Competitive Head Coach

Central Rock Gym • Watertown, MA

4d

About The Position

The Competitive Head Coach leads the development and execution of Central Rock Gym’s competitive youth climbing program. The role fosters a fun, welcoming, challenging, and growth-oriented environment for youth athletes while reinforcing the team pillars of community, grit, and growth. The Head Coach provides high-quality coaching, creates structured training plans, supports athlete progression, prepares athletes for competitions, and leads and mentors the coaching team. The role works closely with the Youth Programs Director or management to maintain consistent coaching standards, strong communication, and an engaged youth community.

Requirements

• Previous experience coaching youth climbers.
• Strong understanding of climbing technique, movement analysis, training methodology, and athlete development.
• At least 4 years of climbing experience.
• Proficiency in lead climbing and belaying.
• Strong behavior management skills and ability to coach youth athletes of varying ages, abilities, and personalities.
• Ability to support teenage athletes in a competitive training environment that can be stressful.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Strong in-person and remote communication skills with athletes, parents, coaching staff, and management.
• Careful attention to detail and ability to analyze movement and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and execute structured practices and training programs.
• Weekday afternoon availability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for practices, competitions, and youth programs.
• Ability and willingness to travel to competitions as required.
• Strict adherence to CRG’s Coaches’ Code of Conduct and youth safety policies.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience coaching competitive youth climbing athletes.
• Knowledge of USA Climbing competition formats, rules, strategies, and athlete development pathways.
• Experience coaching athletes at local, regional, divisional, and/or national competitions.
• USA Climbing coaching certification or other relevant coaching certifications.
• Competition climbing experience.
• Experience developing seasonal training plans and individualized athlete development plans.
• Experience training, mentoring, or leading other coaches.
• Knowledge of youth strength and conditioning, injury prevention, mental performance, or sports psychology.
• Passion for youth development and creating a positive competitive climbing environment.
• Desire to remain with the program long-term.
• Strong desire to develop professionally as a coach.

Responsibilities

• Lead competitive team practices with confidence and professionalism.
• Develop and implement seasonal and weekly training plans suited to athletes’ ages, experience levels, and competitive goals.
• Coach and develop athletes across climbing disciplines, emphasizing technique, movement, strength, competition strategy, mental performance, and long-term development.
• Evaluate athlete progress and provide constructive feedback.
• Assist with athlete evaluations, team placement, advancement, and goal setting.
• Prepare athletes for local, regional, divisional, and national competitions, as applicable.
• Attend competitions as needed to support and coach CRG athletes.
• Maintain knowledge of USA Climbing competition formats, rules, qualification pathways, and coaching best practices.
• Foster an inclusive, disciplined, supportive team culture that encourages sportsmanship, resilience, confidence, and a lasting passion for climbing.
• Lead, mentor, and support competitive coaching staff.
• Promote consistent coaching expectations, training methodology, and athlete development across the competitive program.
• Communicate with the Youth Programs Director and coaching staff about practices, scheduling, athlete progress, and program needs.
• Communicate professionally with parents and athletes about progress, expectations, competitions, and other program information.
• Collaborate with the Youth Programs Director on program goals, team development, athlete retention, and growth.
• Maintain a safe training environment and follow CRG safety standards, youth protection practices, and the Coaches’ Code of Conduct.
• Complete and maintain required SafeSport and Mandated Reporter training.
• Perform other duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed