XCSO and NTDC Thunder Bay Seeks Development Coach

Fasterskier; Northwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Cross Country Ski Ontario (XCSO) and Ontario’s National Team Development Centre (NTDC) seek a Development Coach to design and deliver Team Ontario Excellence camps and assist in NTDC’s Daily Training Environment (DTE) for HP athletes aged 14 and older.

Based in Thunder Bay, this hybrid role offers collaboration with XCSO staff and NTDC coaches, with opportunities to work on talent recruitment, race trips, and year‑round training plans, including on‑snow, treadmill, and dry‑land sessions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.
• Certified to a minimum of the Coaches Association of Canada Train to Train level.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• French-English bilingualism is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate and deliver Team Ontario Excellence camps.
• Work with identified athletes and their club coaches to provide camp and group training opportunities.
• Support athlete development across the province with District Development Coordinators.
• Facilitate collaboration on race trips for Ontario athletes and coach development.
• Proactively engage in talent recruitment for NTDC.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Motivational coaching

Team collaboration

Bilingual (French/English)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field

Coaches Association of Canada Train to Train level

Tools

Coaches Association of Canada Train to Train level

Job description

Job Title:

XCSO Development Coach and NTDC Daily Training Environment Coach

Organizations:

Cross Country Ski Ontario and National Team Development Center

FTE:

1.0

Reports to:

XCSO Executive Director

Cross Country Ski Ontario (XCSO) provides leadership and programs for its 73 ski clubs and over 17,000 members across Ontario.

As the Provincial Sport Organization for cross country skiing in Ontario, we represent our sport to both the Provincial Government and Nordiq Canada, our National Sport Organization, as well as to the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario. We partner with coaches, officials, technicians, and volunteers to support a thriving sport. We promote cross country skiing in Ontario and support our member clubs in achieving success.

We collaborate with the National Team Development Centre (NTDC) located in Thunder Bay to develop Ontario and Canada’s future generations of high performance (HP) athletes and coaches.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Coach to join our team. This is an exciting collaborative opportunity with XCSO and Ontario’s NTDC. Located in Thunder Bay, this dual role includes designing and delivering training camp opportunities for Ontario’s Excellence Teams, and working as an assistant coach in NTDC’s daily training environment (DTE).

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in coaching cross country skiing, and a desire to work with development athletes aged 14 and older, along with a proven track record of success in guiding athletes.

Core Responsibilities:

• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that champions True Sport Principles.
• Be committed to your development as a coach, guided by a professional development plan.
• Work collaboratively with XCSO staff on overlapping initiatives.
• Stay current with industry trends, coaching methodologies, and best practices in athlete development.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Design, coordinate and deliver Team Ontario Excellence camps
• Work with identified athletes and their club coaches to provide camp and group training opportunities
• Work with XCSO District Development Coordinators to support athlete development in the province
• Facilitate opportunities for collaboration on race trips for Ontario athletes and coach development
• Proactively engage in talent recruitment for NTDC, focusing on identifying and attracting promising athletes from Ontario and across Canada.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Integrated Support Team and Head Coach to design, implement, and oversee yearly training plans. Ensure optimal athlete preparation, encompassing strength and conditioning, mental performance, health, nutrition, and competition plans for NTDC athletes.
• Assist in the development and implementation of weekly and annual training plans for assigned athletes.
• Conduct Daily Training Environment (DTE) sessions for NTDC athletes, including on-snow, and dry-land activities such as treadmill workouts, roller skiing, and running.
• Provide coaching support on identified race trips and training camps
• Assist with fundraising events, social media posts and media releases.
• Work with the Team Manager to coordinate team travel and logistics
• Liaise with Team Technical Support to assist athletes with their ski equipment.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field (preferred).
• Certified to a minimum of the Coaches Association of Canada Train to Train level. High performance athletes who have recently started their coaching certification training are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and inspire athletes to achieve their full goals.
• Commitment to a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all staff, athletes, coaches and volunteers.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate training sessions and competitions.
• French-English bilingualism is an asset.

What’s in it for you?

• Joining a community of passionate individuals who share a love for cross-country skiing, fostering a supportive and inspiring work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through coaching certifications, workshops, and networking events.
• Encouragement of an active lifestyle with access to outdoor activities and events, promoting physical and mental well-being among staff members.
• Opportunities to connect with other professionals in the sports industry, building valuable relationships and expanding your network.
• Making a meaningful impact on the cross-country skiing community by helping athletes achieve their goals and promoting the sport’s growth and inclusivity.

If you are passionate about coaching, dedicated to athlete development, and ready to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes, we encourage you to apply for this joint position. Join us in achieving our Excellence: to ensure that Ontario athletes, coaches, officials, wax technicians, and event hosts are consistently recognized as among Canada’s best.

Job Type:

Full-time

Permanent Salary:

Starting at $52,000 per year

Work Location:

• Thunder Bay ON
• Combination of office and work from home