Methow Valley Nordic Ski Educational Foundation Seeks Assistant Coach

Fasterskier; Washington; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

MVNSEF is seeking an Assistant Coach to develop youth athletes in cross-country skiing and biathlon, with duties spanning coaching, admin support, and travel to camps and races in the Methow Valley.

The role focuses on coaching middle school athletes while supporting high school teams, requiring strong communication, organization, and commitment to safety and program values.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for and record of excellence in coaching youth aged 6 to 18.
• Extensive knowledge of cross-country skiing, training, and racing.
• Clear and compelling written and verbal communication.
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving large passenger vehicles and trailers.
• Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and web-based registration.
• US Ski and Snowboard L100 Coaches Training or equivalent (can be worked towards in first season).

Responsibilities

• Lead MVNT skiers at regular training sessions, including weekend travel to races.
• Foster a training environment that promotes work ethic, discipline, and teamwork.
• Coordinate with program staff to support fundraising and event logistics.
• Ensure SafeSport training and background checks for all coaches.
• Maintain equipment, uniforms, and program materials.
• Communicate with parents and athletes about schedules and logistics.

Skills

Coaching excellence

Cross-country skiing knowledge

Written & verbal communication

Driver’s license & vehicle experience

Computer skills (email, Word, Excel,,

Education

US Ski and Snowboard L100 Coaching Training

Job description

The Methow Valley Ski Educational Foundation (MVNSEF) started as a small ski team in the late 1980s and was formally established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3). We have grown to include many programs, initiatives, and events. We serve over 300 youth, adults, and para-athletes through our cross-country skiing, biathlon, and after-school Ski Cubs programs. While we have supported several current and past Olympians, Paralympians, and National Team athletes in both cross-country skiing, para cross-country skiing, biathlon, and para biathlon, the heart of our mission is to build and maintain a vibrant Nordic ski community where all people have the opportunity to learn, challenge, and grow. We support several Nordic and biathlon winter ski races, including one of the Pacific Northwest’s Junior National Qualifying races, partner with Methow Trails on the Ski to the Sun Marathon, and host the annual Chasing the Sun biathlon race. In addition, we host the popular Ski Camp in mid-December, a members’ clinic in January, and classes for adults as well.

Programs

Methow Valley Nordic Team (MVNT) and Methow Valley Nordic Ski Educational Foundation (MVNSEF) programs and events

Commitment

30-40 hours per week (November- April) and 20-25 hours per week May-October. Additional hours are required during events and races. And opportunities for additional administrative work or adult instruction, if interested.

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Compensation

$32,000–$42,000 annually. Benefits include overtime pay, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Final compensation will depend on experience and time commitment.

Reports to

MVNSEF Executive Director, MVNT Program Director

Primary Location(s)

Methow Valley, WA, variable

Mission of the Organization

Methow Valley Nordic Ski Educational Foundation enriches our community by helping people learn, connect, and grow through cross-country skiing and biathlon.

Summary of Position

MVNSEF is seeking an Assistant Coach to help foster youth development and athletic excellence—both on and off the snow. This multifaceted role includes coaching, administrative support, and travel to races and camps beyond the Methow Valley. The Assistant Coach will serve as the primary coach for middle school–aged athletes and as the assistant coach for high school athletes.

The right candidate for this position:

• Is an enthusiastic and dynamic leader who connects positively with kids, parents, volunteers, and community members.
• Fosters a positive, cohesive, and welcoming team culture that promotes personal and group excellence, while developing life skills through lifelong involvement in cross-country skiing and outdoor activities.
• Ensures that the needs of the team are met and provides solutions when they are not.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program

• Work closely with the Program Director and Executive Director to ensure the successful operation of all MVNSEF programs, including the youth and adult programming, races, and events, in alignment with the mission and vision.
• Lead the team on trips to camps and races, functioning as organizer, driver, coach, and chaperone.
• Support fundraising efforts and donor stewardship in cooperation with MVNSEF staff, board, volunteers, and parents.

Coaching

• Coach MVNT skiers at regular training sessions throughout the year. Currently, the training week runs Tuesday through Saturday with weekend travel to races and camps during peak times.
• Foster a training environment that welcomes and nurtures a broad range of athletes and develops life lessons through sport, such as work ethic, discipline, goal-setting, resilience, teamwork, leadership, accountability, and more.
• Support athletes at races by providing mental, physical, strategic, and equipment preparation.

Communication

• Respond to all job-related email, text, and phone correspondence promptly, following SafeSport protocol for all communications with minor athletes.
• Maintain and facilitate consistent and clear communications with coaches, parents, and MVNT staff and board through email, website, and other media.
• Send regular emails to parents and athletes regarding upcoming training sessions, logistics, and other pertinent information that promote excitement and involvement with forthcoming events, while reinforcing program values and objectives.
• Promote MVNSEF programs as fun, welcoming outlets for skiers and their families.
• Submit timesheets, expense reports, and other appropriate documentation according to established procedures.
• Operate within budget.

Administrative

• Coordinate with the Program Director for the implementation of a welcoming environment for returning and new participants, including conducting pre-season meeting(s) and new member and parent orientation.
• Help ensure coaches and volunteers (including substitutes) complete first aid, SafeSport training, and background checks prior to coaching with the program and follow standard safety protocols, including concussion and MAAPP, incident reporting, and SOPs.
• Assist with the organization and distribution of team uniforms and equipment.

General

• Conduct oneself as a model of professionalism by being timely and prepared.
• Be a role model for youth and an advocate for life-long participation in skiing and healthy activity.
• Maintain a clean driving record and obey all rules of the road when operating team vehicles.
• Properly maintain and care for any equipment that is property of or loaned to the program.

Required Skills and Experience

• Enthusiasm for and record of excellence in coaching youth aged 6 to 18
• Extensive knowledge of cross-country skiing, training, and racing, and a desire to continue to learn and develop skills and knowledge.
• Clear and compelling written and verbal communication
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving large passenger vehicles and trailers.
• Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and web-based registration.
• US Ski and Snowboard L100 Coaches Training or equivalent (can be worked towards in first season)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Education in youth development and coaching, such as post-secondary education in a related field and/or coach certification from US Skiing.

Core Competencies

• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals of all ages.
• Excellent and timely communication
• Excellent organization and time management
• Ability to complete independent projects promptly with minimal oversight.

Physical demands

This job demands the ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a range of weather conditions, carry heavy loads up to 75 pounds above and below waist level, and be on one’s feet for extended periods.

The Methow Valley Ski Educational Foundation (MVNSEF) is an equal-opportunity employer. We

celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.