Boys Cross Country Program Lead Coach

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC, seeks a Boys Cross Country Program Head to lead and develop the school's cross country program in alignment with the athletic philosophy and student-athlete development. You will provide technical instruction, organize practices and meets, and mentor younger runners to bridge middle school to the upper school program.

The role involves planning age-appropriate training, supervising competitions, coordinating team logistics, and promoting

Qualifications

• Previous cross country coaching experience required.
• Competitive distance running experience preferred.
• Knowledge of distance-running training principles, conditioning, race strategy, and injury prevention.
• Ability to work effectively with both middle school and high school-aged student-athletes.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to developing student-athletes both athletically and personally.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel for competitions as required.
• Current CPR/AED and first-aid certification preferred or required by the school.
• Successful completion of required background checks and SCISA athletic association requirements.

Responsibilities

• Teach proper running mechanics, racing strategies, conditioning techniques, and course management.
• Plan, organize, and lead an effective cross-country program across the preseason, regular season, and postseason.
• Develop age-appropriate training plans that promote endurance, strength, speed, injury prevention, and long-term athletic development.
• Establish a positive, competitive, and team-oriented culture emphasizing discipline, sportsmanship, accountability, peer mentorship, and personal growth.
• Evaluate athletes and create appropriate training groups and individualized development plans, including providing advanced training, motivation, and guidance through the recruiting process for athletes aspiring to run in college.
• Monitor student‑athlete health, wellness, attendance, academic responsibilities, and overall progress.
• Coordinate practices, meets, transportation, equipment, uniforms, and other team logistics with the athletic department.
• Attend and supervise all scheduled practices, meets, and required team activities.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with student-athletes, parents/guardians, athletic department staff, and school administrators.
• Recruit and develop assistant coaches and/or volunteer support as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate rosters, eligibility information, meet entries, and other required athletic records.
• Follow all school policies, athletic conference/state association rules, and applicable health and safety requirements.
• Promote appropriate conduct and sportsmanship at practices and competitions.
• Collaborate with other coaches, strength and conditioning staff, athletic administration, and college counseling to support multi-sport athletes and the overall athletic program.
• Maintain and manage team equipment and communicate replacement or purchasing needs.
• Participate in preseason meetings, coach development, and other duties assigned by the Athletic Director.

Skills

Coaching experience

Distance running

Training principles

Student-athlete development

Leadership

Communication

Scheduling/meet logistics

Evenings/weekends travel

CPR/AED certification

Education

CPR/AED and First Aid certification

Tools

Meet management

Race-entry systems

Performance tracking

Job description

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC, seeks a Boys Cross Country Program Head to lead and develop the school's cross country program in alignment with the athletic philosophy and student-athlete development. You will provide technical instruction, organize practices and meets, and mentor younger runners to bridge middle school to the upper school program.

The role involves planning age-appropriate training, supervising competitions, coordinating team logistics, and promoting