Gotham Seeks Passionate Coaches for the 2024-25 Season

Gotham City Synchro (GCS) is looking for passionate synchronized skating coaches to join our staff. 

Established in 2008, GCS is the largest and longest-running adult synchronized skating organization in New York City. Gotham City Synchro is committed to creating the best possible skating experience for all of our athletes. We currently field teams in the Adult, Masters and Open Adult divisions representing the Skating Club of New York. We emphasize teamwork and inclusivity while creating a challenging and rewarding skating experience for everyone, including our coaching staff! 

Our staff is uniquely positioned to coach adult athletes with a focus on basic skating skills, synchro techniques, and teamwork. Our current coaching staff consists of PSA Certified Synchronized Skating instructors and former members of Team USA. Several staff members have also coached while skating on one of the lines. We are seeking reliable, passionate coaches to join the GCS staff. The coaching level (Head Coach, Assistant Coach) and line assignment is dependent upon experience. If you’re uncertain about your qualifications but are interested in being considered, we encourage you to reach out! 

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Collaborate with coaching staff to effectively plan and execute a successful season for assigned lines, this includes but is not limited to facilitation of tryouts, roster selection, program development, coordination and supervision of on and off ice practices, and so on. 

• Attend all practices, bootcamps and competitions and ensure they are thoughtfully planned and relevant information is proactively communicated to the team and board. 

• Function as a resource for all skaters, providing constructive feedback when necessary and offering support in choreography, technique, IJS, and/or scheduling. 

• Collaborate with coaching staff to manage individual athlete needs and circumstances, recognizing that every individual presents varying needs and skill levels and creating a space for everyone safely and effectively. Adjust gracefully to the unexpected. 

• Create the overall vision for the team, including line assignment, dress design, music selection and edits, and so on. 

• Adhere to and enforce all GCS policies. Work in tandem with the GCS board to ensure vision, budget and execution are aligned. 

• Stay up-to-date with coaching education, IJS rules and specifications, and US Figure Skating rules to inform technically accurate programs.

• Perform administrative tasks including but not limited to season scheduling and logistics, team communication, competition coordination and compliance, and so on. 

• Foster a positive environment, skater experience and commitment to GCS values. 

*This job description intends to provide a general overview of expectations for coaching opportunities with GCS. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities and/or requirements. Expectations on general level of execution varies based on coaching position (Head Coach, Assistant Coach, etc). 

Skills & Requirements 

• Competitive synchronized skating and/or coaching experience at an IJS level

• Prior experience with skill instruction, practice/competition plan development, and administrative responsibilities in figure skating

• Current USFSA coaching compliance (through 7/1/24) and thorough, up-to-date comprehension of IJS, USFSA and PSA rules and regulations 

• Remarkable communication and interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving aptitude, and ability to multitask. Coach must be able to communicate effectively with athletes, team management, other coaches, etc. Coach must also be able to address challenges when they occur with strong leadership and confidence.

• Exceptional organizational and  time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines, produce and execute effective, realistic plans and be invariably punctual

Schedule & Compensation 

• Season Timeline

• Tryouts & Spring Skills Sessions: 1-2 mornings per month April-June 

• Roster Coordination & Season Planning: July-August 

• Competitive Season: September - early March (or earlier depending on team placement at qualifying competitions) 

• Season Schedule 

• Practice 1-2 mornings per week 

• 3-4 competitions and bootcamps requiring travel, some evening/weekend work required

• Compensation

• $1500 - $5000 flat rate for the season, compensation within this range is determined by position level and experience

• Travel stipend 

• Coach compliance reimbursements

• Discounted skater dues

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit their résumé and brief cover letter to team@gothamcitysynchro.com. 

Coaching references or video samples of teams coached are appreciated, if available.