Assistant Coach – Women’s Swimming

Job Description:

Date posted: June 2, 2026

Location: 65 North Harvard Street, Boston, MA, USA

Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students. By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming adversity; and leadership. This position typically influences student-athletes for their entire four years at Harvard and plays a key role in shaping their personal development.

This position assists in planning, directing and coaching the women’s inter-collegiate swimming and diving program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program. May supervise other Assistant Coaches and the operations coordinator.

This position plays a key leadership role for the women’s swimming program. Will fill in when the Head Coach is absent. Typically has a significant role as liaison with Athletics administrative departments. Requires experience coaching at the collegiate level or comparable experience, which may include coaching/teaching at the professional level. Particularly for sports that are more prominent on an international level than in the United States, comparable experience may include playing in a professional or other high-performance environment, such as for a national team or at the Olympic level.

This is a one-year term position renewable at the discretion of the Head Coach and the Athletics Director.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

1.     Athlete Team Management

• Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competition to develop student-athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels.
• Develops, coordinates and plans assigned portions of practices and game management consistent with Head Coach’s strategic vision.
• Analyzes video to scout opponents and develop strategies for team development.
• Executes a student-athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy consistent with values of excellence and inclusion.
• Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team through credible coaching.
• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.

2.      Operational Complexity

• Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics and operational direction.
• Operates within budget.
• Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA and other rules and regulations.
• Coordinates with less-experienced coaches in implementing objectives.
• Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.
• Assists head coach in problem resolution.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.

3.     Communication & Influence

• Assists Head Coach in maintaining and building viewership, and maintaining and creating positive media interest, consistent with the applicable sport.
• Supports the Head Coach in influencing public interest where applicable.

Essential Functions:

• In addition, the Assistant Coach will be responsible for contributing ideas to a season plan for sprint, mid-distance and distance groups.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience required.
• Requires a combination of at least 5 years of swim coaching and/or swimming experience at the collegiate, national, and/or Olympic level.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree preferred
• Requires substantial mastery of sport-specific knowledge and relevant issues.
• Understands the philosophy, principles and policies of college athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy).
• Requires moderate management and leadership knowledge.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license needed.
• CPR and First Aid required.
• USA Swimming certification strongly encouraged.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift equipment associated with the sport.

Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend work required.
• Frequent travel required.
• Job requires work in extreme environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, and high levels of noise.

Work-Format: On-site

Additional information:

• Appointment End Date: 04/30/2027
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $57,000-$89,000/annual
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, DMV
• Other Information:
  • NOTE – This role is not eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO).

How to Apply

Please apply directly on Careers@Harvard.

Link to apply: https://us.smrtr.io/4S4MQ

Contact Information