Position Summary

The Lead Group Coach is responsible for the direct management, daily on-deck coaching, and technical instruction of a specific assigned training group within Tuna Swim Club. Depending on the group level (Age Group or Senior tiers), this role reports either to the Head Coach & Program Director. The Lead Group Coach focuses primarily on workout planning, stroke refinement, athlete goal setting, competition coaching, and collaborating with fellow lead and head coaches to ensure group alignment and seamless athlete move-up transitions.

Mission & Vision

Mission: Tuna Swim Club strives to inspire and develop swimmers of all ages and abilities in a safe, positive environment built on genuine team support — preparing every athlete to pursue their highest goals, in the pool and in life.
Vision: To compete at the highest levels as a team where every swimmer becomes family and every success is shared. 

Key Responsibilities & Scope of Work

1. On-Deck Coaching & Group Leadership

• Daily Practice Execution: Lead and conduct daily practices for the assigned training group, ensuring high deck energy, active technical coaching, and a positive, structured environment.

• Group Practice Planning: Design and execute workout progressions aligned with the club's overarching technical curriculum and long-term athlete development framework.

• Technical Focus: Coach stroke mechanics, turns, starts, underwater streamline work, and age-appropriate physical conditioning tailored to the specific group tier.

• Goal Setting & Athlete Guidance: Conduct goal-setting check-ins with swimmers, providing constructive feedback, technical corrections, and encouragement.

2. Athlete Progression & Move-Up Coordination

• Cross-Coach Alignment: Collaborate regularly with other Lead Group Coaches and the Head Coach to ensure clearly defined group expectations and seamless skill alignment across all levels.

• Move-Up Evaluations: Evaluate swimmer readiness based on technical standards, attendance, and commitment, coordinating move-up decisions in partnership with supervising head coaches.

• Group Culture & Discipline: Maintain clear athlete expectations, attendance policies, and sportsmanship standards within the group.

3. Competition Planning & Meet Attendance

• Meet Coaching & Support: Attend assigned weekend swim meets (approximately 1–2 per month) to coach swimmers, manage warm-ups, conduct event strategy talks, and provide race feedback.

• Meet Entry Recommendations: Assist in recommending swimmer event entries and relay combinations for meet submissions.

4. Group Administration & Communication

• Attendance & Record Keeping: Maintain accurate daily practice attendance logs and swimmer training notes within TeamUnify/SportsEngine Motion.

• Parent Communication: Maintain open, professional communication with group parents regarding schedules, swimmer progress, meet expectations, and general group updates.

• Staff Collaboration: Participate in regular coaching staff meetings and professional check-ins with supervising head coaches.

5. Safe Sport & Regulatory Compliance

• Safety Leadership: Ensure strict adherence to USA Swimming, Minnesota Swimming (MSI), Safe Sport guidelines, MAAP rules, and club safety policies during all practices and meets.

• Athlete Supervision: Ensure appropriate deck supervision before, during, and immediately following practice until swimmers leave or are with a guardian.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Coaching Experience: Prior competitive coaching experience or competitive swimming background preferred.

• Certifications: Current USA Swimming coach membership in good standing (or ability to obtain promptly), including background check clearance, Safe Sport certification, CPR/First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches.

• Technical & Communication Skills: Strong understanding of competitive stroke mechanics and the ability to communicate constructively with athletes, parents, and coaching peers.

• Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with team management tools (TeamUnify/SportsEngine Motion, Hy-Tek) preferred.

Characteristics & Competencies of the Ideal Candidate

• Energy & Enthusiasm: Brings positive energy and passion on deck to motivate swimmers and build team spirit.

• Collaborative Mindset: Works effectively with fellow coaches to support athlete transitions and club-wide progression.

• Reliability & Integrity: Demonstrates punctuality, strong organizational habits, and professional ethics.

General Conditions

This position requires on-deck presence during scheduled weekday afternoon/evening practices, select weekend practice sessions, and 1–2 swim meets per month(including travel as needed). Additionally, some groups have early morning practices during the summer session.
Candidates must have the physical ability to stand for extended periods on pool decks, demonstrate swimming mechanics, lift up to 50 lbs of deck equipment, and hold a valid driver's license.

General Duties Disclaimer: This job description outlines the primary duties and scope of responsibility for the Lead Group Coach position. Duties may be adjusted by the Head Coach based on specific group needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Tuna Swim Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.