Boston University Masters Swim (BOSMS) is seeking an experienced and motivated Head Coach. BOSMS is a U.S. Masters Swimming-registered club committed to providing adult swimmers with quality coaching, structured training, competition opportunities, and a supportive team environment. The Head Coach will play a central role in advancing the program's goals while supporting the growth and success of its members.
The Head Coach will be responsible for developing and delivering seasonal training plans, high-quality workouts, supporting swimmer development and goal setting, coordinating with assistant coaches, and representing the team at local swim meets and open-water events. This role will also play a key part in growing the club, retaining existing members, and fostering a positive, inclusive, and motivating team environment.
The ideal candidate is an experienced Masters swimming coach who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent communication and organizational skills. They are passionate about helping adult swimmers achieve their goals, building a strong team culture, and creating an engaging program that welcomes swimmers of varying experience and ability levels.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Administration
- Manage the daily operations of the BOSMS program in alignment with the club's mission and objectives.
- Coordinate with the Assistant Manager of Aquatics on club and swimmer registration with U.S. Masters Swimming.
- Serve as the primary club contact for USMS and attend LMSC meetings as needed.
- Communicate team feedback, program updates, goals, and other relevant information to the Assistant Manager of Aquatics.
- Attend scheduled meetings with aquatic facility staff and the team advisory committee.
- Coordinate with assistant coaches to establish session plans, communicate team goals, and address program needs.
- Develop and implement strategies to grow the club and retain existing members.
- Plan marketing strategies and promotional needs in collaboration with the Assistant Manager of Aquatics.
- Coordinate swim clinics and other educational opportunities for club members.
Coaching & Athlete Development
- Serve as the primary coach for the team, coaching a minimum of three practice blocks per week.
- Provide coverage for additional weekly practice blocks as needed.
- Develop and implement a seasonal training plan for the team.
- Design, deliver, and coach daily workouts appropriate to the training phase and time of season.
- Develop training cycles that incorporate base, build, peak, and taper phases in preparation for team-recognized meets.
- Set team goals and assist individual swimmers in establishing and achieving personal goals.
- Provide instruction in stroke development, stroke correction, technique, and overall swimming performance.
- Design and lead stroke development clinics.
- Create a positive, inclusive, and motivational environment that supports adult athletes at a variety of experience and ability levels.
- Remain attentive to swimmers throughout every practice and alert lifeguards or assist with emergency response when necessary.
- Maintain a professional and punctual presence at all practices and team activities.
Meets, Events & Team Communication
- Plan and organize, in collaboration with the Assistant Manager of Aquatics, a minimum of two meets per year for the team to attend.
- Attend and actively coach the team at designated local swim meets.
- Coordinate participation in local meets and open-water events.
- Ensure swimmers are properly registered for meets and understand meet procedures, expectations, and logistics.
- Send routine team newsletters covering team goals, upcoming meets, social events, general swimming information, and encouragement for new and returning swimmers.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of two years of professional work experience.
- Current membership in U.S. Masters Swimming.
- Preferred: Current USMS Level 3 Masters Coach certification, or ability to obtain the certification within six months of hire.
- Current American Red Cross Safety Training for Coaches certification.
- Preferred: Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, including Deep Water, with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid.
- Demonstrated ability to motivate adult athletes in a positive and supportive manner.
- Demonstrated proficiency in stroke development, stroke correction, and proper swimming technique.
- Working knowledge of U.S. Masters Swimming rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of Hy-Tek Meet Manager and Team Manager software.
- Exceptional organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and listening skills.
- Ability to make clear recommendations and sound decisions.
Compensation
This is a part-time position. Depending on experience, this position will pay in the range of $25.00 - $38.00 per hour.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter highlighting their coaching experience, Masters swimming background, relevant certifications, and approach to developing adult athletes. Please send applications and copies of relevant certifications to:
Colleen Cleary
Manager of Aquatics
cleary13@bu.edu | 617-353-0651