Track & Field and Cross-Country Coach
About The Position
BASIS Independent Manhattan Upper, a private school serving grades 6–12, is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable coach to lead and develop its interscholastic running program. The coach leads Cross-Country in the fall and Track & Field in the spring, providing structured training, mentorship, and competitive preparation while fostering team culture, sportsmanship, teamwork, and athlete development. The role includes coaching distance, middle-distance, sprint, relay, and general field-event fundamentals; designing season-long training plans for athletes with varying ability levels; teaching running mechanics, race strategy, and pacing; and monitoring progress, workload, recovery, and injury prevention. The coach also organizes practices and seasonal schedules, manages rosters, attendance, and equipment needs, coordinates meet entries and logistics, communicates with families and school staff, and supports participation and long-term program growth. The position requires the ability to perform its essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals with disabilities. Physical activities include frequently walking, standing, sitting, squatting, stooping, reaching, kneeling, rising from the floor, twisting, listening, reading, writing, and speaking English; often carrying, lifting, and using repetitive or fine hand movements; and occasionally pushing, pulling, or bending. The position regularly requires hearing and clear vision, with or without correction.
Requirements
- Knowledge of distance training principles, including aerobic base development, interval training, tempo workouts, and recovery.
- General understanding of track and field events and competition structure.
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain it.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Commitment to student-athlete development and a positive team culture.
Nice To Haves
- Prior coaching experience in track and field and/or cross-country at the middle school, high school, college, or club level.
- Background as a competitive runner in track, cross-country, or distance running.
Responsibilities
- Coach and instruct student-athletes in cross-country and track and field, including distance, middle-distance, sprints, relays, and general field-event fundamentals.
- Develop and implement season-long training programs with aerobic base training, interval workouts, tempo runs, and recovery.
- Design training plans for athletes of varying ability levels.
- Teach proper running mechanics, technique, and form.
- Emphasize injury prevention, safe training practices, and athlete recovery.
- Teach race strategy and pacing and help athletes set individual performance goals.
- Monitor athlete progress and adjust training plans based on performance and workload.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture.
- Promote sportsmanship, accountability, teamwork, and respect among student-athletes.
- Serve as a mentor and role model and support students’ personal and athletic development.
- Maintain clear, professional communication with student-athletes, parents, and school staff.
- Balance competitive success with student-athletes’ overall well-being.
- Plan and organize daily practices and seasonal training schedules.
- Manage team rosters, attendance, and equipment needs.
- Coordinate meet entries, competition preparation, and race logistics.
- Communicate regularly with the athletic department about scheduling and program needs.
- Assist with program development and long-term growth of the running program.
- Encourage student participation and help recruit athletes.
- Support a positive off-season training culture for returning athletes.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
