Head Coach Boulder Aquatic Masters

Boulder Aquatic Masters (BAM) – Head Coach

Boulder Aquatic Masters is a U.S. Masters Swimming-affiliated club serving adult swimmers of all abilities in the Boulder area. We are seeking a part-time Head Coach to lead our coaching staff, set the standard for on-deck excellence, and be the face of the BAM program. 

Who we are

BAM is, at its core, a Masters swimming club. We are not primarily an open water club, a triathlon training program, a seniors fitness group, or a learn-to-swim program. We can and do serve swimmers with all of those interests, but our north star is the mission of U.S. Masters Swimming:

• Empowerment – motivating adults to achieve personal fitness goals through swimming

• Community – fostering camaraderie and building lasting connections among swimmers

• Education – providing tools, techniques, and training to help swimmers improve

• Accessibility – offering swimming opportunities for adults of all fitness levels and abilities

Any Head Coach of BAM must be genuinely aligned with this mission, and not just on paper, but in how they show up on deck, how they communicate with swimmers, and how they lead a coaching staff.

About the role

This is a part-time coaching leadership role. The Head Coach is on deck, setting the tone, and directly accountable for the swimmer experience across the program. They define what great coaching looks like at BAM and make sure every coach on staff delivers it.

The Head Coach reports directly to the BAM Board of Directors and works in close partnership with the Coach Manager, who is responsible for scheduling, staffing coordination, and administrative operations.

A note on culture

BAM has been fortunate to build a strong, cohesive coaching culture in recent years that we intend to protect. We are looking for someone who works well with others, communicates openly, and is genuinely invested in the health of the team as a whole. Culture and day-to-day experience are shaped by leadership style and alignment with club values as much as by technical coaching ability. Both matter here.

Responsibilities

Program leadership

• Define and maintain BAM's coaching philosophy, culture, and standards, consistent with the mission of U.S. Masters Swimming

• Serve as the primary point of accountability for the overall swimmer experience

• Act as the face of BAM within the broader community

Staff leadership

• Recruit coaches and provide hiring and dismissal recommendations to the Board

• Manage all coaches, including providing regular feedback and guidance to ensure consistency and quality across all sessions

• Conduct regular coaches' meetings and foster a collaborative, high-standards coaching culture

Workout architecture

• Establish expectations for workout quality and structure across the program

• Collaborate with all coaches to develop and share workouts, training plans, and example sets

• Ensure programming is purposeful, well-paced, and appropriate for the range of swimmers present

On-deck coaching

• Coach regularly scheduled BAM practices

• Arrive to scheduled practices on time and with a workout prepared

• Provide real-time stroke technique feedback, set adjustments, and swimmer support

• Represent the standard of coaching you expect from every coach on staff

Events and community

• Encourage and coordinate participation in meets, triathlons, and open water events

• Attend events as a coach and ambassador when possible, as agreed with the Board

Board partnership

• Participate in BAM Board of Directors meetings at the request of the Board or as appropriate to support program alignment and communication

• Communicate proactively with the Board on program health, staffing, and strategic direction

Qualifications

• Meaningful Masters swim coaching experience required

• Strong understanding of stroke mechanics, training principles, and the specific needs of adult swimmers

• ASCA Levels 1-3 or equivalent; USMS coaching certification preferred

• Experience managing or mentoring other coaches strongly preferred

• Current First Aid, CPR, and Lifesaving certification

• Excellent communicator – warm, direct, and inclusive

• Genuine alignment with the USMS mission and the BAM community

• Must be authorized to lawfully work in the US and be able to provide proof of eligibility if selected for hire

Scope and compensation

• Part-time, approximately 5-8 hours per week outside of on-deck coaching hours

• On-deck coaching hours are in addition to and compensated separately from leadership hours

• Additional paid hours available for meet and open water event support, as agreed with the Board

• Hourly rate: $35-$45 commensurate with experience; BAM annual membership included

To apply Send a resume and a brief note about why BAM and why now to info@bamswimming.org.