Head Coach

Climbing Business Journal; City of New Rochelle (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid competition travel

Professional development

Gym membership

Employee discounts

Paid time off

Job summary

The Rock Club in New Rochelle, NY is seeking an experienced Head Coach to lead our Youth Competitive climbing teams, Team Rock and the Developmental Squad. You will develop athletes from foundational levels through elite performance while fostering a positive, inclusive team culture.

This role oversees athlete development, practice planning, competition preparation, coach mentorship, and clear family communication, while maintaining safety policies and a growth-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience coaching competitive youth climbing athletes.
• Extensive knowledge of climbing movement, training methodology, and competition strategy across bouldering, lead, and speed.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor athletes while maintaining high coaching standards.
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain prior to employment).
• Current Safesport Certification (or willingness to obtain prior to employment).
• Current USA Climbing level 2 coach certification (or willingness to obtain prior to employment).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement year-round training programs for local, regional, and national competitions.
• Coach athletes in bouldering, lead, and speed, focusing on technique, tactics, strength, injury prevention, and mental performance.
• Develop individualized training plans aligned with age and development.
• Evaluate progress and provide feedback to athletes and families.
• Maintain a healthy balance between competition, education, and well-being.
• Lead athlete preparation for local to national competitions.
• Coordinate competition schedules, travel logistics, and staffing.
• Coach during competitions with professionalism and sportsmanship.
• Mentor assistant coaches and ensure consistency across groups.
• Collaborate with gym leadership on goals and growth initiatives.
• Assist with athlete evaluations, team placement, and recruitment.
• Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for all athletes.
• Communicate clearly with families and hold meetings and goal-setting sessions.
• Maintain safety policies and youth safety best practices.

Skills

Youth coaching

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Education

First Aid/CPR/AED

Safesport Certification

USA Climbing Level 2 Coach

Tools

Route setting collaboration

Job description

We at The Rock Club are seeking an experienced, energetic, and athlete-centered Head Coach to lead our Youth Competitive climbing teams, Team Rock and the Developmental Squad. The Head Coach will be responsible for developing athletes from foundational competitive levels through elite performance while fostering a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented team culture.

This position oversees all aspects of the competitive program, including athlete development, practice planning, competition preparation, coach mentorship, and communication with families. The ideal candidate is passionate about helping young climbers develop technical excellence, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of climbing.

Key Responsibilities

Athlete Development

• Design and implement year-round training programs that prepare athletes for local, regional, and national competitions.
• Coach athletes in bouldering, lead, and speed disciplines, emphasizing technical movement, tactical decision-making, strength development, injury prevention, and mental performance.
• Develop individualized training plans that support each athlete’s age, experience, goals, and long-term development.
• Evaluate athlete progress regularly and provide constructive feedback to athletes and families.
• Foster a healthy balance between competitive excellence, sportsmanship, education, and athlete well-being.

Competition Leadership

• Lead athlete preparation for local, regional, divisional, and national competitions.
• Coordinate competition schedules, registration, travel logistics, and event staffing.
• Coach athletes during competitions while promoting professionalism, resilience, and positive sportsmanship.
• Maintain current knowledge of competition rules, formats, and qualification pathways.

Program Leadership

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and ongoing training for assistant coaches.
• Develop practice plans that ensure consistency across all competitive training groups.
• Collaborate with gym leadership to establish annual program goals, athlete retention strategies, and team growth initiatives.
• Assist with athlete evaluations, team placement, and recruitment for the competitive program.
• Foster an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment where athletes of all backgrounds can thrive.

Family Communication

• Build positive relationships with athletes and parents through clear, consistent communication.
• Conduct parent meetings, athlete evaluations, and seasonal goal-setting sessions.
• Communicate competition expectations, team policies, training schedules, and program updates in a timely and professional manner.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe training environment and uphold all facility safety policies.
• Ensure all coaches and athletes follow organizational policies and youth safety best practices.
• Promote healthy training habits while recognizing appropriate physical and emotional development for youth athletes.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience coaching competitive youth climbing athletes.
• Demonstrated success developing athletes for competitive climbing events.
• Extensive knowledge of climbing movement, training methodology, and competition strategy across bouldering, lead, and speed.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor athletes while maintaining high coaching standards.
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain prior to employment).
• Current Safesport Certification (or willingness to obtain prior to employment).
• Current USA Climbing level 2 coach certification (or willingness to obtain prior to employment).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coaching athletes competing at the regional, divisional, or national level.
• Experience leading or managing a competitive climbing program.
• Background in youth athletic development, sports psychology, or strength and conditioning.
• Route setting experience or the ability to collaborate effectively with route setters.
• Coaching certifications or other relevant professional development.

Ideal Candidate

The Successful Candidate Is

• Passionate about youth development and long-term athlete success.
• An exceptional communicator with athletes, families, and coaching staff.
• Organized, dependable, and adaptable in a fast-paced competitive environment.
• Committed to creating an inclusive team culture where every athlete feels challenged, supported, and valued.
• A positive role model who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sportsmanship.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Full time or part time available.

• Health and retirement benefits (where applicable)
• Paid competition travel
• Professional development opportunities
• Gym membership
• Employee discounts
• Paid time off and holiday benefits

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where young athletes can develop confidence, resilience, and a passion for climbing. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and athlete-centered coaching.