National Talent Development Coach

Singapore Aquatics (SAQ), as a member of World Aquatics (AQUA), serves as the governing body for swimming, water polo, diving, and artistic swimming in Singapore. SAQ is charged with the development and education of aquatic players, officials, coaches and volunteers throughout Singapore, and with the conduct of competitions and programmes for all levels of participation

Position : National Talent Development Coach

A. PRIMARY JOB PURPOSE

• Reporting Structure: The Talent & Development Coach will report directly to the Head Coach and support the Pathway Manager/Executive.

• Purpose: Within SAQ's framework and guidelines, the coach will be responsible for the holistic development of athletes in the Skills and Talent Identification (TID) pathway. This includes not only technical and physical development but also supporting psychosocial growth, confidence-building, and creating an emotionally safe environment where athletes can thrive.

The role requires a coach who is excited to be part of an ambitious national programme, thrives in a collaborative and supportive team environment, and is committed to continuous learning and growth.

B. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Technical Responsibilities:

• Pathway Development: Lead the ongoing refinement of the TID and Skills pathway, ensuring a progressive and athlete-centred approach to developing Singapore's future diving talent.
• Athlete Well-Being & Confidence: Create and maintain an emotionally safe training environment that fosters self-belief, resilience, and psychosocial skills, enabling athletes to reach their potential both in and out of sport.
• Competition Preparation: Assist in crafting optimal competition pathways that balance technical skill development with meaningful competitive experience, while supporting athletes' emotional readiness for performance.
• Annual & Multi-Year Planning: Collaborate with coaching teams to design annual plans for divers within the Skills and TID programmes, while also contributing to the Multi-Year Sports Plan to establish a sustainable and world-class national diving pipeline.
• Programme & Syllabus Implementation: Support the implementation and ongoing development of the National Diving Awards syllabus, pathway programmes, and competition framework, including the organisation, collection, and updating of Diving Awards information.
• Coaching Delivery: Take responsibility for coaching assigned classes within the Skills and TID programme, while working collaboratively with the Head Coach on special classes, training innovations, and athlete support where needed.
• Coach Development & Education: Support the training and mentorship of local coaches, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to prepare athletes effectively for SAQ programmes. Design and deliver coach education initiatives that uplift the broader diving coaching community.
• Grassroots Engagement: Visit local diving clubs to observe and assess coaching methodologies, and devise strategies to strengthen athlete development pathways from the grassroots level upwards.

2. Effective Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with SAQ's key partners and stakeholders, including SportSG, affiliates, educational institutions, national federations, and sponsors.
• Ensure alignment and collaboration across all partners to strengthen the national diving pathway and enhance opportunities for athletes.
  Act as an ambassador for Singapore Diving, representing SAQ with professionalism and enthusiasm.

3. Logistical Organisation:

• Collaborate with secretariat staff to plan and implement training and competition logistics that enable athletes and coaches to perform at their best.
• Oversee and manage arrangements for travel, accommodations, competition entries, meals, and transportation, ensuring smooth operations and compliance with organisers' technical requirements.
• Take primary responsibility for organising information, records, and materials related to the TID/Skills programme, ensuring coaches and athletes have easy access to accurate, updated resources.

4. Reporting:

• Maintain and manage athlete performance databases with accuracy, ensuring clear records of training progress, competition results, and development milestones.
• Develop and maintain an organised database system for all TID/Skills divers, with a dedicated folder for each athlete containing their documents, performance data, and development records.
• Provide regular updates to the Sport Director and, where appropriate, to parents regarding athlete progress.
  Submit incident reports, trip reports, and performance reviews in a timely and professional manner, ensuring transparency and accountability.

C. JOB HOLDER REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

• Relevant diving coaching certifications, with proven competence in dryland training and water spotting techniques.
• A track record of coaching athletes to junior international level or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of practical coaching experience in a recognised programme.

Personal Attributes:

• Team-Oriented: Strong interpersonal and management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and contribute positively to a supportive team culture.
• Athlete-Centred: A genuine ability to connect with athletes, showing empathy, respect, and sensitivity to their needs while fostering confidence, independence, and resilience.
• Safe Environment Focus: Committed to creating an emotionally safe training environment, where athletes feel supported, valued, and motivated to learn.
• Professional Excellence: Logical decision-making abilities, a structured problem-solving approach, and the capacity to perform under pressure.
• Effective Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear reports and communicate effectively with athletes, parents, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Resilient & Committed: Ability to handle challenging situations calmly and effectively, always prioritising athlete welfare and performance over personal interests.
• Growth Mindset: Enthusiastic, adaptable, and eager to embrace ongoing learning and professional development within a dynamic, ambitious national programme.
• Flexible & Committed: Willingness to commit to pre-competition meetings, training camps, weekend sessions, and overseas travel as required, within a workload of up to 44 hours per week over 6 days
• Language: Fluent in written and spoken English.