Head Boys and Girls Nordic Coach

St Paul Academy And Summit School•St. Paul, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) is seeking a Head Nordic Coach for the 2026-27 season and beyond. SPA has a tremendous tradition in Nordic Skiing and is currently the defending MSHSL Girls State Champions. In this position, the successful candidate will serve as Head Coach for the varsity team and support lower-level programs. Included in the responsibilities are coaching, team management, development and support of assistant coaches, and program development. SPA is a private coeducational, non-sectarian, college preparatory day school serving nearly 1,000 students in PK through grade 12. Our two campuses are located approximately a mile apart in St. Paul, Minnesota, serving Grades K-5 on our Goodrich Campus and Grades 6-12 on our Randolph Campus. SPA believes Athletics contributes to the overall educational experience of our students, where lessons learned in sport are as valuable as those learned in the classroom. The Athletics program at SPA is one of the most successful in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). SPA is ranked in the top 20 of all MSHSL schools when ranked by the number of state championships won. Our student athletes have been recognized as some of the top athletes in the state, region, and country. Our mission —shaping the minds and the hearts of the people who will change the world—is a promise to our students and our families, and it pushes us to be thoughtful about everything we do. It inspires us to be our best selves and reminds us that we have the responsibility to respect the unique potential in everyone. Our mission gives us purpose and represents our greatest aspirations and values. Most of all, it reflects our deep belief in and support of the talents and capabilities of our students and student athletes. SPA is an independent school that plays in the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC) and attracts college-bound, bright, and curious students who lead multi-faceted lives. Executing a plan to successfully lead, develop, and nurture this type of student-athletes in a positive educational-based athletic philosophy is a requirement. SPA is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff, and maintaining a workplace culture in which all are treated equitably.

Requirements

Strong effective organizational and communication skills with students, parents, and administration.
Coaching experience in a competitive environment and in a state association like the MSHSL.
Support the mission of SPA.
Able to support/contribute to student athlete life outside athletics.

Responsibilities

Serve as Head Coach for the varsity team and support lower level programs.
Coaching, team management, development and support of assistant coaches and program development.
Ensure the Nordic Team culture reflects the “Spartan Way” - Integrity, Excellence and Passion and the student athletes reflect the values of SPA athletics.
Creating a positive environment that promotes team excellence - “We Before Me”.
Support the US and MS Athletic Directors to build a coaching staff of qualified coaches, mentoring them in coaching in the SPA traditions.
Implementing well-organized and structured practices.
Coordinating competition schedules with the US Athletics Director.
Working with the athletics operations coordinator to schedule transportation, officials, facilities.
Maintaining accurate records and other required administrative work (rosters, schedules, physicals, results, records, equipment and individual and team accolades).
Provide effective communication with, supervision and evaluation of all athletes.
Supporting graduating players in the college athletics search process.
Creating a rapport with the greater community, generating interest in the program recognizing the contributions of all; impressing upon the athletes and parents that their efforts are valued, while creating a positive team culture.
Participating as a positive team member in the Athletics Department supporting program excellence and development.
Executing a plan to successfully lead, develop, and nurture student-athletes in a positive educational-based athletic philosophy.