Head Coach Middle School Cross Country

Erie City School District; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Erie City School District is seeking a Head Coach for the cross country program at all three middle schools. This role emphasizes enhancing communication and collaboration while mentoring student-athletes and promoting a positive school culture.

Responsibilities include developing practice plans, monitoring student-athletes, and ensuring compliance with coaching education requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of training principles and experience in urban educational settings.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cross country training principles, running mechanics, conditioning, and athlete development.
• Ability to develop and implement practice plans that promote skill development, fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Experience working with student-athletes in an urban educational environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication between stakeholders.
• Monitor grades and conduct of student-athletes.
• Create weekly practice plans and conduct practices.

Skills

Cross country training principles

Mentoring and motivating

Communication skills

Understanding of training methods

Knowledge of PIAA and NFHS rules

Education

Coaching Education requirements of the PIAA

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 meetings 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.