Athletic Coach; Head Climbing Coach

Climbing Program Head Coach

Fall 2026 

University School of Nashville seeks a Climbing program director and high school head coach for the 2026-2027 academic year.  The goal of the school’s athletics department is to create a positive environment that reflects transformational coaching. The position calls for excellent teamwork with colleagues and incorporates best practices into a growth-oriented teaching style in a K-12 school environment. 

The ideal candidate for this position will have experience in coaching and teaching climbing skills at a variety of levels. They should also align with our school’s values and mission for fostering the best in educational practices and striving for excellence while meeting each student’s athletic potential. Our climbing program has a range of abilities and experience with program dates running from early September through March.  We are looking for a program director who can meet the needs of all of our students to grow a love of the sport and create an inclusive, supportive, and competitive team environment.

The program director will oversee all program operations by directing, promoting, and supporting all aspects of the climbing program. The high school season officially begins in early September with practices and competitions through the end of February-early March depending on post-season qualifying. Practice occurs twice a week from 4:00-6:00 at local climbing gyms.  

Specific Responsibilities:

• Overall program development and planning
• Vision to sustain and grow the climbing program
• Teaches appropriate fundamentals, techniques, strategies, and skills
• Recruitment of coaching staff and the development and management of practice/game protocols and procedures
• Ability to promote a positive team culture that emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect.
• Knowledge of and ability to enforce all safety procedures and protocols. 
• Responsible for the health and safety of the athletes
• Articulates a well-defined and understandable coaching philosophy to players and families
• Applies developmentally appropriate and age-appropriate methods to coaching student-athletes
• Prepares detailed practice and game plans
• Emphasizes sportsmanship and leadership among athletes
• Communicates to players, parents, administrators, and staff
• Plans and coordinates team schedule including travel during the season
• Positively motivates athletes and promotes teamwork
• Inventories and organizes gear and uniforms; requests new purchases as needed
• Attends all meetings required by the leagues and Athletic Department
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required

Experience and Competencies:

• Previous playing experience required, college preferred
• Proven expertise in development across grade levels preferred
• Previous coaching experience in leading high school or college programs 

Skills and Abilities:

• Professional who is dependable and organized, with integrity, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude
• Strong computer skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Eagerness to learn and ability to adapt to change; commitment to one’s own professional growth
• Ability to work productively, demonstrate initiative when unsupervised, and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and other members of the USN community