Head Developmental Coach
Fox Valley Family YMCA Swim Team
Position Summary
The Head Developmental Coach plays a key role in creating a positive, athlete-centered swim team experience that helps swimmers build confidence, develop competitive skills, and foster a lifelong love of swimming. Working closely with the Head Swim Team Coach, this position provides leadership for developmental practice groups, supports athlete progression, and helps ensure a safe, welcoming, and high-quality program environment for swimmers and families.
At the Fox Valley Family YMCA, we believe athletics are about more than competition. They are opportunities to build character, confidence, resilience, and meaningful relationships. The Head Developmental Coach helps bring that vision to life by creating an environment where every swimmer feels supported, challenged, and connected.
Reports To
Head Swim Team Coach
Employment Status
Part-Time
Key ResponsibilitiesAthlete Development
Lead developmental practice groups while creating a positive, challenging, and supportive environment for swimmers of varying skill levels. This individual is responsible for helping athletes build strong technical foundations, develop confidence in the water, and progress toward their personal and competitive goals. Coaching should reflect the YMCA's commitment to youth development, sportsmanship, and character.
Program Leadership
Work collaboratively with the Head Swim Team Coach to deliver a high-quality swim team experience that is organized, engaging, and athlete-centered. This includes assisting with practice planning, supporting swim meets and team events, and helping maintain consistency across all developmental groups. The Head Developmental Coach plays an important role in ensuring swimmers and families have a positive experience throughout the season while contributing to the overall success and growth of the program.
Family & Community Engagement
Build meaningful relationships with swimmers, families, volunteers, and fellow coaches. Serve as a positive role model and ambassador of the YMCA by creating an environment where every swimmer feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged. Strong communication, professionalism, and a commitment to belonging are essential components of this role.
Safety & Risk Management
Maintain a safe and well-supervised environment by following YMCA, USA Swimming, and team policies and procedures. Ensure all required certifications remain current and respond appropriately to emergencies while prioritizing the well-being of athletes at all times. Support a culture of safety, accountability, and respect both in and around the pool.
Qualifications
- Minimum 18 years of age.
- Previous competitive swimming and/or swim coaching experience required.
- Current YMCA and/or USA Swimming coaching credentials, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
- Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving certification required.
- ASCA Level 1 certification preferred.
- Current CPR, First Aid, AED, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches certifications, or ability to obtain upon hire.
- Strong knowledge of competitive swimming techniques, athlete development, and stroke mechanics.
- Ability to motivate, instruct, and positively engage youth athletes.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to the YMCA mission, values, and youth development philosophy.
YMCA Leadership Competencies
The successful candidate demonstrates:
Relationship Building – Builds genuine connections with swimmers, families, volunteers, and staff while creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Communication & Influence – Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively while providing encouragement, instruction, and feedback that supports athlete growth.
Program Quality – Delivers a consistent, high-quality experience that reflects YMCA standards and contributes to athlete development and program success.
Developing Others – Inspires confidence, encourages effort, and helps swimmers grow both as athletes and as individuals.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
This position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and actively supervise swimmers for extended periods of time. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in a pool environment and occasionally lift or move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The ability to demonstrate swimming techniques and respond quickly in emergency situations is required.
Our Cause
At the Fox Valley Family YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work to ensure that children, families, and individuals have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Through programs, relationships, and experiences, we create spaces where everyone belongs and has the support they need to reach their full potential.
The Head Developmental Coach plays an important role in helping young athletes discover confidence, achieve personal growth, and build a lifelong connection to swimming and the YMCA.
Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
