Head of Climbing Program

Climbing Business Journal; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 5,000 - 10,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Academy seeks candidates for the position of Climbing Head of Program, providing leadership across Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. The role develops safe, inclusive climbing progression, recruits and trains coaches, and oversees facility safety and program development.

Responsible for scheduling, competition management, communications with families, and collaboration with athletic staff to ensure student-athlete growth.

Qualifications

• Must have highly advanced interpersonal, motivational, and team leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Recognized expert in team sport coaching principles for student-athletes.
• Efficient in email management.
• Motor vehicle record must meet standards.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Must be able to stand or walk for long periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
• Must be able to reach, bend and stoop frequently.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to make sudden changes in planned day or set – up without guidance.
• Ability to work under strict deadline and or stress/pressure.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Trustworthy, team‑centered individual with integrity and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the mission of the school.
• Oversee climbing levels and progression across Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.
• Recruit, train, and support coaches.
• Coordinate scheduling for practices, competitions, and venues.
• Ensure safety and maintenance of the climbing facility.
• Coordinate route setting and equipment needs with staff.
• Supervise and evaluate coaches.
• Coordinate supervision for injured students and return-to-play protocols.
• Communicate with parents, students, and administration.
• Attend athletics and admissions events to promote the program.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Creativity

Problem solving

Verbal & written communication

Email management

Driver's license

First Aid/CPR/AED

Physical stamina

Weather adaptability

Job description

Colorado Academy seeks candidates for the position of Climbing Head of Program. The Climbing Head of Program provides strategic, instructional, and operational leadership for Colorado Academy’s climbing program across the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. The Head of Program establishes a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate progression for student climbers; recruits, trains, and supports coaches; oversees facility and equipment safety; and coordinates programming, competitions, communication, and long‑term program development. This position reports to the Director of Athletics.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to mission of the school
• Ensure all coaches adhere to the mission of the school
• Must have significant knowledge of and proven success in coaching climbing
• Oversee all levels and progression including Lower School, Middle School and Upper School student athletes and coaches
• Work closely with the Director of Athletics to monitor and promote satisfactory academic progress and academic success
• Work closely with the Director of Athletics, Assistant Athletic Director, Middle School Athletic Director, Lower School Athletic Director, Director of Sports Performance, Athletic Trainers, Mental Performance Coach and Uniforms Coordinator for all aspects of the program
• Plans, strategizes and oversees all classes, practices and scheduled competitions to provide a positive and competitive experience for student athletes
• Responsibilities include practice plans, competition management, statistics management, and program coordination and communication with coaches, parents, student‑athletes, faculty and staff
• Assist with managing the hiring, supervision and evaluation of all coaches, and ensure requirements for each position are met
• Confirm, attend, supervise, and administer home competitions or arrange for proper supervision. (if applicable)
• Assist with scheduling US competitions – including cancellations and rescheduling practices and competitions (due to weather or other hazardous conditions)
• Assist with coordinating practice locations and times
• Assist with upkeep of climbing center scheduled to be used for practices and competitions and communicate needs with our Operations department
• Schedule safety and maintenance checks of the climbing facility
• Coordinate and assist with route setting
• Substitute coach for any level or provide coverage for absent coaches
• Assist with weekly transportation needs, if needed, for all off‑campus US contests
• Assist with purchasing athletic equipment, uniforms, snacks, etc.
• Assist athletic administration with scheduling team photos
• Responsible for updating team rosters as needed
• Responsible for updating CA Climbing team page & other platforms
• Responsible for attending pre and postseason league meetings
• Support professional development for coaches
• Responsible for evaluating coaches and providing clear feedback
• Resolve parental and student conflicts
• Responsible for coordinating supervision for injured students
• Responsible for coordinating return‑to‑play protocols with Athletic Training staff and coaches
• Responsible for coordinating off season and in season training schedules with our Director of Sports Performance & Mental Performance Coaches
• Responsible for attending athletics and admissions events to promote the program
• Responsible for communication with our Admission office as it relates to prospective families
• Responsible for communication with our College office as it relates to recruiting
• Responsible for coordinating postseason banquet details with the athletic administration
• Responsible for end of trimester report cards for Varsity athletes and ensuring lower level coaches have completed report cards for their respective teams

Qualifications

• Must have highly advanced and effective interpersonal, motivational, and team leadership skills
• Must be able to demonstrate creativity, sound judgment and decision‑making, be an effective problem solver, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Must be recognized expert in team sport and coaching principles for student‑athletes
• Efficient in email management and managing emails in a timely manner
• Motor vehicle record must meet standards
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
• Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs
• Must be able to reach, bend and stoop frequently
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to make sudden changes in planned day or set – up without guidance
• Ability to work under strict deadline and or stress/pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Trustworthy, team‑centered individual who is a values driven professional with a high level of integrity and accountability

Candidates should be eager to join a professional community where collaboration is valued.

All teachers at CA are expected to carry out the CA Mission, “Creating Curious, Kind, Courageous, and Adventurous Learners and Leaders,” to support the vision of CA, and to contribute to the life of the school outside of the classroom.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. Colorado Academy reserves the right to modify or revise this job description at any time.

The pay range for the position is $4,800-$10,000 for the high school seasons. Although this is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, Colorado Academy reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. Any wage differential that may exist for the position does not relate to sex, gender or gender identity, but relates solely to a seniority system, a merit system, or relevant education, training and/or experience.

Applicants are invited to visit the Colorado Academy website (www.coloradoacademy.org) to learn more about the program and the school.

Colorado Academy does not discriminate or allow unlawful harassment in any of its programs, procedures or practices on the basis of age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion or creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, marital status or other protected classifications defined by applicable law. The policy applies in all aspects of employment with the Academy.

Colorado Academy is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace. Employees are expected to engage in professional conduct that reflects cultural awareness, respect for differing identities, and openness to diverse perspectives. Employment decisions including hiring, evaluation, promotion, and compensation are based on qualifications, performance, and institutional needs.