Head Coach

Head Coach Job Posting

University Place Aquatic Club (UPAC)

Location: University Place, Washington

Reports To: Board of Directors

Salary: $65,000–$75,000 DOE

About UPAC

The University Place Aquatic Club (UPAC) is a year-round, nonprofit USA Swimming club serving approximately 110 competitive swimmers from beginner through senior levels. We operate across multiple training sites and are committed to helping every athlete reach their full potential while building confidence, character, and a lifelong love of swimming.

UPAC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that values collaboration, transparency, and long-term program development. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Coach who is excited to lead every aspect of our competitive program while helping shape the future of our club.

Our philosophy is that long-term athlete development, technical excellence, positive coaching, and character development are equally important to competitive success. We strive to create an environment where athletes are challenged, families are supported, coaches are empowered, and success is measured both in and out of the pool.

Position Summary

The Head Coach serves as the leader of the entire competitive swimming program. This is a full-time leadership position combining on-deck coaching, staff leadership, program administration, strategic planning, and community engagement.

The successful candidate will create a positive, athlete-centered culture while developing swimmers, mentoring assistant coaches, strengthening relationships with families, and partnering with the Board to continue growing the club.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the competitive swim program.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive training philosophy across all practice groups.

• Direct, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches.

• Manage athlete placement and long-term development.

• Plan seasonal competition schedules and oversee meet entries.

• Coordinate coaching assignments for practices and competitions.

• Serve as the primary liaison between coaches, families, facilities, and the Board.

• Maintain consistent communication with athletes and families, including weekly program updates.

• Ensure compliance with USA Swimming, Pacific Northwest Swimming, SafeSport, and all governing requirements.

• Assist with budgeting, fundraising, strategic planning, and long-term club growth.

A detailed position description outlining all responsibilities will be provided during the interview process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum five years of competitive coaching experience (USA Swimming, collegiate, or equivalent).

• Demonstrated success developing athletes across multiple ability levels.

• Experience supervising and mentoring coaching staff.

• Strong organizational, leadership, and administrative skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Experience with Hy-Tek Meet Manager and TeamUnify (or similar software).

• Current USA Swimming Coach in good standing (or ability to obtain before employment).

• Current CPR/AED, First Aid, and required certifications.

We're Looking for Someone Who...

• Leads with integrity, professionalism, and humility.

• Communicates proactively, consistently, and transparently.

• Builds positive relationships with athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, and facility partners.

• Enjoys mentoring coaches as much as developing swimmers.

• Values teamwork and collaborative leadership.

• Brings energy, accountability, and a growth mindset.

• Wants to build a long-term home within our club.

Our Community

UPAC proudly serves families throughout University Place, Tacoma, and the surrounding South Sound communities. We enjoy strong family involvement and valuable partnerships with local aquatic facilities. Our volunteer Board is committed to supporting, not micromanaging, our coaching staff and values open communication, shared leadership, and continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Head Coach will build a unified coaching culture, develop swimmers from their first USA Swimming meet through senior-level competition, communicate proactively with families and the Board, and continue growing UPAC into one of the premier developmental swim programs in the Pacific Northwest.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $65,000–$75,000 DOE

• USA Swimming registration and required certifications paid by UPAC

• Meet travel reimbursement in accordance with club policy

• Professional development opportunities

• Opportunity to shape the future of a growing, community-focused swim club

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Three Professional References

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Mitchell Tallon

Board President

President@swimupac.org