Boys Cross Country Program Head

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School•Columbia, SC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Boys Cross Country Program Head leads and develops Heathwood Hall Episcopal School’s cross country program in alignment with the school’s mission, athletic philosophy, and expectations for student-athletes. The role 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 mentor and role model. The program is intended to connect lower- and middle-school runners with the upper-school team and support long-term continuity. The Program Head plans the preseason, regular-season, and postseason program; develops age-appropriate training; monitors student-athlete wellness and progress; and coordinates team activities and logistics. The position also includes communication with families and school staff, maintaining athletic records and equipment, following school and athletic association rules, and collaborating with others across the athletic program. This is a seasonal fall coaching position. Coaching agreements are seasonal, and continuation is subject to review at the end of the season. The stipend is commensurate with the position level and applicant experience.

Requirements

Previous cross-country coaching experience.
Knowledge of distance-running training principles, conditioning, race strategy, and injury prevention.
Ability to work effectively with middle-school- and high-school-aged student-athletes.
Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to developing student-athletes athletically and personally.
Ability to work evenings and weekends and travel for competitions as required.
Successful completion of required background checks and SCISA athletic association requirements.

Nice To Haves

Competitive distance-running experience.
Current CPR/AED and first-aid certification; the school may require these certifications, and training is offered internally.
Collegiate or competitive distance-running background.
Experience developing athletes across ability levels, from beginning runners to championship-level competitors and collegiate prospects.
Familiarity with meet management, race-entry systems, training technology, and performance tracking.
Experience working in an independent or private-school athletic environment.

Responsibilities

Teach proper running mechanics, racing strategies, conditioning techniques, and course management.
Plan, organize, and lead the cross-country program during preseason, regular season, and postseason.
Develop age-appropriate training plans promoting endurance, strength, speed, injury prevention, and long-term athletic development.
Establish a positive, competitive, team-oriented culture emphasizing discipline, sportsmanship, accountability, peer mentorship, and personal growth.
Evaluate athletes and create appropriate training groups and individualized development plans.
Provide advanced training, motivation, and recruiting-process guidance to 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 scheduled practices, meets, and required team activities.
Communicate regularly and professionally with student-athletes, parents or 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 school policies, athletic conference and 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.