BOYS CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM HEAD
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to its success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.
Reports To: Athletic Director
Work Schedule: Seasonal - Fall
Position Summary
The Boys Cross Country Program Head is responsible for leading and developing the school's cross country program in a manner consistent with the school's mission, athletic philosophy, and expectations for student-athletes. The Program Head provides technical instruction, organizes and supervises practices and competitions, develops individual and team performance, recruits qualified assistant and lower level coaches, and serves as a positive mentor and role model for student-athletes. The goal is to build a cohesive program that bridges the lower/middle school runners to the upper school team, ensuring long-term program continuity
Essential Functions
- Teach proper running mechanics, racing strategies, conditioning techniques, and course management.
- Plan, organize, and lead an effective cross-country program across the preseason, regular season, and postseason.
- Develop age-appropriate training plans that promote endurance, strength, speed, injury prevention, and long-term athletic development.
- Establish a positive, competitive, and team-oriented culture emphasizing discipline, sportsmanship, accountability, peer mentorship, and personal growth.
- Evaluate athletes and create appropriate training groups and individualized development plans, including providing advanced training, motivation, and guidance through the recruiting process for athletes aspiring to run in college.
- Monitor student-athlete health, wellness, attendance, academic responsibilities, and overall progress.
- Coordinate practices, meets, transportation, equipment, uniforms, and other team logistics with the athletic department.
- Attend and supervise all scheduled practices, meets, and required team activities.
- Communicate regularly and professionally with student-athletes, parents/guardians, athletic department staff, and school administrators.
- Recruit and develop assistant coaches and/or volunteer support as appropriate.
- Maintain accurate rosters, eligibility information, meet entries, and other required athletic records.
- Follow all school policies, athletic conference/state association rules, and applicable health and safety requirements.
- Promote appropriate conduct and sportsmanship at practices and competitions.
- Collaborate with other coaches, strength and conditioning staff, athletic administration, and college counseling to support multi-sport athletes and the overall athletic program.
- Maintain and manage team equipment and communicate replacement or purchasing needs.
- Participate in preseason meetings, coach development, and other duties assigned by the Athletic Director.
Qualifications
- Previous cross country coaching required.
- Competitive distance running experience preferred.
- Knowledge of distance-running training principles, conditioning, race strategy, and injury prevention.
- Ability to work effectively with both middle school and high school-aged student-athletes.
- Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to developing student-athletes both athletically and personally.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel for competitions as required.
- Current CPR/AED and first-aid certification preferred or required by the school. These trainings are offered internally as well.
- Successful completion of required background checks and SCISA athletic association requirements.
Preferred Experience
- Collegiate or competitive distance-running background.
- Experience developing athletes across a range of ability levels, from beginning runners to championship-level competitors to collegiate prospects.
- Familiarity with meet management, race-entry systems, training technology, and performance tracking.
- Experience working in an independent/private-school athletic environment.
Success in the Role
Success in this position includes building a positive team culture, developing student-athletes' running ability and confidence, maintaining a safe and well-organized program, supporting students' academic and personal development, and representing the school with professionalism and sportsmanship.
The stipend is commensurate with the position level and applicant experience. Heathwood Hall coaching agreements are seasonal (the specific season is highlighted above), and continuation is subject to review at the conclusion of the season.
Working Conditions
- Expansive school campus with 122+ acres, must be able to travel between buildings independently.
- Frequent walking, standing, stooping, and bending may be required throughout the day at various intervals
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
To apply visit our career center using this site: