Girls Swim and Dive Head Coach

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Blake School is seeking a passionate, experienced, and student-centered Head Coach to lead our Girls Swimming and Diving Program. The ideal candidate will be an inspirational leader who fosters personal growth, competitive excellence, and a positive team culture. This position is responsible for all aspects of the program, including coaching, organizing practices and meets, mentoring student-athletes, and upholding the values of Blake’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead all practices, swim meets, and team events during the fall season.

• Create an inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for all levels of swimmers and divers.

• Mentor assistant coaches and collaborate with diving staff to ensure comprehensive support for all athletes.

• Communicate effectively with athletes, families, school administration, and athletic department staff.

• Develop swimmers’ technical and tactical skills while emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and academic balance.

• Organize preseason planning, in-season training, and postseason opportunities (banquets, awards, etc.).

• Maintain and ensure compliance with all MSHSL rules and Blake School policies.

• Support athlete development throughout the offseason, including potential club partnerships, captain practices, and strength & conditioning coordination.

Experience and Skills:

Qualifications:

• Prior head or assistant coaching experience in competitive swimming (high school, club, or collegiate level) required.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with student-athletes, families, and colleagues.

• Knowledge of MSHSL rules and safety protocols in aquatic environments.

• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Lifeguard and/or WSI certification preferred but not required.

• Commitment to Blake’s values of respect, inclusion, and excellence.

Season Dates:

• Mid-August through mid-November (including MSHSL postseason competition)

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,316 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake's mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE