Head Boys/Girls Cross Country MS/HS Coach

Job Title: Head Cross Country Coach (Boys/Girls)

Department: Athletics

Reports To: Athletic Director / School Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt / Stipend-Based

Position Summary

The Head Cross Country Coach is responsible for leading, structuring, and maintaining all aspects of the Boys and Girls Cross Country program. The primary focus of this role is to foster a positive, supportive, and competitive environment that emphasizes athletic development, sportsmanship, academic excellence, and personal growth. The Head Coach leads daily practices, designs training programs, manages meet scheduling and logistics, and serves as a positive role model for student-athletes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Culture

• Establish a positive, inclusive team culture centered on effort, sportsmanship, personal growth, and team unity.
• Set high expectations for athlete behavior on and off the course, in the classroom, and within the community.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with student-athletes, parents, school administration, and athletic staff.
• Monitor academic eligibility and performance of student-athletes in accordance with school and state athletic association standards.

Training & Performance

• Design and execute age-appropriate, periodized training plans tailored to varying skill and endurance levels (varisity and junior varsity).
• Instruct student-athletes on proper running mechanics, pacing strategies, mental preparation, warm-up/cool-down routines, and recovery techniques.
• Conduct safe, supervised daily practice sessions throughout the season, including summer training programs if applicable.
• Implement injury-prevention protocols and coordinate with the athletic trainer for injury management and rehabilitation.

Administration & Logistics

• Coordinate meet schedules, team travel, transportation, and entry registrations for regular season meets, invitationals, and postseason competition.
• Manage inventory, distribution, collection, and maintenance of team uniforms and equipment.
• Supervise student-athletes during all team activities, practices, home/away meets, and transportation.
• Maintain accurate team rosters, meet results, individual statistics, and season records.
• Manage the program budget in coordination with the Athletic Director.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Experience: Any years of coaching experience in cross country or track & field (head or assistant level), or collegiate running experience.
• Certifications:
• First Aid / CPR / AED Certification (or willingness to obtain prior to start).
• State of Iowa High School Athletic Association coaching credentials/certifications.
• NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching and Concussion in Sports certifications (or state equivalent).
• Skills: Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate and mentor high school or middle school athletes.
• Background Check: Ability to pass a mandatory background check and clear all state-required clearances.

Preferred

• Iowa Coaching Authorization endorsement or current employment within the school district.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand, walk, jog, and demonstrate physical movements for extended periods outdoors.
• Exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions (cold, heat, rain, and uneven terrain).
• Ability to lift and carry athletic equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Evening and weekend commitments required for meets and special team events.