Middle School Junior Varsity Boys & Girls Cross-Country Head & Assistant Coaches (Fall Seasonal Position)

## Description

2026 MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC COACHING OPENINGS

Junior Varsity (4th–6th) Boys’ & Girls’ Cross-Country Head & Assistant Coaches (Fall Seasonal Position)

Position Summary

The Head Coach and Assistant Head Coach are responsible for coaching and mentoring student-athletes in Cross-Country, teaching running techniques, race strategy, conditioning, and sportsmanship, while fostering teamwork and a lifelong appreciation for athletics. The coaches provide a positive, safe, and inclusive environment that supports the development of every student-athlete. Two positions are available for the upcoming fall season – August 19 – October 9, 2026: We are looking to hire one Head Coach and one Assistant Head Coach.

A Day in the Life

As a Middle School Cross-Country Coach at Nueva, you'll spend your afternoons helping student-athletes discover the joy of running while building confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Practices are energetic, supportive, and developmentally appropriate, with an emphasis on creating an inclusive environment where every athlete can grow.

A typical day may include

• Leading engaging practices that build endurance, technique, and sportsmanship.
• Encouraging and mentoring student-athletes with varying levels of experience.
• Planning workouts that are challenging, fun, and age-appropriate.
• Collaborating with fellow coaches and the Athletics Department.
• Supervising practices and competitions while ensuring student safety.
• Communicating with families and school staff as needed.
• Traveling with the team to meets using school-provided transportation.
• Celebrating individual and team accomplishments throughout the season.

At Nueva, coaching is about much more than competition; it's about helping students develop confidence, perseverance, healthy habits, and a lifelong appreciation for athletics.

Primary Responsibilities

As a Middle School Cross-Country Coach, you will play an important role in creating a positive and rewarding athletic experience for student-athletes. Primary responsibilities include:

• Plan and lead safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate practices and competitions.
• Teach cross-country fundamentals, techniques, strategy, and sportsmanship.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture that encourages personal growth, teamwork, and confidence.
• Supervise student-athletes during practices, competitions, and team travel, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, fellow coaches, and school administrators.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, respect, and good sportsmanship.
• Comply with all Nueva School, league, and applicable athletic policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Support the mission and values of The Nueva School by promoting character development, inclusion, and a lifelong appreciation for health and athletics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be eligible to work in the United States.
• Demonstrate knowledge of cross-country and/or track and field fundamentals.
• Be able to supervise and mentor middle school student-athletes in a safe and positive environment.
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive team culture.
• Successfully complete all required employment screenings and onboarding requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

We're especially interested in candidates who have

• Previous coaching experience in cross-country or track and field.
• Competitive running experience at the high school, collegiate, or higher level.
• CPR, First Aid, or coaching certifications.
• Experience working with middle school students.
• Experience fostering positive team culture and sportsmanship.
• Knowledge of youth athletic development and injury prevention.
• Experience working in schools or youth programs.

Encouragement to Apply

Nueva encourages anyone to apply, even if they do not meet all the preferred qualifications. If you are excited about supporting gifted students, committed to equity and inclusion, and eager to grow your skills within a collaborative community, we would welcome your application.

We are seeking applicants who represent the full diversity of our community in the Bay Area. Our ideal candidate will possess a deep appreciation for the diverse socioeconomic, racial, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, academic, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. In joining our team at Nueva, you will become a part of an inclusive, iterative, and equity-minded community that recognizes that equity and social justice is a lens with which we examine all aspects of our school community in order to ensure an educational experience where all students and colleagues can thrive.

In deciding whether to apply for a position at Nueva, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with [Nueva’s Mission, Vision, and Values.](https://www.nuevaschool.org/about/mission-vision-values)