GTSSF XC Prep Head Coach

Position Summary
The Head Coach of the Cross-Country Prep Team is a critical leadership position responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of all aspects of the recreational & lifelong  Nordic program. Serving U14 athletes, this role is the cornerstone of GTSSF’s strategic initiative to increase long-term athlete retention and foster a vibrant, inclusive community. The Head Coach will serve as a hands-on on-snow leader, a skilled manager of assisting coaches, and a key collaborator in the Foundation’s broader efforts to improve communication and operational sustainability. The individual in this role will foster a love for cross-country skiing, prioritize developmentally appropriate skill acquisition, and create a positive and welcoming environment for athletes and their families.

Core Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Head Coach are directly aligned with the GTSSF’s strategic goals for the Nordic program and the Foundation as a whole.

Program Development & Oversight:

• Lead the design and implementation of a holistic, developmentally appropriate curriculum for athletes ranging from U14 to U18, with a clear focus on skill acquisition, physical literacy, and a fun-first approach.
• Collaborate with the GTSSF Nordic Coordinator to define and implement clear program pathways and refine placement criteria, providing a seamless and flexible transition for athletes across different teams.
• Develop a seasonal plan that addresses schedule challenges and provides consistent, engaging programming, including dryland activities and on-snow sessions.

Coaching & Leadership:

• Serve as the lead on-snow coach, bringing positive, productive, and fun energy to every practice and intentionally shaping a healthy team environment.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide leadership to a team of assisting and volunteer coaches for U14 – U18 age groups.
• Conduct coach orientation and provide professional development opportunities to enhance coaching competencies, in line with the Foundation’s objective of building an internal promotion pipeline.

Communication & Community Building:

• Implement and maintain a consistent and proactive communication plan for all Flow Team parents and assisting coaches, creating consistent, effective patterns that inspire parents and coaches to be all in.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Prep Team parents, addressing inquiries and fostering a truly inclusive environment where new families feel welcome.
• Collaborate with the GTSSF team to organize and promote social events (e.g., team dinners, kick-offs) to build a strong team identity and community.

Administration & Operations:

• Oversee administrative duties, including athlete enrollment, attendance tracking, and equipment needs.
• Collaborate with the wider GTSSF team on improving infrastructure and sustainability, including working with the gear lease/rental program to address equipment barriers for new and returning families.
• Coordinate with the GTSSF administration to ensure budget transparency and efficient resource utilization.
• Serve as a key administrative and operational support to the Nordic Coordinator.
• As time permits, this includes assisting with race development (e.g., local weekly citizen series, Western Clubs), organizing ski camps, managing budget items, and approving hours for assisting coaches, with the potential to take on additional duties as needed.
• Plan and oversee trips to multi-day race weekends in the region.

Required Qualifications & Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate for this role possesses a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a personal philosophy that aligns with the GTSSF’s mission.

Experience & Skills:

• Prior coaching experience, with a demonstrated emphasis on youth development and non-competitive programming.
• Basic to intermediate classic and skate skiing skills with a strong technical knowledge of both disciplines.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team of coaches and volunteers.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including athletes, parents, and community partners.

Certifications:

• Required: Valid First Aid & CPR or a higher certification.
• USSA Volunteer Membership/SafeSport and Background Check completed.
• L100 USSA Certificate

Personal Attributes:

• A deep-seated passion for fostering a lifelong love of snow sports and community building.
• Possesses a growth mindset and positive attitude.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and a high degree of responsibility. 
• Fitness and a willingness to be outside for long periods with athletes during training sessions.

For a complete job description, visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/171YafwPGDg7FzVnM_LRJRWWmqllQpCQPzjtE5J0P0Sk/edit?tab=t.0