Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Boys Cross Country Head of Program at Westminster Schools in Atlanta, GA is responsible for leading and managing the boys cross country program at all levels, including middle school, JV, and varsity. This individual serves as the Head Coach of the boys varsity cross country program. This position requires a strong background in cross country and distance coaching, leadership skills, and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the course. The Head of Program will oversee all aspects of the boys cross country program, including athlete development, team management, program administration, and intentional development of the program's pipeline of talent.

Supervisor: Director of Athletics

Supervisory Responsibilities: Program Head Coach and Assistant coaches at the Varsity, JV and Middle school levels

Position Status: Salaried, exempt, full-time, regular

Position Annual Schedule: 12-month

Hours of Work: Standard work week. Evening and weekend work is required.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Program Development and Team Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive boys cross country program for all tiers (middle school, JV, and varsity) that aligns with the school's mission and values.
• Provide leadership and guidance to assistant coaches at all levels to ensure a cohesive coaching staff.
• Plan and conduct effective training/practices focusing on skill development, strategy, and teamwork for all tiers.
• Evaluate and select athletes through ongoing assessments, considering the needs of each tier.
• Create a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes community, sportsmanship, respect, and personal growth at all levels.
• Foster strong relationships with student-athletes, parents, alumni and the school community across all tiers.
• Coordinate and schedule appropriately competitive meets and other team events for each tier.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Compliance with GHSA Rules and Regulations

• Ensure compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) for all aspects of the boys cross country program.
• Stay up to date with any changes or updates to GHSA rules and regulations and communicate them to the coaching staff, student-athletes, and parents.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation required by the GHSA, including athlete eligibility, game schedules, and team rosters.
• Coordinate with the athletic department to ensure timely completion and submission of necessary paperwork and forms.
• Attend GHSA meetings, workshops, and training sessions to stay informed and maintain compliance.
• Educate student-athletes, coaches, and parents about GHSA rules and regulations, emphasizing fair play, sportsmanship, and ethical conduct.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Student-Athlete Support & Recruiting Support

• Provide guidance and support to student-athletes interested in pursuing cross country at the collegiate level.
• Assist student-athletes in navigating the college recruitment process, including providing resources and information on showcases, camps, and recruitment timelines.
• Collaborate with college coaches to promote student-athletes and facilitate exposure opportunities.
• Offer guidance on academic requirements and eligibility for student-athletes interested in competing in cross country or distance running in college.
• Provide resources and support for skill development and showcasing abilities through additional training, camps, and tournaments.
• Foster relationships with college coaches and recruiters to advocate for student-athletes and facilitate connections.
• Stay informed about NCAA and NAIA rules and regulations regarding recruitment and eligibility.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Professional Development and Coaching Excellence

• Attend conferences and the annual coaches convention with the coaching staff to stay current with best practices in coaching cross country and distance running.
• Share knowledge and insights gained from conferences and conventions with the coaching staff to enhance coaching techniques, strategies, and player development.
• Collaborate with the coaching staff to implement new ideas and approaches into the boys cross country program.
• Encourage and support professional development opportunities for assistant coaches.
• Actively seek out and identify coaching talent that can contribute to the program.
• Provide mentorship and support to assistant coaches, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Foster a positive and collaborative coaching environment that encourages open communication and teamwork.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Boys Cross Country Head of Program position. The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the needs of the school, the athletic department, GHSA rules and regulations, and the individual goals and aspirations of student-athletes.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Previous coaching experience in cross country or distance running at the high school, college, or pro level.
• Strong knowledge of cross-country training principles, techniques, and strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with student-athletes, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and a commitment to fostering a positive team culture.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to manage program logistics and scheduling.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Knowledge of NCAA recruiting rules and regulations (for varsity-level coaching).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; talk and hear; engage in moderately strenuous physical activity both indoors and out; and smell. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to become CPR and First Aid Certified.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and may frequently walk on slippery or uneven surfaces. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the regular business day. Overnight and out-of-area travel may also be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Westminster is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment. It is Westminster’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/M/F/D/V. 

Note: This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed by employees within this classification. This position description should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required or assigned to an employee in this position. Nothing contained in this position description restricts Westminster’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. 

Qualifications