U.S. Ski & Snowboard Seeks Cross Country Development Coach

Fasterskier; Park City (UT); Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Ski & Snowboard is seeking a Development Coach to lead and support the XC development pathway, coordinating national camps, NTG/NEG, and team travel.

You will work with coaches, athletes, and staff to plan training, logistics, and competition prep, upholding SafeSport/MAAPP and contributing to talent identification and education.

Qualifications

• Extensive XC coaching experience with junior to national-level athletes.
• Knowledge of MAAPP and SafeSport guidelines is desirable.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities for camps and travel logistics.

Responsibilities

• Engage in frequent and supportive communication with athletes, coaches, and parents.
• Support USST athletes in preparation and competition projects with coaching staff.
• Prepare detailed travel, training, and staff plans for development trips and camps.
• Lead team meetings and relay information to athletes and staff.
• Adhere to US Ski & Snowboard guidelines and anti-doping rules.

Skills

Excellent communication

Coaching leadership

Athlete relations

Planning & logistics

Waxing knowledge

Video production

Excel

Sheets

Tools

Excel

Sheets

Video production software

Job description

CLASSIFICATION

Year-round, Full-time, Exempt

REPORTS TO

Cross Country Program Director and Sport Development Manager

LOCATION

Park City, UT or Remote

TRAVEL

Approximately 4-5/months a year

SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE

The Development Coach is responsible for the support and evolution of the XC development pathway. This includes the coordination, organization and partial leadership of the National Under-16 Camp, Regional Elite Group (REG) camps, the National Elite Group (NEG) camp, the National Training Group (NTG), World Junior/U23 Championship Teams and select COC Teams including nominations, travel logistics, daily operations, identifying and securing staff, waxing, and coaching. Key to this position is the coach’s ability to manage the variety of daily training, testing, communication, and logistical needs.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage in supportive, empathetic, and frequent communication with athletes, personal coaches, and parents.
• In collaboration with the rest of the USST coaching staff, support USST athletes in various preparation and competition projects.
• Work with USST and personal coaches to prepare a detailed plan for each athlete and staff member involved in development race trips, including the orchestration of training, meeting and travel times, meals, procedures for warm up, equipment preparation, split timing, feeding, mental preparation, pre-event training, staff timetables, media interaction, and competition review.
• Attend team captain’s meetings and organize effective team meetings to relay information to athletes and staff.
• Understanding and adherence to U.S. Ski & Snowboard staff guidelines, SafeSport and MAAPP.

Operational Excellence

• Work with regional coordinators to schedule and provide U.S. Ski & Snowboard support for Regional Elite Group (REG) camps and the National Under-16 camp.
• Work with the D-Team Coach and the Sport Development Manager to understand and evolve the XC Development Pathway.
• Take a lead role in the organization and daily operation of NTG and NEG camps including staff selection, athlete nomination, training plan, lodging, nutrition, travel logistics, occasional fundraising, and coordination with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard high-performance team when applicable/appropriate.
• Lead talent identification. Track prospects and maintain communication with prospective athletes and coaches. Communicate information with all USST staff on a regular basis.
• Oversee organization and daily operation details for U23/Junior World Championships and select COC trips including the planning and coordination of travel, flights, vehicles, cash advances, lodging, meals, race entries, equipment needs and any additional needs to properly accommodate and prepare the team. Manage and inventory team equipment, radios, and wax supplies.
• Support the U.S. SuperTour, National Championships, SuperTour Finals and Junior Nationals by attending events as a representative of the U.S. Ski Team. Roles include scouting, recruiting, communicating/networking and establishing strong relationships with athletes, coaches, suppliers and organizing committees from around the nation.
• Track performance and nominate the Under-18 Nation’s Competition Team, the Junior World Championship Team, and Under-23 World Championship Team (JWSC/U23).
• Implement the National Coaches’ Education Curriculum at Regional and National Projects. In coordination with the Sport Development Manager, collaborate on the creation of new educational materials and the revision of current educational materials in an effort to further evolve the National Coaches’ Education System.
• Maintain positive relationships with the FIS staff, industry, other national teams, individual race organizations, and volunteers. These relationships are critical partnerships for the USA team.
• May frequently speak with media and should proactively assist the U.S. Ski & Snowboard communication liaison with acquiring notable camp and race news. This may include managing media requests for athletes and coaches, in conjunction with the Cross Country Program Director. Fulfill Development Partnerships including writing blogs, reports and taking photos for projects financially supported by the NNF.
• Have strong knowledge of FIS rules; be aware of changes as they occur.
• Have strong knowledge of WADA and USADA rules.
• Continually improve knowledge of physiology and training theory through active reading and research, video study, attendance of seminars and conferences, and observation of USST World Cup Staff and High Performance Team.
• Adhere to essential business directives as set forth by the Chief Financial Officer. This includes timely, accurate and ethical expense reporting, accurate budget planning, staying within the budget allocated for specific projects, and exercising foresight regarding changes of plans, contingencies, etc.
• Assist Sport Development Manager with all financial matters while on the road, ensuring all coaches under his or her direction submit detailed expense reports in a timely manner after each U.S. Ski Team Project, and keeping accurate accounts of athlete billing.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The ability to visually assess a training venue to ensure athlete and staff safety.
• The ability to manage and use foresight when planning travel logistics and be willing and able to tackle travel challenges.
• Some lifting of heavy gear and baggage.
• Level 200 U.S. Ski and Snowboard Certification or equivalent preferred.
• Must be an expert level XC skier.

COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE

• This position requires extensive travel, domestically and internationally.
• Must be detail and task oriented, goal driven, a strategic and tactical thinker and planner, and always positive and professional.
• Excellent communication skills. Written and verbal. Individually and in groups. Adults and under-18.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, training and technical skills.
• Strong database skills (Excel/Sheets). Strong software skills for video production.
• Strong winter driving skills, including the ability to operate a manual transmission. If necessary, additional driving education may be required if requisite level is not met.
• Must be physically fit, capable of testing skis for a long period of time, and training with the athletes on some of their easy sessions as a method of communication and of training observation.
• Must be able to wax skis, and be willing to improve waxing knowledge, and will at times serve as a technician for athletes.
• 4-6 years of professional coaching and/or program leadership preferred.
• Foreign language skills are a plus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervision of all nominated NTG and NEG athletes when participating in U.S. Ski Team projects. Additionally, when the Cross Country Program Director is not present and in coordination with Sport Manager, supervision and management extends to ski technicians, support staff, and personal coaches and volunteers when participating in U.S. Ski Team projects.