Pepperdine University's Head Coach is responsible for administering all aspects of the Swimming and Diving program and assumes the leadership role in the sport, providing the expertise required to make an effective and functioning team. The Head Coach must effectively plan, organize, administer, teach, control, and coordinate a successful program as well as manage all supporting staff, including associate head coaches, assistant coaches, and director of operations (where applicable). The Head Coach will be an active participant in fundraising efforts to help finance team travel, training, and facilities, and is responsible for recruiting and player development consistent with program objectives. The Head Coach is to be personally and professionally in harmony with the mission of Pepperdine University.

Duties

• RECRUITING - Direct and oversee the entire recruiting strategy and process from development of initial prospect pool until signing elite recruiting class. Identify and evaluate prospective student-athletes and extend offers to athletes aligned with the goals and objectives of the institution and the athletics program. 
• STUDENT-ATHLETE AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT - Design, implement, and oversee team practice programming and training sessions. Establish and manage the entire training program that aligns with short and long-term player and program development goals. Create a training and competition schedule that promotes athlete and program growth while staying within an approved budget. Oversee the holistic growth of student athletes, exhibited by academic success, student leadership, and graduation rates. Collaborate with the Sports Medicine Staff and Mental Health Counselors as they perform their assigned functions and abide by all policies and decisions of the Physicians. Work with the Sports Performance staff as they administer strength and conditioning sessions. 
• FUNDRAISING AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS - Lead and manage external relationships for the program, including cultivating relationships with donors, alums, sponsors, and significant members of the community. Lead fundraising efforts to help support team travel, training, and facilities. Support the marketing and athletics communications functions to maximize visibility and exposure for the program. Be an active member of the Pepperdine community and visible on campus.
• PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION - Provide overall operational leadership for the program, including planning and oversight of practice schedules, travel logistics, and competition schedules in compliance with University and NCAA rules. Oversee all equipment and apparel, including design, ordering, storing, branding, and distribution, in collaboration with marketing. Develop and manage the program budget. Ensure a safe and compliant environment for all team-related activities, including team travel, practices, and related group or individual activities within the team framework. 
• SUPERVISION - Hire, manage, and evaluate assistant coaches. Provide ongoing leadership, mentorship, and formal annual performance evaluations. 
• COMPLIANCE - Oversee NCAA compliance for program and student-athletes. Ensure adherence to institutional, conference, and NCAA standards, and model professional conduct while setting clear expectations for staff and student-athletes. 
• TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - Train, mentor, and provide guidance to coaching staff and volunteers. Participate in continuing education, conferences, and meetings. Travel required up to 10% of the year, primarily for away competitions and recruiting.
• Uphold the University mission through all work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive coaching experience at the collegiate or national team level.
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations, including recruiting, eligibility, and compliance.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of competitive swimming techniques, training methodologies, and race strategy.
• Understanding of long-term athlete development and periodization.
• Familiarity with conference and NCAA championship structures.
• Knowledge of sports science principles (strength & conditioning, recovery, nutrition basics).
• Understanding of athlete health, safety, and risk management, including concussion awareness and emergency action planning.
• Budgeting, scheduling, and program administration knowledge.
• Leadership and program management skills.
• Effective recruiting and talent evaluation skills (domestic and international).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with student-athletes, staff, administrators, and parents.
• Ability to develop and mentor assistant coaches.
• Practice planning and execution skills for multiple training groups.
• Meet preparation and performance analysis skills.
• Organizational and time-management skills.
• Public speaking and representation of the program and institution.
• Conflict resolution and student-athlete support skills.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree or specialized certification.
• Proficiency with relevant technology, software, or systems.
• Previous head coaching experience at the collegiate level.
• Demonstrated success in recruiting and developing championship-caliber student-athletes.
• Proven ability to build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and academically supportive team culture.
• Experience managing budgets, fundraising, and alumni relations.
• Strong commitment to student-athlete well-being, mental health awareness, and injury prevention.
• Experience working within a private or faith-based institutional mission.

This is a Coach, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $85,500 - $95,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire, and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.