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Head Instructor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Life Time

Swim Team Coach

Des Moines, IA

You will work with the Head Swim Team Coach to write and head Swim Team Group Workouts. You will ... Successfully complete and pass Life Time Swim Instructor Certification * Ability to work in a ...

Life Time, Inc.

Swim Team Coach

Urbandale, IA · On-site

You will work with the Head Swim Team Coach to write and head Swim Team Group Workouts. You will ... Successfully complete and pass Life Time Swim Instructor Certification * Ability to work in a ...

Life Time, Inc.

Aquatics Supervisor

Urbandale, IA · On-site

... instructor experience * 1 year of lifeguarding experience * 6 months of head guard or supervising experience Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * StarGuard Elite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First ...

Life Time

Aquatics Supervisor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... instructor experience * 1 year of lifeguarding experience * 6 months of head guard or supervising experience Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * StarGuardElite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First ...

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Head Instructor information

See Iowa salary details

$11

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$32

How much do head instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for head instructor in Iowa is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of a head instructor?

A head instructor is responsible for leading and managing instructional staff, developing training programs, and ensuring effective teaching methods. They oversee class operations, evaluate instructor performance, and maintain safety standards within the learning environment.

What does a head instructor do?

A Head Instructor is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and delivery of educational or training programs within an organization or institution. They supervise other instructors, develop curriculum, ensure teaching standards are met, and often teach advanced classes themselves. Additionally, Head Instructors may be involved in evaluating student progress, mentoring staff, and addressing any issues that arise within their team. Their leadership ensures that the learning environment is effective and that educational objectives are achieved.

What are some common challenges faced by a head instructor and how can they be addressed?

Head Instructors often face the challenge of balancing administrative duties with hands-on teaching. Managing a diverse team of instructors, addressing student needs, and updating curriculum to meet industry standards can be demanding. Effective time management, clear communication, and staying current with best practices are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with staff and seeking regular feedback from both students and instructors can also enhance program quality and team morale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Instructor, you need extensive subject matter expertise, teaching experience, and relevant educational credentials, often including advanced degrees or certifications in your field. Familiarity with curriculum development tools, learning management systems (LMS), and assessment software is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and the ability to mentor others are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective instruction, foster team development, and maintain high educational standards within an institution.

What is the difference between Head Instructor vs Assistant Instructor?

AspectHead InstructorAssistant Instructor
Required CredentialsCertifications in teaching, leadership experienceBasic teaching certifications, training
Work EnvironmentLeads classes, manages curriculum, supervises staffSupports lead instructor, assists with classes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in education, martial arts, fitnessCommon in similar settings, supporting roles
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for leadership roles, advanced responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level support roles

The main difference between a Head Instructor and an Assistant Instructor lies in their responsibilities and experience. The Head Instructor leads classes, manages curriculum, and supervises staff, requiring more certifications and leadership skills. The Assistant Instructor supports the lead, assists with classes, and typically has fewer certifications. Both roles are common in educational, fitness, and martial arts industries, but the Head Instructor holds a more senior, leadership position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instructor jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Instructor jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Head Instructor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Head Instructor job openings:
Head Instructor jobs near you

Head Coach, IFLY Swim Club

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
The Head Coachwill oversee all coaching, operations, programming, and administrative functions of a large, university-affiliated USA Swimming club. Responsibilities include coaching, program development and implementation, special event programming, program scheduling, revenue generation, and supervision of professional and part time staff. While advancing the mission of Recreational Services and supporting student development, community engagement, and competitive excellence.
Specific Job Duties & Tasks
  • Program Leadership - Oversee all IFLY training groups, seasonal planning, practice design, and competitive strategy.
  • Staff Supervision - Recruit, hire, train, schedule, mentor, and evaluate full-time and part-time coaching staff.
  • Athlete Development - Create age-appropriate, long-term development pathways for swimmers of all levels.
  • Event Management - Plan and execute home meets, team events, clinics, and special programming.
  • Program Administration - Manage registration, scheduling, communications, and policy implementation.
  • Budget Oversight - Monitor program budgets, approve expenditures, and coordinate with departmental business staff.
  • Risk Management - Ensure compliance with University, USA Swimming, and facility safety standards.
  • Assessment & Reporting - Track key performance metrics, analyze data, and prepare reports for decisionmakers.
  • Community & Campus Partnerships - Collaborate with campus units, local organizations, and parent groups.
  • Customer Service Leadership - Serve as primary contact for member concerns and ensure a welcoming environment.
  • Facility Coordination - Oversee pool scheduling, equipment needs, and facility readiness.
  • Coaching Education - Mentor coaches share best practices and maintain high technical standards.
  • Training Program Design - Develop in-water and dryland training plans aligned with current research.
  • Team Travel Oversight - Coordinate logistics, staffing, and safety for away meets and training trips.
  • Departmental Engagement - Participate in staff meetings, committees, and departmental initiatives.

For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
About the Division of Student Life
The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, work together to keep our students safe, and provide them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum 3 years of related experience
  • Coaching experience, minimum of 1-3 years, with competitive swimmers of multiple age groups and ability levels in a USA Swimming (or international equivalent), YMCA, high school, or collegiate environment
  • Current USA Swimming coach registration.
  • Current CPR, First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches as deemed acceptable by USA Swimming is required upon hire.
  • Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED (or ability to obtain within one month of starting).
  • Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) (or ability to obtain within six months).
  • Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a welcoming and respectfulenvironment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced Coaching experience (minimum 3+ years) with competitive swimmers of multiple age groups and ability levels in a USA Swimming environment.
  • Minimum 6 months' experience with swim club administration including budgeting, supervision, team travel, scheduling, policy development, team travel, and other responsibilities related to swim club management.
  • Minimum 6 months' experience in aquatic facility management.
  • Knowledge of dryland strength and conditioning programs.
  • Experience using Team Unify, Hy-Tek Team Manager/Meet Manager, and swim timing systems (Daktronics, CTS, Omega).

Application Details
In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu .
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution

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