Competitive Head Coach

Climbing Business Journal; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Rock Gym in Watertown, MA is seeking a Head Coach to lead our competitive youth climbing program. You will create a growth-focused training environment and set coaching standards for the youth team.

You will design seasonal plans, coach movement and technique, prepare athletes for competitions, mentor staff, and collaborate with the Youth Programs Director to maintain high coaching standards and a positive CRG culture. Evenings and weekends are required, with travel to meets as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching youth climbers.
• Strong understanding of climbing technique, movement analysis, training methodology, and athlete development.
• Proficiency in lead climbing and belaying.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Excellent in-person and remote communication with athletes, parents, coaches, and management.
• Ability to plan and execute structured practices and training programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead competitive team practices regularly with confidence and professionalism.
• Develop and implement seasonal and weekly training plans for different ages and goals.
• Coach athletes across climbing disciplines focusing on technique, movement, strength, and strategy.
• Evaluate progress and provide constructive feedback for development.
• Assist with athlete evaluations, team placement, and goal setting.
• Prepare athletes for local, regional, divisional, and national competitions.
• Attend competitions to support CRG athletes.
• Maintain knowledge of USA Climbing formats and rules.
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture and mentorship for coaching staff.
• Maintain consistent communication with Youth Programs Director and staff.
• Communicate with parents and athletes regarding progress and expectations.

Skills

Youth coaching

Lead climbing

Belaying

Communication skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Event travel

Feedback and mentoring

Job description

Reports to:

General Manager & Youth Program Director

Pay Range:

$20 - $25/hour

Location:

Watertown, MA

About Central Rock Gym

Central Rock Gym isn’t just a climbing gym - it’s a community-powered space where confidence is built, limits are challenged, and everyone is welcome. From first-time climbers nervously tying in to seasoned athletes projecting hard routes, CRG is a place where people come to grow - physically, mentally, and socially.

Our gyms are vibrant, high-energy environments that combine world-class climbing with fitness, youth programs, and a strong sense of belonging. What truly sets us apart isn’t just the walls - it’s the people who create the experience every day.

Summary:

As a Head Coach, you will lead the development and execution of Central Rock Gym’s competitive youth climbing program. You will foster a fun, welcoming, challenging, and growth-oriented environment for youth athletes while reinforcing the competitive team pillars of community, grit, and growth.

The Head Coach is responsible for providing high-quality coaching, developing structured training plans, supporting athlete progression, preparing athletes for competition, and providing leadership and mentorship to the coaching team. The Head Coach will work closely with the Youth Programs Director or management to ensure consistent coaching standards, strong communication, and a highly engaged CRG youth community experience.

Responsibilities:

• Regularly lead competitive team practices with confidence and professionalism.
• Develop and implement structured seasonal and weekly training plans appropriate for athletes’ ages, experience levels, and competitive goals.
• Coach and develop athletes across climbing disciplines, with an emphasis on climbing technique, movement, strength, competition strategy, mental performance, and long-term athlete development.
• Evaluate athlete progress and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback to support continued development.
• Assist with athlete evaluations, team placement, advancement, and goal setting.
• Prepare athletes for local, regional, divisional, and national competitions, as applicable.
• Attend competitions as needed to support and coach CRG athletes.
• Maintain knowledge of USA Climbing competition formats, rules, qualification pathways, and coaching best practices.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, disciplined, and supportive team culture that encourages sportsmanship, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong passion for climbing.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and ongoing support to competitive coaching staff.
• Help ensure consistency in coaching expectations, training methodology, and athlete development across the competitive program.
• Maintain consistent communication with the Youth Programs Director and coaching staff regarding practices, scheduling, athlete progress, and program needs.
• Communicate professionally and constructively with parents and athletes regarding athlete progress, team expectations, competitions, and other program-related information.
• Collaborate with the Youth Programs Director on competitive program goals, team development, athlete retention, and program growth.
• Maintain a safe training environment and ensure adherence to CRG safety standards, youth protection practices, and the Coaches’ Code of Conduct.
• Complete and maintain required SafeSport and Mandated Reporter training
• Other duties as needed.

Requirements:

• Previous experience coaching youth climbers.
• Strong understanding of climbing technique, movement analysis, training methodology, and athlete development.
• Minimum 4 years of climbing experience.
• Proficiency in lead climbing and belaying.
• Strong behavior management skills and the ability to effectively coach youth athletes of varying ages, abilities, and personalities.
• Ability to support teenage athletes in an often-stressful competitive training environment.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Strong in-person and remote communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with athletes, parents, coaching staff, and management.
• Careful attention to detail with the ability to analyze movement and provide insightful, constructive feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to plan and execute structured practices and training programs.
• Weekday afternoon availability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for practices, competitions, and youth programs.
• Ability and willingness to travel to competitions as required.
• Strict adherence to CRG’s Coaches’ Code of Conduct and youth safety policies.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience coaching competitive youth climbing athletes.
• Knowledge of USA Climbing competition formats, rules, strategies, and athlete development pathways.
• Experience coaching athletes at local, regional, divisional, and/or national competitions.
• USA Climbing coaching certification or other relevant coaching certifications.
• Competition climbing experience.
• Experience developing seasonal training plans and individualized athlete development plans.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing leadership to other coaches.
• Knowledge of youth strength and conditioning, injury prevention, mental performance, or sports psychology.
• Passionate about youth development and creating a positive competitive climbing environment.
• A desire to be with our program long-term.
• Strong desire to develop professionally as a coach.