Junior High Cross Country Coach

Position Summary

The Nashua-Plainfield Community School District is seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable, and student-centered Junior High Cross Country Coach to lead and develop the district's junior high cross country program. The successful candidate will foster a positive, competitive, and educational athletic experience that emphasizes endurance development, running technique, sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and personal growth. The coach will provide instruction in the fundamental skills of cross country while promoting academic success, character development, healthy lifestyles, and responsible citizenship.

The Junior High Cross Country Coach will work collaboratively with the Activities Director, building administrators, high school coaching staff, student-athletes, parents, and other district personnel to ensure alignment with the district's athletic philosophy and to provide a safe, positive, and successful experience for all participants.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma required.

Certification

• Iowa Coaching Authorization or Iowa Coaching Endorsement required, or the ability to obtain prior to the beginning of the season.
• Current certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED, or the ability to obtain prior to the season.
• Completion of all coaching education, concussion awareness, mandatory reporter training, and other certifications required by the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU), Iowa Department of Education, and district policy.

Experience

• Previous cross country, track and field, or distance running coaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with middle school or high school students is desirable.
• Participation in cross country, track and field, or distance running at the high school or collegiate level is beneficial but not required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of cross country fundamentals, distance training principles, running mechanics, race strategy, and athlete development.
• Ability to teach age-appropriate running techniques while fostering confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to motivate and positively influence student-athletes.
• Knowledge of safe conditioning practices, injury prevention, hydration, heat illness prevention, and risk management.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents, staff, officials, and community members.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of student-athletes.
• Ability to model professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior.

Technology Requirements

• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to utilize district communication platforms, scheduling software, and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to complete required online certifications, trainings, and documentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Organize, supervise, and administer all aspects of the junior high cross country program.
• Promote a positive team culture emphasizing respect, responsibility, discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
• Support the district's athletic philosophy and maintain alignment with the high school cross country program.
• Encourage multi-sport participation and positive student involvement.

Athlete Development

• Plan and conduct organized, safe, and effective practices.
• Teach fundamental cross country skills appropriate for junior high student-athletes, including running form, pacing, warm-up and cool-down routines, stretching, and race preparation.
• Develop athletes' endurance, strength, flexibility, race strategy, and mental toughness using age-appropriate training methods.
• Promote healthy habits related to nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, and recovery.
• Encourage academic achievement and monitor student eligibility in accordance with district and state requirements.
• Foster good sportsmanship, leadership, self-discipline, and respect for teammates, competitors, officials, and spectators.

Meet Management

• Prepare the team for interscholastic competition.
• Supervise student-athletes during meets, practices, transportation, and other team activities.
• Ensure compliance with all IHSAA, district, conference, and school regulations.
• Demonstrate professionalism and sportsmanship during competitions.
• Coordinate meet-day logistics, athlete entries, uniforms, and transportation needs.

Safety and Supervision

• Maintain a safe practice and competition environment.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust practices or competitions as necessary in accordance with district policies and safety guidelines.
• Monitor student-athletes for injuries, signs of overtraining, dehydration, or heat-related illness, and communicate concerns promptly to parents, athletic trainers (when available), and administration.
• Follow district emergency procedures and concussion protocols.
• Ensure appropriate supervision of student-athletes before, during, and after practices and meets.

Equipment and Facilities

• Assist with the inventory, distribution, collection, care, and storage of uniforms and equipment.
• Maintain practice areas and meet facilities in a clean, safe, and organized condition.
• Report equipment repairs, facility concerns, and safety hazards promptly.

Communication

• Maintain positive communication with student-athletes, parents, administrators, officials, transportation personnel, and fellow coaches.
• Communicate team expectations, schedules, and program information in a timely and professional manner.
• Support positive relationships between the athletic program, school, and community.

Collaboration

• Work cooperatively with the Activities Director, building administrators, high school cross country coaching staff, teachers, custodians, transportation staff, and other district personnel.
• Attend coaches' meetings, athletic department meetings, and professional development opportunities as assigned.
• Assist in promoting district athletic programs and school spirit.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate ethical conduct consistent with district policies, coaching ethics, and professional expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Serve as a positive role model for student-athletes through words, actions, and appearance.
• Maintain regular attendance, punctuality, and dependable work habits.
• Complete required professional development and coaching education.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Activities Director or administration.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, run, and actively supervise practices and meets for extended periods.
• Ability to demonstrate running techniques, drills, stretching, and conditioning exercises.
• Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, reach, and perform repetitive physical movements.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the cross country season and travel over uneven terrain, trails, and grass courses.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor running courses, school athletic facilities, parks, trails, and cross country venues.
• Evening and occasional weekend practices, meets, meetings, and events.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, cold, wind, and rain.
• Frequent interaction with students, parents, staff, officials, and community members.
• Moderate noise levels typical of athletic events.

Terms of Employment

Work schedule, season length, stipend, and other terms of employment are established by the Nashua-Plainfield Community School District Board of Education and applicable district policies and negotiated agreements. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks and all required coaching certifications and trainings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Nashua-Plainfield Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Iowa law. The District is committed to providing an inclusive educational and work environment for all students and employees.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification: Extracurricular Coach

Reports To: Activities Director and Building Principal

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S