Assistant Cross Country Coach, Upper School

The Harker School is seeking an Assistant Upper School Cross Country Coach for its Upper School athletic program. This seasonal position will begin immediately and continue throughNovember 15. Practices and meets generally take place Monday through Friday, with some evening and Saturday commitments depending on the competition schedule.

Position Summary

Our coaches must be committed to the personal development of our student-athletes. This includes teaching skills and techniques relating to the sport while supporting athletes of varying experience and ability levels. As a coach, you will also help students develop a competitive mindset, promote ethical behavior and good sportsmanship, and assist in the development of leadership and life skills.

Qualifications

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the head coach in safely and effectively managing groups of student-athletes

• Assists with organizing and implementing practice plans and meet preparation

• Provides instruction in running technique, conditioning, pacing, race strategy, and injury prevention

• Supports student-athletes during practices, meets, and team activities

• Communicates effectively with the Head Coach, Athletic Director, other staff, students, and parents

• Stays informed regarding weekly sports emails, updated developments, and schedule changes

• Follows all guidelines as expressed in the Upper School Coaches Handbook

• Completes miscellaneous tasks and duties as requested

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends coaches meetings and mandatory seasonal parent meetings

• Promotes fair competition, teamwork, and sportsmanlike conduct

• Ensures the safety and appropriate conduct of students while traveling to away meets

• Maintains knowledge of league, section, and state bylaws pertaining to cross country

• Provides guidance for middle and/or lower school programs where applicable

• Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned

Knowledge, Skill & Ability Requirements

• Ability to coach and mentor students ages 13–19

• Experience in or a strong background in cross country, distance running, track and field, or a related endurance sport

• Knowledge of appropriate conditioning and training techniques for high school student-athletes

• Ability to motivate athletes with varying levels of experience and ability

• Ability to model and promote a positive team culture and sportsmanship

• Strong communication and organizational skills

Working Conditions

• Significant time spent outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Requires extended periods of standing, walking, and moving throughout practices and meets

• Ability to actively participate in and supervise practices conducted on tracks, trails, fields, and other outdoor running environments

• Local travel may be required for meets and competitions

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age

• Experience working with children preferred; must be comfortable working with and around school-age children

• First Aid/CPR certified

• Previous cross country, track and field, distance running, or coaching experience preferred

• 1–2 years of coaching experience preferred

Our Mission

Our mission is to educate students for success at college and beyond, and to foster kindness, respect, and integrity within a safe and nurturing environment. We achieve academic excellence through the development of intellectual curiosity, personal accountability, and love of learning. Our comprehensive program and exceptional faculty and staff help students discover, develop, and enjoy their unique talents. We honor individuality, embrace diversity, and promote leadership and service, preparing students to take their place as global citizens.

Compensation:

Pay for this position is determined according to The Harker School's established pay scale and is based on relevant education and experience, as evaluated by the Human Resources Department. The posted pay range reflects the full pay scale for this position. While the maximum rate is included for transparency, most new hires can expect to fall within the lower to middle portion of the pay scale based on their qualifications and experience.