Varsity Head Coach & Program Director - Cross Country

The Program Director is responsible for the vertical alignment of their program which includes overall leadership, management, and development of their sport-specific programs within Cannon Athletics. This role oversees athletic staff coaching within their programs, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, values, and strategic goals. The Program Director serves as a key leader in fostering a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and student-athlete development across all programs.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Supervise and support Upper School and Middle School coaching staff, including hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and professional development.

Maintain alignment between Middle and Upper School programs through consistent communication and collaboration between divisions.

Provide clear communication and guidance to ensure a unified program philosophy and consistent standards across all teams.

Serve as a liaison between athletic staff, administration, and families to maintain transparency and trust.

Strategic Roadmap: Development of a 1-, 3-, and 5-year plan that outlines key goals, initiatives, and measurable outcomes.

Commit to personal and professional growth through leadership development and, where appropriate, pursue relevant certifications.

Program Development & Oversight

Design and implement long-term plans for program growth, competitive success, and student engagement across Lower School, Middle School and Upper School.

Ensure compliance with school policies, league regulations, and safety standards.

Oversee scheduling of practices, games, and offseason workouts for all levels in collaboration with the Associate Director of Athletics.

Plan in season and offseason strength and conditioning programs in collaboration with our Sports Performance Team.

Student-Athlete Experience

Promote academic balance, character development, and overall well-being for all student-athletes.

Educate and support student-athletes and families through the college recruiting and NCAA eligibility process by promoting proactive communication, academic accountability, realistic pathway planning, and collaboration with College Counseling to help student-athletes navigate opportunities at the collegiate level.

Invest in the Cannon Athletic Leadership Academy (CALA) to foster leadership and growth among student-athletes.

Foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and sportsmanship.

Collaborate with the Athletic Department for creative gameday experiences.

Serve as a role model and mentor for all student-athletes, demonstrating professionalism and integrity in every setting. Guide them on how to conduct themselves both on and off the field, court, pool, or mat.

Foster holistic development by using your position to instill character and reinforce core values, ensuring growth beyond athletic performance.

Promote accountability and empowerment by holding student-athletes responsible for their actions while encouraging confidence and leadership.

Celebrate student-athletes’ achievements throughout the season and at postseason banquets.

Maintain accurate records of honors, including All-Conference, All-State, All-Region selections, and State Champions.

Budget & Resources

Manage program budgets, equipment & uniform purchases, team stores with apparel providers, and facility needs in collaboration with the Director of Athletics and Assistant Athletic Director.

Monitor resource allocation to ensure equitable support for all teams.

Community Engagement

Represent Cannon Athletics at school events, league meetings, and community functions.

Utilize Beyond the Bell (BTB) as a strategic opportunity to introduce athletic programs to the Lower School community, fostering early interest and engagement in future participation.

Collaborate with the Lower School Physical Education department to integrate core fundamental skills into their curriculum, ensuring alignment with athletic program goals and fostering early skill development.

Build strong relationships with parents, alumni, and external partners to enhance program visibility and support.

Expectations

Model Professionalism: Demonstrate integrity, respect, and accountability in all interactions.

Communicate Effectively: Maintain open, timely, and transparent communication with staff, students, and families.

Lead by Example: Exhibit enthusiasm for athletics and commitment to student development.

Collaborate Across Departments: Work closely with academic leaders to support student-athlete success.

Be Visible and Engaged: Attend practices, games, and events to support programs and build relationships.

Drive Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess program performance and implement strategies for growth.

Champion Cannon’s Mission: Ensure all athletic programs reflect the school’s values of scholarship, character, and community.

Support the Athletic Director: Act as a trusted partner to the Athletic Director by taking initiative on projects, resolving challenges, and providing support as needed to advance the mission and success of Cannon Athletics.

Adopt a Co-Owner Mentality: Take full ownership of program success as if you were a co-owner of Cannon Athletics—anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and make decisions that prioritize the long-term health and reputation of the department.

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Minimum 3–5 years of experience, preferred in a lead coach role at the varsity level or higher and/or team leadership.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to lead and inspire staff while maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism.