Association Director of Competitive Swimming

Applications due 07/11/26

Job Description:

Date posted: June 22, 2026

Location: 805 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, USA

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Association Director of Competitive Swimming will deliver association-wide high-quality competitive team programs that promote achievement, create a sense of belonging and foster positive relationships. The Association Director of Competitive Swimming will provide programmatic and staff leadership, coaching expertise and volunteer activation while ensuring the safety of all participants.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

While this role has peak operational seasons, it is a full-year position. During non-peak periods, the employee is expected to actively contribute to planning, program development, staff training, facility upkeep, and other organizational priorities.

1. Work directly with the Mission Advancement and Operations teams to direct, plan, and deliver the Competitive Swimming programs for the Harrisburg Area YMCA.
2. Manage all aspects of the Harrisburg Area YMCA Competitive Programs including assigned coaching staff, schedules, curriculum, budget, event coordination, communications, and training.
3. Plan, promote, and execute association-wide meets, events, and experiences to increase program revenues while offering unique competitive swimming opportunities to all aquatics athletes. Assist in all aspects of meet/tournament management including entries, setup, and breakdown.
4. Coordinate Harrisburg Area YMCA Competitive Swimming Coaching Staff to ensure consistency in programming, safety, and operations at all YMCA hosted meets, events, and tournaments.
5. Oversee the training and competitive plans and goals of all YMCA competitive programs to provide opportunities for all athletes to reach their full potential in their chosen sport.
6. Work with High School Junior and Senior athletes in their pursuit of collegiate athletics including, contacting and meeting with college coaches to negotiate scholarship and roster opportunities.
7. In collaboration with the staff coaches and administrative teams, develop processes and practices that increase operational efficiency to improve the experience of families engaged in YMCA competitive sports programs. This includes refining and consolidating registration practices, organizing and overseeing parent communications, and supporting the branch staff during high-pressure times of the year through onsite presence during meetings.
8. Responsible for growth within Competitive Swimming programs at all Harrisburg Area YMCA locations. Plan annual recruiting drives, oversee roster and retention planning for all age group training. Plan and provide opportunities for placement/tryouts for new athletes throughout the year.
9. Provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants, including strict adherence to the Praesidium program, aquatic safety plan, and Safe Sport requirements.
10. In summer months, prioritize Competitive Swimming Program growth using internal and external partnerships, including participants in YMCA Youth Sports programs, day camps, and external sources of potential program participants (ie local aquatics clubs, clinics, etc).
11. Lead all Competitive Aquatics staff and cabinet meetings and training opportunities as deemed necessary.
12. Alongside the Aquatics Directors, Sports Directors and Branch Directors, responsible for coordinating YMCA pool use of YMCA Swim teams, serving as Meet Director for YMCA-hosted high school swim meets.
13. Ability to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
14. Ability to travel to meets or tournaments or find appropriate coaching coverage for athletes as approved by the supervisor.
15. Responsible for achieving assigned annual fundraising goal in support of the YMCA’s Annual Giving Campaign.
16. Any other duties assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Preferred four-year degree from an accredited college and experience in competitive swimming as a student athlete.
2. Minimum of 5 years swim coaching experience required or equivalent competitive team management.
3. Current certifications in BLS/Professional Rescuer CPR, First Aid, Athlete Protection Training and ASCA level 4 or higher, and lifeguarding preferred. YMCA Swim Coach certification/registration required within 30 days of hire.
4. Must have strong leadership, interpersonal skills and supervisory experience.
5. Strong understanding of fiscal management and the budget process.
6. Must be attentive to details, well organized, able to meet deadlines, take initiative to solve problems, be proactive in decision-making, and work with minimal to moderate supervision.
7. Knowledge of emergency policies and procedures for the facilities and venues.
8. Understanding of risk management issues and safety requirements for the venues.
9. Must have strong oral and written communication skills with volunteers, members, and parents.
10. Must be willing to fulfill all sports team responsibilities to the best of the employee’s ability.
11. Must be able to take direction and work cooperatively with the supervisor and other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Competitive Sports Director position is an onsite position with the Harrisburg Area YMCA and must represent the organization in a professional image. They must be able to maneuver the grounds and facilities freely and be capable of speaking clearly, including, but not limited to walking, stooping, carrying minimum of 50 lbs., sitting, standing, pushing, climbing, kneeling, lifting minimum of 50 lbs., and crouching. A valid drivers license and reliable transportation is required.

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY:

As a youth-serving organization, all staff share the responsibility to keep children safe, and this position requires that the incumbent read and sign the separate “Youth Protection Policy for Personnel and Volunteers” statement and abide by it.

Supervisors and administrators will:

• Follow employee and volunteer screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with consumers.
• Require employees and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
• Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using the organization’s progressive disciplinary procedures.
• Respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Communicate to all employees and volunteers the organization’s commitment to protect their consumers from abuse.
• Report essential abuse risk management information to the Board of Directors.

How to Apply

Email resume to [email protected]

Contact Information

Kate Gibson

phone: 717 686 4864