Competitive Head Coach

Description

The Competitive Head Coach is responsible for leading and developing the competitive gymnastics program at their assigned location. This role combines hands-on coaching with technical program leadership, serving as lead coach for assigned teams, supporting athlete development across competitive levels, and contributing to the training and development of Team Coaches.

The Competitive Head Coach works closely with the General Manager and Director of Team to maintain program quality, support competitive performance, and build a positive team culture aligned with Dominique Dawes Academy’s mission of developing happy, active, and strong kids.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead coach for up to two competitive teams and provide coaching support for additional teams as needed. Coach or substitute advanced or recreational classes and lead specialized skills clinics as needed to support athlete development, program coverage, and connection with the home gym. Recreational coaching responsibilities may vary based on the size and stage of the competitive program.
• Lead meet preparation and competition strategy and support athlete progression from recreational programming to pre-team and competitive levels.
• Monitor athlete skill progression, performance benchmarks, and competitive readiness while maintaining clear and consistent communication with athletes and families.
• Maintain and enforce established skill progression, spotting, safety, and injury-prevention standards.
• Model high-quality coaching practices and contribute to a positive, disciplined, and development-focused team environment.
• Coordinate Team Coach schedules based on program and competition needs and provide technical coaching, mentorship, and development. Lead team-related family communication, including program updates, meetings, phone calls, competition information, and ongoing team communications.
• Support the onboarding and development of Team Coaches by providing technical guidance, skills training, and constructive feedback.
• Provide input on coaching quality, instructional consistency, athlete safety, and areas for staff development.
• Attend required staff training, team meetings, seasonal evaluations, competitions, and special events.
• Partner with the Director of Team and Team Coordinator on competitive program leadership, including implementing seasonal training plans and developing year-round practice schedules.
• Plan and host an annual pre-team showcase.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) when specifically assigned to provide operational coverage in the absence of the General Manager or Program Manager.
• Open or close the facility when assigned, following established safety, equipment, and facility procedures.
• Respond to and document incidents, injuries, or behavioral concerns in accordance with academy protocols and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Uphold and model the academy's core values of respect, teamwork, and excellence in all interactions with athletes, families, coaches, and staff.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Strong technical coaching skills with the ability to develop athletes across competitive levels.
• Ability to evaluate athlete progression, readiness, and performance and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Strong coaching leadership with the ability to mentor, train, and develop other coaches.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with athletes, families, coaches, and leadership.
• Sound judgment with a strong commitment to athlete safety, wellness, and appropriate skill progression.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate team schedules, competitions, and multiple program priorities.
• Collaborative and solution-focused approach to supporting team and facility goals.
• Ability to remain composed, adaptable, and effective in a fast-paced competitive gymnastics environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or training in gymnastics, coaching, sports management, education, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience coaching and leading a competitive gymnastics team.
• Experience coaching athletes within USA Gymnastics Development Program (DP), and/or Xcel Program.
• Strong technical knowledge of women's artistic gymnastics, including vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise.
• Demonstrated experience developing athletes across multiple seasons, and competitive levels.
• Experience mentoring, training, or developing other coaches.
• Experience developing or implementing structured training plans and progressive skill development.
• Current CPR/AED, First Aid, and SafeSport and other required gymnastics certifications within the established timeframe after hire.

Work Schedule & Environment

• Primarily weekday afternoons and evenings, with weekend availability required for practices, competitions, meets, and other team activities. Occasional daytime availability may be required for classes, camps, training, and special programming.
• Work is performed in an high-energy indoor gym environment with frequent interaction with athletes, families, coaches, and staff.
• Frequent weekend travel is required during competition season; approved meet-related travel expenses are covered by the academy.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly stand, walk, kneel, bend, reach, and actively participate in coaching and demonstrations.
• Ability to safely demonstrate gymnastics skills and spot or physically assist athletes during skills and progressions.
• Ability to lift, move, and adjust gymnastics equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to remain physically active for extended periods in a fast-paced gym environment.

The company is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable