Head Coach Middle School Cross Country

Erie's Public Schools; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Erie's Public Schools is seeking a 12-month Head Coach for Middle School Cross Country to lead and mentor student-athletes, promote academic excellence, and foster a positive culture. The role requires collaboration with district leadership, parents, and community partners.

You will oversee practices, develop weekly plans, monitor student progress, and ensure adherence to PIAA rules and PDE coaching requirements.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cross country training principles, running mechanics, conditioning, and athlete development.
• Ability to mentor middle school student-athletes and promote skill development, fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Understanding of age-appropriate training and injury prevention strategies.
• Develop and implement weekly practice plans and communicate them to senior coaches.
• Support student-athletes transitioning to the Erie High School Cross Country program.
• Must hold or obtain FBI, Criminal History, and Child Abuse Clearances.
• Work with Erie School District policies and structure; strong interpersonal skills.
• Complete all Coaching Education requirements of the PIAA; know NFHS rules.

Responsibilities

• Monitor grades and conduct of student-athletes.
• Attend practices, meets, and team functions; create weekly practice plans.
• Lead practices at least three days per week focusing on skill development and conditioning.
• Manage transportation schedules for away meets, if applicable.
• Instruct athletes on cross country rules, equipment, and techniques.
• Assess athlete progress and report to Head Varsity Coach.
• Engage in parent nights, banquets, awards, and team activities.
• Host a parent meeting before the first competition.
• Maintain positive communication with athletes, families, community, and district administration.
• Inventory uniforms and equipment.

Skills

Cross country training principles

Running mechanics

Conditioning

Athlete development

Mentoring middle school athletes

Age-appropriate training

Injury prevention

Practice plan development

Transition programs to high school

Clearance compliance (PIAA, PDE)

Interpersonal & communication skills

Tools

PIAA rules knowledge

NFHS rules knowledge

Job description

Position Summary / Goal

The Head Coach will facilitate and enhance communication and collaboration between and among the Erie School District, parents, students, and community stakeholders. The Head Coach will promote a positive school culture, foster academic excellence, and exemplify good character for student-athletes. The Head Coach is expected to serve as a positive role model, mentor student-athletes, and embrace all concepts of good citizenship.

Term of Employment

12-month position

Schools / Location

• All 3 middle schools – one team

Reporting Relationships

• High School Varsity Cross Country Head Coach
• Building Principal
• Assistant Athletic Director

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cross country training principles, running mechanics, conditioning, and athlete development.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and mentor middle school student-athletes.
• Understanding of age-appropriate training methods and injury prevention strategies.
• Ability to develop and implement practice plans that promote skill development, fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Ability to support the transition of student-athletes into the Erie High School Cross Country program.
• Must hold or obtain FBI, Criminal History, and Child Abuse Clearances.
• Working knowledge of Erie School District policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must complete all Coaching Education requirements of the PIAA.
• Possess a thorough understanding of all PIAA and NFHS rules appropriate to the sport.
• Experience working with student-athletes in an urban educational environment preferred.
• Urban student experience a plus.

Special Requirements

• Work Environment: School and office with frequent travel between schools, parks, meet locations, and various locations within the Erie community.
• Must complete all Coaching Education requirements of the PIAA and PDE.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Must monitor grades and conduct of student-athletes.
• Implement the program philosophy created by the Varsity Cross Country Coaches.
• Attend all season practices, meets, and team functions.
• Create weekly practice plans and forward to the High School Varsity Coach by Monday morning each week during the season.
• Conduct practices a minimum of three days per week and emphasize skill development, conditioning, and sportsmanship.
• Maintain and review transportation schedules for away meets, if applicable.
• Instruct athletes in the rules, regulations, equipment, and techniques of cross country.
• Assess skills and development of athletes and keep the Head Varsity Coach informed of athlete progress.
• Participate in parent nights, banquets, awards programs, and other team activities.
• Host a parent meeting before the first competition.
• Maintain positive communication with athletes, families, community members, and district administration.
• Collect and inventory uniforms and equipment.

Professionalism

• Must possess the ability to be a team player.
• Must be cooperative, service-oriented, and promote these characteristics with the team.
• Represent Erie's Public Schools with the high level of ethical behavior and professional standards.

Off-Season

• Attend and work program fundraisers, if applicable.
• Attend off-season camps, clinics, and leagues attend clinics, workshops and meeting of the athletic department.
• Organize voluntary off-season conditioning opportunities in accordance with PIAA regulations.
• Assist with athlete recruitment and retention within the program.

Evaluation

High School Varsity Head Coach, Building Administrator, Athletic Director, and/or Assistant Athletic Director.