Description
Lead Site Coach / Head Age Group Coach
YMCA of the North Shore SHARKS Swim Team
Lead. Inspire. Develop the Next Generation of Competitive Swimmers.
Are you an experienced swim coach who is passionate about athlete development and building a positive team culture? The YMCA of the North Shore SHARKS is seeking a dynamic Lead Site Coach / Head Age Group Coach to provide leadership for one of our training sites while guiding the developmental pathway for swimmers ages 6–12 across our entire competitive swim program.
The YMCA of the North Shore SHARKS is a YMCA and USA Swimming competitive swim team serving more than 250 age group swimmers and over 100 Masters swimmers across multiple North Shore training locations.
In this leadership role, you'll work closely with the Head Coach to shape the future of our age group program by developing curriculum, mentoring coaches, leading daily training sessions, and creating an environment where young athletes thrive both in and out of the pool. If you're passionate about developing swimmers, building relationships, and fostering a lifelong love of the sport, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
Athlete Development & Program Leadership
Develop and implement the technical training curriculum and long-term athlete development pathway for swimmers ages 6–12 across all SHARKS training sites.
Design engaging, progressive practices that develop strong stroke technique, racing skills, confidence, and sportsmanship.
Foster a positive, inclusive team culture focused on personal growth, belonging, and athletic achievement.
Site Leadership
Serve as the primary on-deck coach for the competitive age group program at your designated training site.
Oversee daily practice operations, scheduling, safety, and overall program quality.
Ensure a fun, organized, and supportive environment where athletes can reach their full potential.
Coaching & Staff Development
Recruit, mentor, supervise, and develop assistant age group coaches.
Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and training to ensure consistent instructional quality and curriculum implementation.
Promote collaboration and professional growth among coaching staff.
Team Operations & Competition
Coordinate swim meets, season planning, meet registrations, and competitive opportunities for swimmers ages 6–12.
Monitor athlete progress using performance data and coaching technology, including TeamUnify, SwimCloud, and the USA Swimming Data Hub.
Support efficient pool scheduling, equipment management, and overall team operations.
Family & Community Engagement
Build strong relationships with swimmers, parents, volunteers, and community partners.
Communicate effectively regarding athlete development, practice expectations, competitions, and team events.
Partner with volunteer leadership to support successful swim meets, fundraising initiatives, and team social events.
Safety & Professional Excellence
Maintain all required YMCA and USA Swimming certifications.
Ensure all practices and competitions follow YMCA, USA Swimming, and safety guidelines.
Stay current with emerging coaching techniques, athlete development strategies, and industry best practices.
Why You'll Love Working at the YMCA of the North Shore
At the YMCA, you'll do more than coach swimming—you'll help young athletes build confidence, resilience, discipline, and lifelong skills that extend far beyond the pool.
YMCA Employee Benefits
Free YMCA membership
Employee discounts on YMCA programs and services
Health and dental insurance for eligible full-time employees
Generous paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
12% employer-funded retirement contribution (no employee match required)
Employer-paid life insurance
Ongoing professional development and coaching education
The opportunity to shape one of the North Shore's premier competitive swim programs
Make an Impact
If you're ready to lead a talented coaching team, inspire young athletes, and help shape the future of competitive swimming, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and join the YMCA of the North Shore SHARKS team!
Requirements
We're seeking an experienced, passionate coach and leader who is committed to developing young athletes, mentoring coaching staff, and creating a positive, high-performing team culture.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Lead Coach, Head Age Group Coach, or Program Director within a competitive swim program required.
Experience coaching within a multi-site competitive swim program strongly preferred.
Demonstrated leadership experience supervising, mentoring, and developing coaching staff.
Advanced knowledge of long-term athlete development, age-group training methodologies, and stroke mechanics for swimmers ages 6–12.
Strong organizational, leadership, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivated, energetic, and committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and athlete-centered team culture.
Proficiency with TeamUnify, Meet Manager, and other competitive swimming software platforms preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with athletes, families, volunteers, and staff.
Commitment to the YMCA's mission and core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Required Certifications
Candidates must hold, or be willing to obtain within 3–6 months of hire, the following certifications:
USA Swimming Coach Certification
YMCA Swimming Certification (Principles of YMCA Competitive Swimming preferred)
American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Certification (Level 2 or higher preferred)
Lifeguard Certification or Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches
CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Ability to actively coach, instruct, and observe swimmers in proper stroke technique and training activities
Must be able to remain on the pool deck for extended periods in a warm and humid environment
Ability to demonstrate swimming techniques and provide hands-on instruction when appropriate
Must be able to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies
Ability to lift, move, and transport swim equipment as needed
Ability to attend practices, swim meets, and team events, including evenings and weekends
Proficiency with technology and software used for swimmer development, meet management, communication, and administrative responsibilities
Ability to communicate effectively with swimmers, parents, staff, officials, and volunteers in a variety of settings
The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.
