ABOUT THE POSITION
The National Coach Lead, Paralympic Program will be instrumental in supporting the Interim Technical and Program Lead, Paralympic Program in the operational execution of Canada’s High Performance Para Swimming Program (vision, culture, and technical).
Reporting to and working closely with the Interim Technical and Program Lead, Paralympic Program, this role is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and innovation within the program. Key responsibilities include providing technical and cultural leadership, acting as the coaching lead (coach of coaches) for the team coaches at assigned international events, implementing a performance accountability framework, and enhancing daily training environments.
The ideal candidate will be available to start on February 1, 2025. Some flexibility with the start date may be accommodated.
The impact and success of this role will be defined by peak performances at the Paralympic Games and World Para Swimming (WPS) World Championships. Success will be built on a robust performance accountability framework and an athlete-centered cultural approach, leaving a lasting legacy of technical excellence and empowerment within Canada’s elite para swimming community. Through mentorship, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the National Coach Lead, Paralympic Program will elevate the skills and resilience of Canada’s swimmers and coaches, driving sustainable success on the global stage.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
National Team and Daily Training Environment
- In close collaboration with the Interim Technical and Program Lead, Paralympic Program, guide the technical and cultural direction of the High Performance Para Swimming Program, ensuring an athlete-centered, inclusive, and progressive approach.
- Drive the preparation, unity, and competitive edge that provide world-class performance at major international events.
- Attend international para swimming events as assigned as coaching lead (coach of coaches).
- Oversee the Para National Integrated Support Team (IST) Lead and associated Performance Services Research & Innovation (PSRI) programs aimed at optimizing athletes’ readiness for peak performance at major events (World Championships, Paralympic Games).
- Maximize team readiness and performance alongside the Para National IST Lead, the Para National IST team, and personal and team coaches in training and competition environments.
- Engage with identified personal coaches in their daily training environments to provide support, mentoring, and reinforcement of high-performance standards, ensuring critical performance services are available.
- Develop a visitation program to key Daily Training Environments (DTEs) to ensure regular interaction, assessment, and support for identified athletes and personal coaches. This includes reinforcing a consistent high-performance approach across training sites, such as the Paralympic High Performance Centre in Montreal, Quebec (CHP-Quebec).
- In collaboration with the Interim Technical and Program Lead, Paralympic Program, and National IST Lead, create and lead a culture of excellence in National Team Training, Daily Training Environments, and competitions.
- Provide regular updates to the Interim Technical and Program Lead, Paralympic Program, on the development of personal coaches and senior team members for potential selection or appointment to senior team events, camps, and competitions.
- Recommend to the Interim Technical and Program Lead, Paralympic Program an innovative calendar of National Team activities that support sustainable success at major international events.
Performance Accountability
- Develop and implement a performance accountability framework, ensuring all para-carded swimmers progress toward set goals, particularly for major events like the Paralympic Games.
- Work with personal coaches of identified para-carded swimmers to oversee the preparation and updating of Yearly Training Plans (YTP), Individual Performance Plans (IPP), and Gap Analyses.
Partnership and Relationships
- In collaboration with appropriate Swimming Canada technical staff, facilitate the delivery of education, technical, and professional development programs tailored to the needs of personal coaches and carded athletes.
- Work with the National Coach (Programming and Coach Development) on the development of identified coaches, providing input on areas for growth.
- Establish and maintain successful partnerships with key internal and external groups.
People Management
- Provide day-to-day management to employees, including the Head Coach at the Paralympic High Performance Centre in Montreal (CHP-Quebec) and the National Coach (Development, Paralympic Program).
- Oversee and guide external providers such as the National IST Lead and other contractors and partners as assigned.
- Perform other duties as required.
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, AND REQUIREMENTS
This is a full-time, permanent position with flexibility to work in the Ottawa office or remotely, with significant travel. The Ottawa office is located on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek People.
TOTAL REWARDS
- Annual base salary: $100,000 – $134,000 (commensurate with qualifications and experience).
- Benefits: Health and dental package, Group RRSP matching plan, annual wellness benefit, and annual salary increases as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
APPLICATION
Submit a cover letter and resume via the link below by 9:00 AM ET on Monday, January 6, 2025. Ensure your application demonstrates alignment with key responsibilities, experience, and qualifications.
- Application link: https://swimmingcanada.bamboohr.com/hiring/jobs
Swimming Canada is committed to providing accommodations. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact szuro@swimming.ca. Questions can be directed to jobs@swimming.ca.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held in Ottawa on Thursday, January 28, 2024.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.