will be reviewed as received.