Assistant Head Swim Coach - Season

Overview

The Donaldson Run Thunderbolts, a member of the Northern Virginia Swim League (NVSL), is seeking a dynamic and experienced Assistant Head Swim Coach with strong technical and stroke development skills for the 2026 Summer swim season. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated leader with a passion for coaching swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Located in the picturesque Donaldson Run neighborhood of Arlington, VA, we have approximately 300 swimmers aged 5-18, including our developmental swim program (Thundersquad). We place a strong emphasis on inclusivity, community, team spirit, sportsmanship, and, of course, swimming fast. Our unique position as a neighborhood-districted pool means that we take great pride in building a competitive team from within our walkable community and we have been in NVSL Division 3 or above for a number of years.

Practices start mid- to late-May and end the last week in July (after school while Arlington Public Schools are in session, and from am otherwise). Developmental (or “B”) meets are held on Monday evenings, while competitive (or “A”) meets are held on Saturday mornings, with two additional relay meets on Wednesdays. The Assistant Head Coach is expected to attend all practices, meets, and official team activities.

• Work under the direction of the Head Coach.
• Work with the Swim Team Representatives.
• Provide team administrative support and coordination with the pool staff.
• Help to oversee a staff of 15-18 Junior Coaches.
• Provide instructional support for younger swimmers and oversight for their programs and coaches.
• Provide instruction including stroke development and conditioning, across all age groups as needed.
• Help continue, encourage, and build upon the team’s strong tradition of team spirit.
• Provide coordination and oversight for team social events, with significant implementation support from parent volunteers.
• Participate in all swim team events, including practices, meets, and social events.
• Have experience at either NVSL (preferred), other league, club, middle or high school levels. Prior experience is required.
• Maintain or obtain all certification required by DRRA, including CPR/First Aid, Lifeguarding, and Safe Sport.

• Experience in coaching and stroke development across age groups during practices and meets.
• Ability to manage and mentor a staff of junior coaches.
• Strong communication and administrative coordination with pool staff and team representatives.
• Commitment to team culture, inclusivity, and sportsmanship.

There are additional income-earning opportunities for coaches, such as private coaching, learn-to-swim clinics, and stroke clinics.

Please submit your interest, including your resume and salary expectations, to the following emails:  and