Head Nordic Ski Coach
Saint Louis, MI - USA
Job Summary
Title: | Head Coach | DBM Classification: | N/A |
Department: | Athletics | Salary Range: | $5972 |
Employee Group: | Temporary/Seasonal | Prepared Date: | September 2026 |
Reports to: | Athletics Director | FTE/ FLSA Status: | Stipend Position |
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
A Head Coach is responsible for leading and managing a team by developing strategies overseeing training and ensuring the overall success of the program. This role requires a combination of technical expertise leadership player development and administrative responsibilities. The Head Coach plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and competitive team environment while ensuring athletes reach their full potential.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Establish clear goals both short-term and long-term for the team and program.
- Create a positive inclusive and disciplined environment that promotes teamwork respect and sportsmanship.
- Lead by example instill confidence in players and foster a competitive yet supportive team atmosphere.
- Act as a mentor and role model guiding players on and off the field helping them grow personally and athletically.
- Design comprehensive training sessions that focus on both individual player development and team performance.
- Provide technical coaching on sport-specific skills tactical awareness and physical conditioning.
- Monitor individual and team performance and make adjustments to training methods as needed.
- Offer constructive feedback and work with players on areas of improvement.
- Create strategic game plans based on the strengths and weaknesses of the team and opponents.
- Study opponent teams and individual players through scouting reports film review and data analysis.
- Make quick decisions during games regarding player rotations substitutions and tactical changes to adapt to game situations.
- Manage team performance during games ensuring players follow the strategy while maintaining high motivation and focus.
- Monitor the coaching staff delegate roles and responsibilities and ensure alignment of coaching methods.
- Ensure that players follow team rules and code of conduct handling any disciplinary issues.
- Maintain open lines of communication with athletes coaches administrative staff and other stakeholders.
- Build a strong cohesive team environment through team-building activities and promoting a culture of mutual respect.
- Plan and organize practices games travel and other team-related events.
- Be in charge of the teams financial resources including budgeting for travel equipment and other operational needs.
- Make sure that the team follows league rules eligibility standards and safety regulations.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Deep understanding of the rules strategies techniques and tactics of the sport. Ability to assess opponents design effective game plans and identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Knowledge of how to develop players technical skills mental toughness and physical conditioning. Ability to design training programs that foster improvement.
- Understanding of group behavior team chemistry and how to motivate individuals within a team environment.
- Familiarity with strength and conditioning principles injury prevention methods and recovery strategies. Knowledge of proper warm-up cool-down and rehabilitation techniques.
- Analyze opponents evaluate players performances and use data to inform strategic decisions.
- Knowledge of regulations policies and eligibility requirements for competition.
- Understanding of ethical coaching practices and how to uphold integrity and good sportsmanship both in and out of competition.
- Able to lead inspire and motivate a diverse group of athletes. Make quick effective decisions in high-pressure situations.
- Strong ability to teach demonstrate and reinforce techniques and strategies. Ability to break down complex skills into manageable steps for athletes at all skill levels.
- Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills to clearly explain drills strategies and feedback. Ability to listen and respond effectively to athletes and staff.
- Expertise in creating game plans making real-time adjustments and managing in-game tactics. Assesses and analyzes in-game situations for optimal decision-making.
- Ability to manage a coaching staff delegate tasks and ensure effective collaboration among team members.
- Balances multiple responsibilities including practice schedules game preparation and administrative tasks.
- Manages and resolves conflicts within the team whether between players or staff and fosters a cohesive positive atmosphere.
- Able to stay calm focused and maintain a positive attitude during challenging situations both during games and in day-to-day operations.
- Understanding and managing personal emotions as well as recognizing and responding to the emotions of players and staff.
- Motivates athletes to perform at their best particularly when facing challenges or setbacks.
- Willingness and ability to adjust strategies approaches and schedules to meet evolving team needs and unexpected challenges.
- Upholding high ethical standards maintaining professionalism in all interactions and being a role model for athletes.
- Strong mentoring abilities offering guidance to athletes not only in their athletic endeavors but also in personal growth and character development.
- Build trust and strong relationships with athletes assistant coaches staff and the community.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Depending on the sport the Head Coach may be required to demonstrate techniques or participate in drills. This requires a moderate level of fitness and endurance to physically engage with athletes during training sessions.
- Coaching involves standing for extended periods walking across practice fields or gymnasiums and sometimes running to provide demonstrations or interact with players.
- Head Coaches must be able to move quickly between different areas of a practice or game making constant adjustments and observations. This may involve sprinting to different parts of the field or court during training or games.
- Is often required to travel for away games tournaments or recruiting events which may involve long hours of sitting walking or carrying equipment.
- Oversee multiple training venues team activities and events that require traveling between different locations resulting in extended periods of physical activity.
- May be involved in setting up or breaking down training equipment such as cones balls or other sport-specific apparatus.
- Oversee the condition and transportation of equipment which can involve lifting or carrying gear.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- For outdoor sports Assistant Coaches may be exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat cold rain or wind.
- Coaching often takes place in loud stadiums gyms or fields with high noise levels.
- Head Coaches may work in training rooms locker rooms offices and team meeting rooms for team strategy sessions video reviews and administrative tasks.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Head Coaches must have experience in leadership team management and conflict resolution. Strong organizational skills are necessary to plan practices manage staff and handle day-to-day operations of a team.
- A strong understanding of game strategy and the ability to make in-the-moment decisions during competition is vital. This knowledge is often developed over years of experience both as a player and as a coach.
- Experience in managing stressful situations such as close games team dynamics and media attention is essential for success in the role.
BENEFIT INFORMATION
This position is classified as Temporary/Seasonal and is not eligible for benefits.