Head Men's & Women's Swimming Coach/Aquatics Director

The Bard College Department of Athletics and Recreation seeks a full-time Head Men’s & Women’s Swimming Coach / Aquatics Director. This position reports to the Director of Athletics and is responsible for leading the intercollegiate swimming and diving program while overseeing all aspects of aquatics facility operations. The successful candidate will support the mission and philosophy of Bard College, the Department of Athletics and Recreation, the Liberty League, and NCAA Division III.

Head Coach Responsibilities

• Recruit, instruct, and lead a diverse and academically qualified roster of student-athletes consistent with NCAA Division III and Bard College philosophy.
• Identify and recruit prospective student-athletes through travel, phone, email, social media, recruiting software, and collaboration with the Office of Admission.
• Prepare and train student-athletes for intercollegiate competition through structured practices, video review, and other instructional methods.
• Attend all contests and accompany the team on travel, assuming responsibility for team management and conduct on and off campus.
• Ensure the health, safety, and wellness of student-athletes in coordination with Athletic Trainers and department staff.
• Monitor academic progress and support student-athletes in navigating academic, athletic, and social concerns; communicate issues to appropriate campus partners.
• Supervise and evaluate assistant coach(es) and team staff, ensuring understanding and compliance with departmental, college, conference, and NCAA policies and regulations.
• Demonstrate commitment to sportsmanship and ethical conduct consistent with NCAA principles and Bard’s educational mission.
• Participate in coaches’ meetings and required departmental events.
• Collaborate with the Business Manager on budget planning and oversight, including travel, recruiting, equipment, and operational expenses.
• Oversee security, care, inventory, and presentation of team uniforms, equipment, and related program assets.
• Serve as Event Administrator for designated varsity contests and participate in departmental event management initiatives.
• Assist in developing recreational and instructional programming for the broader campus community, including clinics, intramurals, tournaments, and other engagement opportunities.
• Adhere to policies outlined in the Bard College Coaches’ Handbook.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Aquatics Director Responsibilities

• Oversee all operations of the aquatic’s facility, ensuring a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.
• Ensure compliance with Dutchess County and New York State Department of Health regulations and inspection requirements.
• Supervise aquatics staff, including oversight of lifeguard hiring, training, evaluation, certification compliance, and ongoing professional development.
• Ensure required certifications are maintained (lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, etc.) in accordance with regulatory standards and institutional policies. Conduct regular lifeguard staff meetings and training sessions.
• Report facility maintenance needs and coordinate service with appropriate college personnel.
• Plan, organize, and implement youth and adult swim lesson programs and special aquatics events.
• Oversee aquatics components of summer camps and ensure regulatory compliance in all operational areas.
• Supervise event administration for swim league meets hosted at Bard.
• Develop and manage the aquatics budget.
• Support risk management, facility safety planning, policy development, and staffing initiatives.
• Additional stipend opportunities may include instruction of American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification courses.

Minimum Qualification

• Experience as an intercollegiate athlete and/or coach; intercollegiate coaching experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in safe and effective pool management; experience directing aquatics operations preferred.
• Ability to recruit and support a diverse student-athlete population. Strong organizational, supervisory, and communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel for competition, recruiting, and professional meetings.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports students of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ability levels.

Preferred certification include:

• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO)
• Lifeguard Management Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and/or Lifeguard Training Instructor
• CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor Certification

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter and the contact information for professional references to Interfolio at:

In your cover letter please include short statements on each of the following:

• What is your recruiting philosophy and how does it align with building a successful swimming program at Bard?
• What will make you different from the other candidates applying for this position?
• How would you create and maintain a team environment that demonstrates and upholds a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Compensation:

$68,000 - $73,000

Benefits Overview

We are pleased to offer our full-time employees an excellent benefit package which includes; health insurance; TIAA retirement plans; vacation, sick, and personal time; tuition benefits and more. To learn more about employee benefits and eligibility at Bard College, please visit https://www.bard.edu/humanresources/benefits/.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.