Middle School Cross Country Coach Fall 2026

The Girls' Middle School; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

The Girls’ Middle School in Palo Alto invites applications for a passionate middle school cross-country coach. Responsibilities include assisting with tryouts, configuring the team, and leading two after-school practices weekly, with supervision during meets and safe transport between locations.

Qualifications include prior cross-country coaching, youth coaching experience, training-plan ability, and a valid California driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching cross country and an understanding of the fundamentals of the sport.
• Experience coaching youth.
• Prepare well-organized training plans.
• Available after school from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at least two weekdays per week.
• Punctual.
• Strong and clear communication skills.
• Work and collaborate well with youth and other coaches.
• Valid California driver’s license and a minimum of five years of driving experience.
• A good driving record to drive school vans is required.
• Will need to pass a background check, LiveScan, and TB (Tuberculosis) Risk Assessment
• CPR and First Aid Training

Responsibilities

• Assisting with tryouts and team configuration.
• Running two after-school practices per week.
• Creating training plans.
• Attending all cross-country meets (between three and five during the season).
• Coaches must be available between 3:00 and 6:00 pm.
• Coaches drive players from school to practice and meet locations using school vans and supervise their team until all players have been picked up from practice/meets.

Skills

Cross country coaching

Youth coaching

Training plan creation

After-school availability

Communication skills

Driver's license

Background check clearance

CPR/First Aid

Job description

NOTE: This is an hourly and seasonal position. Fall season dates are August 24 to October 9, 2025.

The Girls’ Middle School

Imagine a school where each day is alive with learning and the spirit of adventure. Since its founding in 1998, The Girls’ Middle School (GMS) has been committed to progressive education and innovative programming, meeting the needs of a wide range of middle school students who make up our vibrant, inclusive community. GMS encourages girls to find their voices, take risks, and become self-reliant. Learn more about GMS: www.girlsms.org and https://youtu.be/SatUBcjwkxA?feature=shared

At GMS, “girls” refers to cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender non-conforming youth, gender queer youth, and any girl-identified youth.

Mission

The Girls’ Middle School educates girls at a crucial time in life. We create an inclusive environment where academic growth is nourished. A GMS girl discovers her strengths and expresses her voice while respecting the contributions of others.

Athletics at The Girls’ Middle School

The Girls’ Middle School is located in Palo Alto and is part of the independent school environment. Our after school sports program competes in the WBAL (West Bay Athletics League) with other independent schools. GMS is committed to inclusion and participation in all athletics programs. Any student, regardless of ability or experience, may play on the athletic teams. To accommodate the range of skills and abilities, we organize different levels of teams for all sports, including Varsity and Junior Varsity. At GMS, girls are encouraged to learn and play in a positive, encouraging, and fun atmosphere where they develop and build their technical, tactical, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

The Girls’ Middle School is seeking a passionate middle school cross‑country coach. Responsibilities include: assisting with tryouts and team configuration, running two after‑school practices per week, creating training plans, and attending all cross‑country meets (between three and five during the season). Coaches must be available between 3:00 and 6:00 pm. Coaches drive players from school to the practice and meet locations using school vans and supervise their team until all players have been picked up from practice/meets.

Key Qualifications, Skills, & Qualities

• Experience coaching cross country and an understanding of the fundamentals of the sport
• Experience coaching youth
• Prepare well‑organized training plans
• Available after school from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at least two weekdays per week
• Punctual
• Strong and clear communication skills
• Work and collaborate well with youth and other coaches
• Valid California driver’s license and a minimum of five years of driving experience
• A good driving record to drive school vans is required.
• Will need to pass a background check, LiveScan, and TB (Tuberculosis) Risk Assessment
• CPR and First Aid Training

Equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the heart of our mission. The Girls’ Middle School was founded on the core belief that diverse and inclusive communities are strong communities. We are committed to creating a school culture that welcomes all aspects of each individual’s identity. We welcome applications from those with experience outside the educational field. We are actively seeking individuals who value equitable education and are committed to fostering an environment of belonging for our diverse student body.

The Girls’ Middle School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its hiring and promotion process without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, partnership status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital, parental or familial status, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or military status, age, disability, or any other legally protected basis.

The candidate must be authorized to work in the United States. GMS does not support applications for work visas.

Compensation

• $30 - $42 per hour, depending on experience.
• Two 2-hour practices per week (schedule TBD - M/W or T/Th from 3:00 pm to 5:15 pm), supervise team members until all students are picked up, plus between three and five meets during the season.