A Coach works with individual athletes or with sports teams to develop skills and improve teamwork and competitive performance. Runs practice sessions and physical conditioning programs; assesses the strengths and weaknesses of players; plans strategies for games; motivates and encourage players and teaches good sportsmanship.
BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE
Cross Country Head Coach (Hired through EDUStaff)
REPORTS TO
Athletic Director
JOB SUMMARY
The BHAS athletic coaches promote an appreciation of physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The Cross Country Head Coach provides athletic leadership, athletic conditioning, and supervision for the program. Leveraging experience as a former college student-athlete, the Head Coach fosters athletic discipline, competitive excellence, physical endurance, and academic dedication while working closely with coaching staff and school administration.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or equivalent Prior experience as a college student-athlete in any sport (NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA) High school or recreational experience in distance running, track, or endurance training Demonstrated ability to design athletic conditioning, pacing, and wellness routines Strong communication skills and proven ability to mentor, motivate, and manage high school student-athletes
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
High school level athletic coaching experience Basic understanding of distance running tactics, periodization, and injury prevention First Aid/CPR and coaching safety certifications
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate, plan, and supervise all levels of the Cross Country program under the direction of the Athletic Director. Design and execute daily team practices, conditioning sessions, course route planning, and meet strategies. Translate collegiate athletic standards—such as accountability, work ethic, time management, and sportsmanship—to high school athletes. Ensure all athletic activities conform strictly to the BHAS Athletic Handbook and MHSAA guidelines. Communicate effectively with student-athletes, parents, school district staff, and community members. Monitor student-athletes to ensure compliance with training rules, academic eligibility standards, and behavioral conduct. Maintain continuous supervision of student-athletes during practices, off-site runs, meets, and team travel. Oversee program administration, including meet entries, equipment inventory, uniform distribution, and runner safety on public courses. Support the value of education and promote a positive, supportive, and disciplined team culture.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Yearly stipend position. This position is hired through a third-party vendor, EDUStaff.
EVALUATION
Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the Athletic Director.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, run or move across varied outdoor terrain, sit (during travel), talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception to monitor athletes across outdoor courses. The employee must occasionally lift or move training equipment weighing up to 25-50 lbs and conduct practices outdoors in varying weather conditions. This job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Additional duties may be assigned.
