Harvard Seeks Men’s & Women’s Assistant Coach

Fasterskier; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Nordic skiing program seeks an Assistant Coach to support the Head Coach in planning practices and competitions, coaching student‑athletes, and promoting values of excellence and inclusion.

The role is 75% time (Sept 1–Apr 30), with a May–Aug break, requiring at least 2 years of coaching or comparable experience, a valid driver’s license, and CPR/First Aid certification; evening and weekend work is common.

Qualifications

• Requires at least 2 years of coaching or equivalent.
• Substantial mastery of Nordic skiing knowledge.
• Understands the philosophy, principles, and policies of college athletics.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competitions.
• Develops, coordinates, and plans assigned portions of practices and competition management.
• Analyzes video to develop strategies for athlete development.
• Executes a student‑athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy.
• Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team.
• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.

Skills

Coaching experience

Nordic skiing knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students. By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goalsetting, and goal achievement; overcoming adversity; and leadership. This position typically influences student‑athletes for their entire four years at Harvard and plays a key role in shaping their personal development.

This position assists in planning, directing, and coaching the Men’s/Women’s inter-collegiate Nordic Skiing program. Typically works with all student‑athletes in the program.

This position plays a key leadership role for the Nordic skiing program. Will fill in when the Head Coach is absent. May play a role as liaison with Athletics administrative departments. Requires experience coaching at the collegiate level or comparable experience, which may include coaching/teaching at the club or professional level or competing in a professional or other high‑performance environments.

This is a 75% of full‑time position from September 1 – April 30 with a seasonal leave from May 1 – August 31.

Position Description:

• Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competitions to develop student‑athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels.
• Develops, coordinates, and plans assigned portions of practices and competition management consistent with Head Coach’s strategic vision.
• Analyzes video to develop strategies for athlete development.
• Executes a student‑athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy consistent with values of excellence and inclusion.
• Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team through credible coaching.
• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.
• Operational Complexity
• Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics, and operational direction.
• Operates within budget.
• Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA, and other rules and regulations.
• Coordinates with less‑experienced coaches in implementing objectives.
• Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.
• Assists head coach in problem resolution.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.
• Communication & Influence
• Assists Head Coach in maintaining and building viewership, and maintaining and creating positive media interest, consistent with the sport.
• Supports the Head Coach in influencing public interest where applicable.

In addition, the Assistant Coach will be responsible for:

• Maintaining team equipment, organizing equipment orders, and assisting in ski preparation for training and competition.
• Assisting in the planning and organization of home competition events.
• Assisting with travel planning.
• Operating team vehicles safely, including in winter weather conditions

The Assistant Coach may lead some travel independently from Head Coach when academic or competition schedules require and will need to be capable of testing wax and preparing skis for high‑level competition.

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Basic Qualifications:

Requires at least 2 years of coaching, professional or Olympic experience or equivalent.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Requires substantial mastery of Nordic skiing knowledge and relevant issues.
• Understands the philosophy, principles, and policies of college athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy).
• Requires moderate management and leadership knowledge.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license needed.
• CPR and First Aid required.

Physical Requirements: Must be able lift about 50lbs in equipment associated with the sport.

Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend work required.
• Job requires work in extreme environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, and high levels of noise.

NOTICE

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19 and remain up to date with COVID‑19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID‑19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Additional Information:

Harvard is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission is to educate citizens and citizen‑leaders for our society. The College is a residential institution of nearly 7,000 undergraduates and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is deeply committed to the intellectual, social, and personal transformation of our undergraduates during their four years at Harvard.

The Department of Athletics offers 42 varsity programs for men and women, more than any other Division I school in the United States. We also offer extensive recreational and intramural programs.

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Harvard employees have access to a competitive benefits package that includes multiple options for the health and well‑being of our employees as well as ongoing professional development.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. We regret that, due to the number of responses we typically receive, we may be unable to respond to phone calls or contact personally those applicants not selected for an interview.

We believe that creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace allows employees from all backgrounds and walks of life to achieve their fullest potential. We also believe an inclusive culture is one that accepts, values, and views the differences we all bring to the workplace as strengths. We actively seek and welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups and from those with a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.