Job Description

Germantown Academy  

We inspire students to be: Independent in Thought • Confident in Expression •

Compassionate in Spirit • Collaborative in Action • Honorable in Deed

Position Title: Director of Aquatics/Head Coach of Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Program

Germantown Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school located on a beautiful 126-acre campus in the Fort Washington suburbs near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades Pre-K-12. Founded in 1759, GA is America’s oldest non-sectarian day school with rich traditions and a strong commitment to ongoing innovation of curricular and pedagogical practices. 

Germantown Academy is committed to the work of equity and inclusion and believes that equal opportunity in all aspects of employment supports the mission of the school and the successful attainment of our strategic objectives. Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and a respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds.  

The Director of Aquatics/Head Coach of Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving position is a 12-month position which offers an excellent array of benefits and a highly competitive salary. In addition, 100% tuition remission is available for a total of two children who qualify for admission and for whom space is available.

Position Purpose:Germantown Academy seeks an accomplished and dynamic Director of Aquatics/Head Coach of Boys and Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving to lead and manage our comprehensive aquatics program beginning in March 2025. This position reports to the Director of Athletics and has dotted line into the Director of Operations for purposes of setting and managing budgets for the GAAC program. The ideal candidate will oversee GA’s year-round USA Swimming team, Germantown Academy Aquatic Club (GAAC), as well as lead the Inter-Academic Athletic League-champion boys and girls swimming and diving teams. This position will also oversee all PreK-8 swimming classes, the GA Dive Club, and work collaboratively with the masters swimming and water polo programs. A well-qualified candidate will have a proven track record in coaching at the national level, with the ability to develop and execute strategic training programs, foster athlete development, and contribute to a culture of excellence and sportsmanship.

In accordance with Germantown Academy’s Mission Statement, the mission of the Germantown Academy Aquatic Club (GAAC) is to provide a competitive swimming program for swimmers of all levels. As a member of USA Swimming, GAAC strives to instill a true love and passion for swimming while developing the skills necessary to become a positive contributor to the overall GA community and to society. The four cornerstones of the GAAC program are Grit, Resilience, Reliability, and Ownership.

GAAC will accomplish its mission by:

1. Honoring the Germantown Academy Mission Statement – GA inspires students to be Independent in Thought, Confident in Expression, Compassionate in Spirit, Collaborative in Action, and Honorable in Deed.
2. Complying with all rules and regulations of USA Swimming.
3. Providing adequate equipment and facilities to meet the needs of swimmers in all GAAC programs.
4. Providing highly qualified coaches for all GAAC programs.
5. Creating a positive environment that allows all swimmers to reach their highest potential.
6. Providing all swimmers with competitive opportunities that are appropriate for their skill level.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management:

• Oversee the Germantown Academy Aquatic Club and Dive Club, including planning and executing training sessions, competitions, and events.
• Coordinate with masters swimming and water polo programs to ensure adequate pool time and facility access.
• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of both the GAAC and varsity teams, focusing on skill development, performance enhancement, and injury prevention.
• Ensure the integration of the school’s academic and athletic commitments, fostering a balance between student-athlete responsibilities and personal growth.
• Develop and implement a structured curriculum for PreK-8 swimming classes.
• Organize and oversee the team’s participation in local, regional, and national competitions, including scheduling, travel arrangements, and logistical coordination.
• Analyze competition results and develop strategies for future events to improve performance and achieve team goals.

Team Development and Coaching:

• Recruit, develop, and mentor athletes of all skill levels, from beginner to elite, with a focus on maximizing potential and achieving competitive success.
• Conduct individual and group coaching sessions, providing technical instruction, tactical guidance, and motivational support.
• Analyze performance metrics and video footage to provide detailed feedback and implement improvements.

Staff Leadership:

• Hire, train, and supervise aquatic staff, including swim instructors, lifeguards, and coaches.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities for staff.
• Ensure that all staff adhere to safety protocols and provide exemplary care, teaching, and coaching to all constituents utilizing the facilities.

Safety and Facility Management:

• Maintain high standards of safety and cleanliness within the aquatic facilities.
• Enusure that regular inspections and routine maintenance and repairs of pool equipment and infrastructure are completed.
• Develop and implement emergency response procedures and ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with offsite pool management for summer training.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with school administration, athletic department, and families to integrate aquatics programming into the broader school curriculum and activities, while ensuring alignment with GA’s mission and values.
• Collaborate with parents, students, coaches from other sports, and other stakeholders regarding program offerings, schedules, and updates.
• Address and resolve any issues or concerns related to the aquatic programs in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate effectively with athletes, parents, and staff regarding training schedules, competition details, and team policies.

Budget and Administration:

• Manage the budget for all aquatics-related activities, including staffing, equipment, facility maintenance, facility rentals, and travel.
• Submit regular reports/accurate records on athlete and program performance, participation rates, and financial expenditures.
• Explore opportunities for grants, sponsorships, and fundraising to support and enhance the aquatics program.
• Ensure compliance with USA Swimming regulations, as well as Germantown Academy’s policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Physical Education, Kinesiology, Recreation, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Proven experience as a head coach or assistant coach at the national or collegiate level, with a demonstrated ability to lead multi-age successful swimming and diving programs.
• USA Swimming Coach Certification and current membership.
• Strong understanding of swimming and diving techniques, training methodologies, and competition strategies.
• Certification in Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety Instruction.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of individuals, including students, parents, and faculty.

• Capacity to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate athletes.
• Commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes, balancing athletic achievement with academic and personal growth.

Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, PA, has engaged DovetailEDto lead a search for a Director of Aquatics and Head Coach of Boys and Girls Swimming and Divingbeginning in March 2025. Interested candidates should review the opportunity statementand submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a consolidated PDF to Zack Lehman, President at DovetailED Talent Sourcing, at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com. Please refrain from contacting the school directly.               

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