Assistant Men's/Women's Swimming Coach

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe.  With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

Whitman Swimming has been a rising power within the northwest for the last decade. The 2024 season concluded with the women’s team bringing home their sixth conference title in seven years and the men’s team finishing second. In recent years, one of our swimmers was a Division III NCAA national champion in multiple events and was even awarded NCAA Swimmer of the Meet in 2023. We are proud of the improvements we see in swimmers from all swimming backgrounds during their time here, and attribute much of that success to quality swimming with a focus on technique, dedicated weight training, and holistic support for our student-athletes. The real key to everything we do, though, is the team dynamic, and continually creating an environment where our swimmers can be themselves, support each other, compete hard, and have fun.

POSITION PURPOSE

Assist the Head Coach with all aspects of the Men’s and Women’s Swimming Program. This position is 0.93 FTE that works 1934 annual hours.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

This position reports directly to the Head Swimming Coach. Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Training & Competition: Assist the Head Coach in the preparation of practices, conduct safe and strategic individual and team training sessions, and assist in all aspects of competition.
• Recruiting: Support the Head Coach in the development and incorporation of a comprehensive recruiting plan that demonstrates successful results for the recruitment, yield and retention of academically and athletically qualified student-athletes. Effectively recruit for the program while working within the parameters of Whitman, NWC, and NCAA rules.
• Budget: Make responsible purchases for the Program. Assist the Head Coach with budget management.
• Camps & Clinics: Assist the Head Coach in all fundraising efforts, including running of occasional lessons, clinics, and camps.
• Masters Swim Team: Serve as the Head Coach for the Whitman Masters Swim Team.
• Hy Tek & Hosting Meets: Assist with meet preparation, including competitive strategies. Partner with the Head Coach and game management staff to manage home meets. Manage Meet and Team Manager databases, entries, and results. 
• Travel Logistics: Assist with the arrangement and supervision of transportation, lodging and meals for team travel. 
• Events & Outreach: Coordinate team, alumni and community outreach and events.
• Ethics: Represent the College and its athletics program with honesty, integrity and sportsmanship at all times to various institutional programs and students, parents, the general public, alumni and external agencies. 
• Professional Engagement: Develop a positive, professional relationship with officials, league personnel, and coaching colleagues.
• Rules & Compliance: Understand and work within the parameters of Whitman College, the NWC and NCAA Division III philosophy and rules.
• Game Management: Complete 40 hours of game management responsibilities as assigned by the Event Management Director (annually).
• Aquatics Management: Assist the Head Coach in overseeing Harvey Pool including supervision of student lifeguard staff..
• As Assigned: Complete special projects and other duties assigned by the Head Swimming Coach and the Director of Athletics, as bandwidth allows.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Value athletics within a high achieving academic liberal arts Division III environment.
• Work to positively and actively advance the college’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.
• Prioritize the team experience we help foster for Whitman swimmers.
• Appreciate that personal growth and athletic development are intricately linked.
• Support overall wellness in team members.
• Prioritize stroke technique and effectively communicate desired stroke changes to swimmers.
• Be highly motivated and work well both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication skills.
• Show attention to detail in planning.
• Demonstrate confidence with technology, including a mature and sophisticated approach to social media.
• Communicate effectively and enthusiastically to recruits and their families.
• Be excited to learn and grow.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Maintain valid annual certification as an American Red Cross Lifeguard or Lifeguard Instructor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Coaching experience at the college level preferred; equivalent significant high school/club coaching experience also considered.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

$19.59/hour

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 10 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for one Whitman course per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin April 5, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

START DATE

July 2024