The Head Coach will oversee all coaching, operations, programming, and administrative functions of a large, university‑affiliated USA Swimming club. Responsibilities include coaching, program development and implementation, special event programming, program scheduling, revenue generation, and supervision of professional and part time staff. While advancing the mission of Recreational Services and supporting student development, community engagement, and competitive excellence.
Specific Job Duties & Tasks
Program Leadership — Oversee all IFLY training groups, seasonal planning, practice design, and competitive strategy.
Staff Supervision — Recruit, hire, train, schedule, mentor, and evaluate full-time and part‑time coaching staff.
Athlete Development — Create age‑appropriate, long‑term development pathways for swimmers of all levels.
Event Management — Plan and execute home meets, team events, clinics, and special programming.
Program Administration — Manage registration, scheduling, communications, and policy implementation.
Budget Oversight — Monitor program budgets, approve expenditures, and coordinate with departmental business staff.
Risk Management — Ensure compliance with University, USA Swimming, and facility safety standards.
Assessment & Reporting — Track key performance metrics, analyze data, and prepare reports for decisionmakers.
Community & Campus Partnerships — Collaborate with campus units, local organizations, and parent groups.
Customer Service Leadership — Serve as primary contact for member concerns and ensure a welcoming environment.
Facility Coordination — Oversee pool scheduling, equipment needs, and facility readiness.
Coaching Education — Mentor coaches share best practices and maintain high technical standards.
Training Program Design — Develop in‑water and dryland training plans aligned with current research.
Team Travel Oversight — Coordinate logistics, staffing, and safety for away meets and training trips.
Departmental Engagement — Participate in staff meetings, committees, and departmental initiatives.
For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at [email protected]
About the Division of Student Life
The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, work together to keep our students safe, and provide them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 3 years of related experience
Coaching experience, minimum of 1-3 years, with competitive swimmers of multiple age groups and ability levels in a USA Swimming (or international equivalent), YMCA, high school, or collegiate environment
Current USA Swimming coach registration.
Current CPR, First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches as deemed acceptable by USA Swimming is required upon hire.
Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED (or ability to obtain within one month of starting).
Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) (or ability to obtain within six months).
Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a welcoming and respectful environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
Desired Qualifications
Advanced Coaching experience (minimum 3+ years) with competitive swimmers of multiple age groups and ability levels in a USA Swimming environment.
Minimum 6 months’ experience with swim club administration including budgeting, supervision, team travel, scheduling, policy development, team travel, and other responsibilities related to swim club management.
Minimum 6 months’ experience in aquatic facility management.
Knowledge of dryland strength and conditioning programs.
Experience using Team Unify, Hy‑Tek Team Manager/Meet Manager, and swim timing systems (Daktronics, CTS, Omega).
Application Details
In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at [email protected].
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution
Additional Information
- Classification Title: Recreation Prgm Asst Director
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
- Pay Level: 4A
- Starting Salary Minimum: 52,500
- Starting Salary Maximum: commensurate
Contact Information
- Organization: Student Life
- Contact Name: Michelle Sehmann
- Contact Email: [email protected]
