Head Swim and Dive Coach

February 20, 2026

Lake Forest College, located just north of Chicago, invites applications for the full-time position of Head Swim & Dive Coach. This role provides a comprehensive opportunity for an individual seeking to lead and develop a competitive intercollegiate swim and dive program within a highly selective liberal arts environment. The Head Swim & Dive Coach is responsible for all aspects of the program and must be committed to supporting the mission, goals, and procedures of the Forester Athletics Department and the College.

The position requires a strong in-person presence, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, and reports to the Director of Athletics.

We encourage applicants to describe their coaching philosophy and leadership approach in their application materials.

Coaching Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight for all aspects of the men’s and women’s swim and dive programs, including practice planning, skill development, meet preparation, and competition management.
• Recruit, evaluate, and retain student-athletes who align with the academic standards and values of Lake Forest College.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture that emphasizes sportsmanship, leadership development, and academic excellence.
• Develop and implement comprehensive seasonal and annual training plans for swimming and diving, including strength and conditioning coordination.
• Supervise assistant coaches and student staff, including hiring recommendations, training, mentoring, and evaluation.
• Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division III, Midwest Conference, and institutional policies and procedures.

Administrative & Departmental Responsibilities:

• Manage all administrative aspects of the swim and dive programs, including scheduling, travel coordination, budgeting, purchasing, and expense reconciliation.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records related to recruiting, eligibility, compliance, and student-athlete documentation.
• Collaborate with athletic training, strength and conditioning, facilities, admissions, and academic support staff to support student-athlete success.
• Assist in planning and execution of home competitions, conference championships, and department events.
• Participate in athletics department meetings, professional development opportunities, and campus initiatives.
• Support departmental efforts in fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Prior collegiate or club coaching experience required; head coaching experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit and develop student-athletes within a liberal arts environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.
• Knowledge of NCAA Division III philosophy and compliance standards.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary: $70,000 - $75,000

Benefits:

Review of applications begins immediately. Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, and references to [email protected] .

Lake Forest College is a highly selective liberal arts college located on Chicago’s North Shore with a current enrollment of approximately 1,750 students from over 40 states and more than 100 countries. It is one of the most diverse small colleges in the Midwest with nearly 40% of our student body comprised of domestic minority and international students and consistently ranked as one of America’s top liberal arts colleges. Learn more about Lake Forest College’s recognition as a top-tier college.

The College sponsors 25 intercollegiate varsity sport programs with approximately 500 student-athletes competing annually. Lake Forest is a member of NCAA Division III, the Midwest Conference (MWC), the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA), and the United States Handball Association (USHA). The College is an affiliate member of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) for men’s and women’s golf and the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) for men’s and women’s lacrosse. Learn more about Forester Athletics.

Lake Forest College embraces diversity and encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. For more information about Lake Forest College, visit