Job Description

Posting number: 00406

Department: Recreation Department

Division: Recreation

Job classification: Coach

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Parks and Beaches, Recreation, Parks and Recreation

Summary

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Head Sailing Coach, the Seasonal Coach serves as a senior coaching position responsible for advanced athlete development, program leadership, and competitive performance across multiple fleets, including:

• Optimists
• Scholastic Teams
• Adult Sailing Program

In addition to coaching athletes, it plays a key role in mentoring junior coaches, supporting program design, and contributing to the long-term growth, culture, and competitive success of the sailing program. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and excellent communication skills.

This position is seasonal and runs from September 1st, 2026 - November 1st, 2026

Examples of duties

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement structured, effective training sessions designed to meet individual and team performance goals.
• Coach and develop youth sailors with an emphasis on skill progression, sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence-building.
• Travel as needed to attend and coach at regional regattas and competitions
• Foster team development through clear communication, collaboration, and active parent engagement
• Promote and maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive environment both on and off the water.

Physical Demands and Environmental Considerations

• Some bending, kneeling and reaching items off floor and high shelves
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. in paper boxes, storage boxes and other supplies
• Perform repetitive hand/arm movements (computer use, writing reports, etc.)
• Sitting for sustained periods while completing desk or administrative work
• Strong voice, phone, and listening skills
• Frequent standing, sitting, and movement to accomplish daily activities
• Indoor work environment is smoke-free with controlled temperature and lighting
• Possible exposure to noise from adjacent work areas or equipment

Qualifications

Required:

• High-level sailboat racing experience in one or more of the following:
• Optimists
• Scholastic Teams
• Adult Sailing Program J70
• USA Sailing Level 1 Coaching Certification
• USA Sailing Safe Sport Certification
• CPR Certification (training coordinated if needed)
• Illinois State NASBLA Boater’s License

Experience Seasonal Coach:

• Multiple years of racing & coaching experience at the regional, national, or international level
• Demonstrated success coaching athletes
• Experience mentoring or supervising assistant or junior coaches