Competitive Aquatics Director, Head Coach

Madison Area YMCA is a 2024 Top Workplace 3 Years Running Job Description Under the direction of the Senior Director, Aquatics, this position will carry primary responsibility for leading the competitive aquatics department in achieving the highest standards of excellence in our Mariners swim team program. As a part of the Aquatics leadership team the Competitive Aquatics Director, Head Coach shares in the responsibility of operating our Aquatics Center in accordance with all applicable safety and coaching standards, and with YMCA program philosophy, values, and guidelines.

The Head Coach holds the pivotal role of establishing a cohesive coaching team structure, prioritizing inclusion, and facilitating the technical development of swimmers across all skill levels. This individual stands as a cornerstone of leadership for the entire competitive program, exemplifying behaviors that inspire and motivate others to excel. As a member of the Y management team, the incumbent actively participates in a variety of cross-departmental projects and initiatives that advance the Y mission and strategic plan goals.

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred. 5 years aquatic experience. An appropriate background of education and experience to be able to contribute and carry out the goals and objectives of the competitive swimming and aquatics programs. Must have the skills necessary to manage full-time and part-time staff and possess the management skills necessary to work with program volunteers, and in particular, an actively engaged parents’ organization.

Must have prior experience as a swim coach, lifeguard trainer, swim instructor, and in supervising staff. Must have knowledge of NJ State Bathing codes and regulations. Proficient in Microsoft Office and use of computer and database management experience.

YMCA Team Leader Certification. ASCA Level 3 or Equivalent within 1 year of hire. Working Conditions:

Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular work hours. Ability to walk, stand, and sit for long periods of time while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time. May also require bending, kneeling, leaning.

Potential exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids is possible. • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

Able to administer first aid. Ability to view/enter data for long periods of time. Ability to withstand a wide range of outside temperatures – heat, wind, rain.

Must be able to spend extended time in swimming pools. Must work PTO around the demands of the YMCA and USA Swim Schedule Essential Functions Program Management Has and maintains current knowledge and understanding of all programs offered. Coaches all levels of the Aquatics competitive team.

Provide on and off deck leadership and generate enthusiasm for all team members. Alongside the Senior Director, Aquatics, provides leadership and support to the Mariners Parent Organization and is present at all meetings. Assists in the planning and developing of high-quality competitive aquatics programs to serve our members utilizing our 4-lane, 8-lane pools, and off-site pools.

Successfully plans implementation, administers, and manages the competitive swim program, including practices, clinics, on and off-site practices and swim meets. Follows all YMCA, United States Swimming, and New Jersey swimming guidelines. Administers appropriate training regimen for all levels of swimmers.

Coaches at all levels of the Competitive program. Provides support to noncompetitive aquatics programs. Staff Supervision, Leadership & Development Leads a cohesive coaching staff team to manage and execute all functions related to age-group team development, clinic instruction, masters swimming, and effective communications with the parents’ organization and other program participants.

Determines assignments of the competitive swim program staff and reviews their performance annually (both formally and informally). Identifies individual objectives, observes performance, and appraises its effectiveness, and recommends appropriate salary adjustments and professional development objectives consistent with goals and objectives. • Provides the training and development of the swim team staff and volunteers. The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Schedules all shifts for practices and meets, manages all PTO requests, and ensures coverage has been scheduled before approval. Develops and administers, with the Senior Director, Aquatics, a training program for instructors and coaches to ensure continuity between recreational and competitive programs. Assists in the hiring and rehiring of staff which includes completing necessary paperwork for Human Resources, appropriate training, onboarding, scheduling, and preparing a development plan for all staff. • Works as a full partner among the aquatics management team to provide leadership and support across all Aquatics Programming.

Administrative Responsibilities Assists in the development of the annual budget and prepares variance and other reports as assigned. Responsible for competitive program session registration entries. • Monitors, manages, and approves payroll of direct reports. Utilizes appropriate technology for team operations and communications.

Upgrades competitive programs tracking and communications systems. Uses/ Learns Colorado, Hy-Tek and Team Unify proficiency. Organization-Wide Support/Collaboration Builds and maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants, and other staff.

Provides support and leadership for the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. Represents the Y at organizational special events and promotes the Y as a cause driven organization that addresses the needs of our community. Participates in registrations, open houses, Healthy Kids Day, and other YMCA community events.

Maintains quality working relationships with members, staff, program participants and community members. Conducts association safety training as needed when available. Collaborates with local swimming facilities and organizations to maximize community resources.

Provides leadership and staff assistance to Mariners Parent Organization and is present at all meetings. Be an integral member of the Family Center staff team, working toward an increase in member growth, satisfaction, and retention. Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies Philanthropy:

All YMCA staff are accountable for understanding the organization’s charitable status and mission to assure access for all through fundraising and philanthropy. Responsible for identifying and recruiting volunteers for the annual campaign, building strategic relationships with members for year-round member cultivation to increase the number of member donors, and directly and personally participating in campaign efforts and ongoing fundraising. Hold staff accountable for participating in the annual campaign and identify and recruit member volunteers.

YMCA Leadership Competencies: Team Leader Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values.

Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict.

Effectively tailor’s communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support. Operational Effectiveness:

Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team.

Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress. Personal Growth:

Shares new insights. Facilitates change, models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance.

Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Required Certifications YMCA Team Leader Certification. ASCA Level 3 or Equivalent within 1 year of hire