Coach, Head

Washington D.C. Bouldering Project, LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Free BP membership for you and a plus

Discounts on gear and local partners

Positive work culture

Job summary

Washington DC Bouldering Project, LLC seeks a Head Coach to lead our youth competitive climbing program. You will implement training curricula, develop individualized athlete plans, and manage a coaching team to help climbers reach their full potential in a safe, inclusive environment.

The role is part-time with evening and weekend commitments, with opportunities to travel for regional, national, and international events.

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience coaching youth athletes in a climbing or athletic program.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and individualized athlete training.
• Strong communication skills and comfort interacting with youth, families, and staff.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Youth Programs Manager, coaches, and Head Setters to implement training curriculum for both competitive and non-competitive seasons
• Coach and supervise youth climbers during practices, competitions, and events
• Develop and deliver personalized coaching plans for individual athletes
• Participate in and support regional, national, and international competitions, including travel as needed
• Communicate consistently with athletes, families, and internal stakeholders about athlete development, scheduling, and safety
• Manage coaching staff schedules and support the professional growth of the team
• Promote and model BP values, safety standards, and inclusive coaching practices
• Respond appropriately to incidents or injuries using BP’s Safety Manual and protocol, including completing required documentation
• Support onboarding, safety orientations, and facility rule adherence for youth team members and families

Skills

Coaching youth athletes

Curriculum development

Communication

CPR/AED/First Aid

Job description

About Bouldering Project

Bouldering Project is more than a climbing gym—we’re a community. We’re driven by a shared belief: that climbing, movement, and connection should be accessible to everyone. From first-timers to seasoned climbers, families to fitness enthusiasts, and our own teammates—we create inclusive, inspiring spaces where people move, grow, and belong. With world-class climbing, yoga and fitness offerings, and welcoming community spaces, we’re proud to serve nine markets across the U.S.—and we’re just getting started.

About the Role

The Head Coach plays a key leadership role in Bouldering Project’s youth competitive climbing program. They are responsible for implementing the climbing and training curriculum, developing individual athlete plans, managing a coaching team, and helping athletes reach their full potential in a safe, inclusive, and motivating environment.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with the Youth Programs Manager, coaches, and Head Setters to implement training curriculum for both competitive and non-competitive seasons
• Coach and supervise youth climbers during practices, competitions, and events
• Develop and deliver personalized coaching plans for individual athletes
• Participate in and support regional, national, and international competitions, including travel as needed
• Communicate consistently with athletes, families, and internal stakeholders about athlete development, scheduling, and safety
• Manage coaching staff schedules and support the professional growth of the team
• Promote and model BP values, safety standards, and inclusive coaching practices
• Respond appropriately to incidents or injuries using BP’s Safety Manual and protocol, including completing required documentation
• Support onboarding, safety orientations, and facility rule adherence for youth team members and families

Requirements

What You’ll Bring

• 1+ year experience coaching youth athletes in a climbing or athletic program
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and individualized athlete training
• Strong communication skills and comfort interacting with youth, families, and staff
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coaching at the regional, national, or international level
• Understanding of high-performance climbing or athletic programming
• Experience managing staff or leading peer teams

Working at Bouldering Project

At Bouldering Project, we aim to cultivate excitement for movement, belonging, and community. We lead by example—making our spaces and offerings accessible and welcoming to all. Our core values—Inclusive, Quality-Obsessed, Local at the Core, and Growth-Oriented—are expected to be demonstrated in both leadership and daily operations. These values guide how we build community, deliver exceptional experiences, and continually evolve together.

This role may require a flexible schedule, including availability during evenings, weekends, or outside standard business hours depending on programming and business needs.

The Head Coach regularly interacts with youth, parents, visitors, staff, and leadership— and plays a highly visible role in representing BP’s values and coaching philosophy.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a part-time position. Compensation is based on experience and local market benchmarks.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits and perks:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Generous paid time off package, including holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Bouldering Project membership for you and a plus one
• Discounts on gear, merchandise, and local retail partners
• A joyful, supportive, and respectful work culture

Equal Opportunity

Bouldering Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds—including those with nontraditional career paths—to apply.