Department: Athletics | Reports to: Head Swimming Coach/ Director of Athletics | Hiring Pay Range: Stipend | FTE: Temporary/Seasonal
THE ROLE
The Assistant Swim Coach supports the Head Swim Coach in all aspects of the Catlin Gabel swimming program. The Assistant Swim Coach helps create a positive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate team environment that promotes skill development, sportsmanship, wellness, and a lifelong appreciation for swimming. The Assistant Coach assists with practices, competitions, athlete supervision, and program administration while upholding the mission and values of Catlin Gabel School.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Assistant Swim Coach reports to the Head Swimming Coach/ Director of Athletics and is responsible for:
- Coaching & Athlete Development: Assist the Head Swim Coach in planning and conducting practices that support athlete development and team success. Provide instruction in swimming techniques, conditioning, race strategy, and sportsmanship while supporting individual growth and overall team performance through feedback and mentorship.
- Meet Preparation & Program Operations: Assist with the planning and execution of swim meets and team activities. Support meet operations, including setup, timing coordination, equipment management, and other program needs while contributing to the success of the swimming program.
- Student Supervision & Team Culture: Supervise student-athletes during practices, competitions, travel, and team activities. Foster a positive team culture focused on personal growth, accountability, teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship while reinforcing program expectations.
- Safety, Compliance & Communication: Support a safe environment for student-athletes and assist with compliance with school, league, conference, and OSAA requirements. Communicate effectively with student-athletes, families, coaching staff, and school personnel to support program success.
- Program Support & Professional Development: Support recruitment, retention, and operational needs of the swimming program, including equipment management. Participate in required trainings, certifications, and program initiatives while performing other duties as assigned in support of program and departmental goals.
WHO YOU ARE & KEYS TO SUCCESS
To be successful in this role, you will excel in these areas:
- Student-Athlete Development: Effectively teaches swimming techniques, training methods, and race strategies while supporting the athletic, academic, and personal growth of student-athletes. Creates a positive environment that encourages confidence, effort, and continuous improvement.
- Relationship Building & Communication: Builds positive relationships with student-athletes, families, coaches, staff, and community members. Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively in a variety of settings.
- Collaboration & Professionalism: Works collaboratively with coaching staff and athletic department personnel to support team goals and student success. Demonstrates reliability, flexibility, sound judgment, and professionalism.
- Leadership, Inclusion & Mentorship: Serves as a positive role model who fosters inclusion, respect, belonging, and sportsmanship. Motivates and mentors student-athletes while promoting a positive team culture and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Organization & Program Support: Demonstrates strong organizational and time-management skills while supporting practices, competitions, travel, team activities, and operational needs of the swimming program.
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience coaching, teaching, competing in, or otherwise leading youth swimming programs
- Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
- Completion of required NFHS and OSAA coaching certifications.
- Reliable transportation to attend practices, competitions, and athletic events throughout the Portland metropolitan area.
- Preferred: Three or more years of coaching, teaching, or athletic leadership experience.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW
This is a seasonal stipend position requiring availability throughout the swim season. Regular attendance at practices, competitions, team meetings, and athletic department activities is expected. Evening work and occasional weekend commitments are required, as well as travel to away competitions within the Portland metropolitan area.
The role requires standing for extended periods, supervising student-athletes in aquatic environments, and occasionally lifting, moving, or setting up athletic equipment.
Stipend amounts are based on relevant years of experience.
WHO WE ARE
Catlin Gabel is an independent, progressive school (preschool-grade 12) whose mission is to foster compassionate and curious citizens of the world by inspiring in every student a love of learning and the courage to take responsible action. The school is located in the southwest hills of Portland, OR on a 67-acre wooded campus. All team members are an integral part of the student experience and are expected to uphold our core values of Kindness, Integrity, and Inclusion in all that they do.
Catlin Gabel School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
The Athletics Department is dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for students to develop leadership, resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to personal growth through athletic participation. Coaches work collaboratively with students, families, and colleagues to cultivate an inclusive and supportive athletic culture that values both competitive excellence and character development. Team members are encouraged to bring enthusiasm, professionalism, and a student-centered approach to their work.