UAF Seeks Assistant Nordic Ski Coach for Storied Collegiate Program

Fasterskier; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alaska Fairbanks is seeking an Assistant Men’s and Women’s Nordic Ski Coach to support a premier collegiate program in Fairbanks, Alaska. The role partners with the Head Coach to develop student-athletes and contribute to a high-performance team environment.

The successful candidate will mentor athletes on and off the trails, stay composed on race days, and apply creative, flexible coaching approaches while collaborating with staff and the broader ski community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of collegiate coaching experience.
• Cross-country ski racing experience required.
• Alaska driver’s license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Coach and support a premier collegiate ski program.
• Mentor student-athletes on and off the trails to foster growth and teamwork.
• Support athletes in competition preparation and post-race review; communicate effectively under pressure.
• Collaborate within the athletics department and ski community while demonstrating initiative.

Skills

Cross-country ski racing experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 3 years coaching

Job description

Position: Assistant Men’s and Women’s Nordic Ski Coach Employer: University of Alaska Fairbanks Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Type: Full-time, 11-month, term-funded, exempt Priority Application Review: May 20, 2026 (open until filled)

About the Position

The Assistant Men’s and Women’s Nordic Ski Coach plays a key role in supporting one of the nation’s premier collegiate ski programs. Working alongside the Head Coach, this position helps foster a high-performance environment grounded in growth, development, and teamwork. As part of the UAF Athletics Department and the broader Fairbanks ski community, the assistant coach will mentor student‑athletes both on and off the trails, helping them excel in competition while preparing for success beyond college.

Success in this position comes from being an excellent communicator who inspires and guides college‑aged athletes to reach their highest potential. The right candidate will mentor with patience and confidence while bringing out the best in both individuals and the team as a whole. On race days, the ability to stay calm, make quick decisions, and adapt under pressure will be essential. Creativity in problem-solving, flexibility in coaching approaches, and a balance of working effectively within a team while taking initiative independently will help the assistant coach excel in this role.

Joe Davies (UAF) during his NCAA Championship-winning performance in the 10 k skate in Lake Placid, New York, in the 2023 championship. (Photo: (c) 2023 Nancie Battaglia)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and three years of relevant coaching experience at the collegiate level, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Cross-country ski racing experience.
• A valid Alaska Driver’s License and a clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria.

Preferred:

• Degree earned while participating as an athlete at the candidate’s institution.
• B.A. or B.S. in Physiology, Biology, Physics, or similar — though other majors are not excluded.
• USSS Coaches Education L-100 certification, or equivalent.

Further ski- and NCAA-related education will be provided as part of the position.

Position Details

This is a full-time, 11-month, term-funded, exempt staff position with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package . UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental, and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule , Grade 79, based on education and experience.

The University of Alaska reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at UA facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University’s discretion. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or when required by the position’s job duties.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin on May 20, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled.

Questions

For questions regarding this position, contact Brittany Tappa, Signers’ Business Office HR Coordinator:

• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone: [phone]

Rosie Fordham 2x NCAA Champion and Olympian this past season. (Photo: Lexi Pline)

Additional Information

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. For assistance with this application or any phase of the interview process, contact the ADA team at [e-mail].

The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check. All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting university business. Applications submitted to the University of Alaska are subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing campus safety information and crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years. Reports are available online: UAA | UAF | UAS. Paper copies are available upon request.