Applications due 09/09/24
Job Description:
Date posted: August 8, 2024
Location: Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, UK
Loughborough University Swimming are recruiting an Associate Head Coach for our prestigious swimming programme. We are seeking a highly experienced, dedicated and dynamic individual who will help shape the future of elite swimming at Loughborough University. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with student athletes in a high-performance environment, contributing to our legacy of success.
Job Grade: Management and Specialist, Grade 6.
Job Purpose
- To take a lead role in the coaching and development of student athletes and full-time athletes in the Loughborough Swimming performance programme, achieving agreed performance targets in BUCS, national and international competitions, as part of the annual performance plan.
- To work with the Director of Swimming in developing and implementing an annual training and competition plan, enhancing athlete performance across all performance tiers and maintaining the swimming programme’s global reputation for excellence.
- To lead on recruitment for Loughborough University Swimming, developing and implementing a recruitment strategy to ensure we attract the best talent into the programme.
- To develop and drive a high-performance culture whilst working to enhance team dynamics/team spirit across the whole programme.
Job Duties
The role of the Associate Head Coach will encompass several key areas of operation for the swimming programme including but not limited to:
Coaching & training
- To coach and prepare swimmers to achieve PB’s/Seasons Best performances at international and national championships as well as maximising the teams’ scoring potential at all BUCS competitions.
- Work with the Director of Swimming in designing and delivering a comprehensive training programme, with IDP’s for all Platinum and Gold level athletes.
- Be the primary coach for a group of athletes in the High-Performance Squad whilst also having a direct coaching involvement with all groups/athletes in the performance programme. Plan and deliver whole team sessions as required by the Director of Swimming.
- Monitor and evaluate athlete performance, providing feedback and implementing adjustments to training plans as necessary. Utilise an IDT to maximise the development and performance of the athletes on the team including regular meetings to discuss progress in both process and outcome objectives.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and competitive training environment.
- Plan and attend training camps as agreed with the Director of Swimming.
Athlete and Staff Development
- Support student-athletes to maximise their achievements in both academics and swimming.
- Work closely and collaboratively with an IDT and other SSSM practitioners to optimize performance as well as the physical and mental health of our athletes.
- Recruit, develop and mentor assistant volunteer coaches, coaching interns and our existing full-time coaching staff (where applicable).
Recruitment
To lead on all respects of athlete recruitment for Loughborough Swimming including:
- Identify and recruit talented swimmers to sustain and enhance the program’s competitive edge.
- Develop a targeted recruitment strategy using BUCS tracker as a mechanism for forward planning.
- Develop a targeted recruitment strategy of high-profile international student athletes.
- Work with the Swimming Programme Co-ordinator and Loughborough Sport Admin team to maintain an up-to-date recruitment database and to track application status of all prospective athletes.
- Attend all Open Days (4 per year) to present and meet with prospective student athletes.
- Organise recruitment visits to key programmes and/or key athletes (domestic only) if appropriate.
- Ongoing communication with high-profile recruitment targets, coaches (domestic and international) and programmes both online and in-person.
- Arrange recruitment visits for athletes to come to Loughborough, planning detailed recruitment trips for key targets.
- Liaise with Loughborough Sport Athlete Recruitment and Talent Manager to ensure we are maximising recruitment opportunities and adhering to Loughborough Sport recruitment processes.
Programme Administration
- Work collaboratively with the Swimming Programme Co-ordinator to ensure the smooth running of the programme with clear communication in all matters related to the day-to-day operation of Loughborough Swimming.
- Liaise with Loughborough Sport facility staff on facility usage and participate in relevant meetings with the facility managers as required.
- Work with the Director of Swimming to develop strategic plans for the swimming programme.
- Work with other members of Loughborough Sport staff to promote the profile of Loughborough University, Loughborough Sport and Loughborough Swimming. This may include activities such as:
– providing content for use on social media, the website and other promotional publications
– assisting in attracting sponsors
Partnerships
- Explore opportunities to collaborate with GB Aquatics to enhance the overall training environment at Loughborough for the mutual benefit of both programmes.
- Provide advice, support and assistance to the AU Squad coaches and club committee.
- Engage with alumni, sponsors and stakeholders to support the programme’s growth and development.
- Actively participate in the Loughborough Sport ecosystem through collaboration with other performance programmes, coach collaboration activities and performance sport meetings.
Budgetary Responsibilities
- Assist the Director of Swimming in managing and monitoring the budget for the performance programme.
- Work with the Director of Swimming to maximise the impact of our Scholarship budget.
- Participate in the development of income generating activities that can financially support the performance programme.
General Requirements
- Contribute to the sharing of coaching ideas and skills within the high-performance educational forums available on campus.
- Actively work to promote Loughborough University sport and Loughborough Swimming.
Points To Note
The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of duties and responsibility of the post. The detailed duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character or level of responsibility entailed.
Special Conditions
It is recognised that coaches working at this level will often have links with national federations and will be selected for national teams. This is seen as advantageous if it does not interfere and/or adversely affect the performance and development of the Loughborough Swimming programme and its student athletes.
It will be necessary to work outside normal office hours including coaching training sessions and competitions at unsociable hours, at weekends and on bank holidays and university closure days.
This post is offered on an open-ended basis.
Organisational Responsibility
Reports to the Director of Swimming.
How to Apply
All applicants much apply via the Loughborough University Website, Please follow the link below to apply.
Contact Information
Andi Manley (Director of Swimming) or Danielle Lewitt (Programme Coordinator)
