Program Director/Elite Head Coach/Aquatics Director

HARGRAVE MILITARY ACADEMY

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROGRAM DIRECTOR/ELITE HEAD COACH/AQUATICS DIRECTOR - Swimming

JOB TITLE: Program Director/Elite Head Coach/Aquatics Director

SUPERVISOR: Athletic Director 

DEPARTMENT: Athletics

LOCATION: 200 Military Drive, Chatham, VA

FLSA STATUS: Full-Time

Hargrave Military Academy is looking for a Program Director (PD) to take this sport to the next level. As a PD, the goal is to build the entire program into a program of athletic excellence. The PD will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the aquatic facility, team scheduling, team practices, and oversee and support the middle school, junior varsity, and varsity programs. As Head Coach of the Elite Team, the responsibility is to provide challenging yet age/skill appropriate workouts to each individual athlete to ensure that the athlete can meet his full athletic potential, with the goal to see the athlete swim at a higher educational institution after graduating Hargrave. In addition, Hargrave is home to the co-ed community swim club - Hargrave Aquatics. The PD will be responsible for team scheduling, and team practices.

The PD is a strong, effective, and efficient communicator that can listen first, and speak clearly with a diverse group of individuals including Middle, and High-school Cadets; Faculty and Staff; Officials; Parents; and Hargrave Leadership.

• Olympic-sized competition pool with 8 lanes (50 meters) and 22 lanes (25 yards) with a depth of 4.5 feet to 16 feet.

• The main competition area is 10 lanes, with a depth of 13-16 feet.

• 2-1 meter diving springboards; and 1-3 meter springboard.

• Colorado Time System 6 with automatic and semi-automatic timing.

• Myrtha Starter Blocks (purchased 2026).

• Contemplas Camera System (purchased 2026).

• Destro Double Towers (purchased 2026).

• Kiefer Wave Eater II lane lines (purchased 2026).

• Is responsible to the President of the Academy and the Athletic Director for all aspects of the program

• Create and execute the practice plans daily in accordance with the daily schedule

• Actively identify and recruit athletes to the Elite Program

• Coach all contests, including travel across the state, some nights, and frequent weekends in-season 

• Evaluate players, strategies, and staff to maximize the program’s success

• Cooperates with teaching staff, parents, public and media to ensure good public relations

• Writes up contests summaries and respond to all parent communications within 24 hours

• Manage all equipment requests and laundry needs

• Maintain accurate and organized systems for inventory

• Run the day-to-day operations of the Aquatic Facility including staff scheduling, in-services, maintenance, chemical balancing, and programming

• Run the co-ed community swim club - Hargrave Aquatics

• Creating and managing a budget

• Oversees the safety conditions of the facility or area of play at all times the athletes are present

• Promotes respect by example through appearance, manners, behavior, language & conduct during practices and contests

• Represent and support Hargrave Military Academy on and off campus in a manner fitting with the mission of the school

• Promote positive sportsmanship from athletes both at practices and at contests, either at home or away

• Attend required training and in-service meetings periodically

• Select and oversee the development of all Middle School, Junior Varsity, Varsity coaches in the program

• Select and oversee the development of all Team Captains and Team Managers

• Communicates effectively with the Athletic Trainer and ensure all athletes are receiving medical care in a timely fashion

• Maintains all required qualifications and certifications

• Enforces all regulations of HMA as they pertain to practice, games, events (home or away) and other HMA functions

• Follows rules and regulations set forth in both the Hargrave Coach’s Handbook and Hargrave Employee Handbook

• Other tasks as assigned by the Athletics Director

•  May include, but not limited to, being able to perform the following functions: twisting; kneeling, sitting, standing, crouching, bending; reaching above head height; standing on raised platforms/ladders; and the potential of assisting in the carrying of others, for times no greater than 4 hour

• Must be able to safely lift more than 50 pounds

• Must be able to read and write effectively with American English as the primary language

• Must be able to verbally command and to hear commands effectively to respond to Hargrave employees and Cadets

• Must be comfortable working in varying degrees of seasonal weather from extreme heat and high humidity to snow and gusting winds.

• Competitive salary based on 4 parts: base salary; rent free housing; annual recruiting and retention bonus; and free use of all athletic facilities to hold personal camps and clinics.

• Health insurance, dental and vision

• Annuity plan (403b)

• Professional Development

• Tuition remission for family members

• Wellness Program

• Term Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Sick PTO

• Financially will depend on the level of qualifications and experience 

• Free use of HMA’s transportation for business-related trips

• Free on-campus meals when available

• Free use of the weight room

• Free Family Membership to use the on campus Olympic-sized pool for open swim and 50% off specialized programs

• Has extensive experience in recruiting.

• Hold a coaching certification through USA Swimming.

• Have at least 7 years experience as Head Coach at an advanced swim program (e.g. college level; multi-level swim program); or swam competitively at a high level (4 year college or higher); or coached athletes to at least AA time standards.

• Has experience setting up and running USA Swimming sanctioned swim meets.

• Hold an ASCA Level 3 or higher certification.

• Hold a CPO certification (or must obtain within 3 months of employment).

• Hold certifications as an American Red Cross Instructor in Lifeguarding and First Aid/CPR/AED, as well as a qualified Lifeguard (or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment).

• Valid VA driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of employment). CDL Preferred.

• Proficient in the use of GoMotion; Hytek Software; Colorado Time System; and Swimcloud.

• Proficient in all NCAA eligibility requirements, and USA Swimming rules and regulations.

• Proficient in the English language - speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension.

Hargrave Military Academy, located in Chatham, Virginia, is an all-male military boarding school focused on college preparation and character development. Founded in 1909, the Academy is noted for ongoing academic achievement in college placement, athletics, character development, and leadership. Hargrave serves grades 6-12 and one postgraduate year. The Academy is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools via AdvancED and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.