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Assistant Coach: Men’s & Women’s Nordic Skiing
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students. By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming adversity; and leadership. This position typically influences student-athletes for their entire four years at Harvard and plays a key role in shaping their personal development.
This position assists in planning, directing and coaching the Men’s/Women’s inter-collegiate Nordic Skiing program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program.
This position plays a key leadership role for the Nordic skiing program. Will fill in when the Head Coach is absent. May play a role as liaison with Athletics administrative departments. Requires experience coaching at the collegiate level or comparable experience, which may include coaching/teaching at the club or professional level or competing in a professional or other high-performance environment.
This is a one-year term position renewable at the discretion of the Head Coach and the Athletics Director. Full-time, partial year (11 months).
Position Description
- Athlete Team Management
- Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competition to develop student-athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels.
- Develops, coordinates and plans assigned portions of practices and competition management consistent with Head Coach’s strategic vision.
- Analyzes video to develop strategies for athlete development.
- Executes a student-athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy consistent with values of excellence and inclusion.
- Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team through credible coaching.
- Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.
- Operational Complexity
- Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics and operational direction.
- Operates within budget.
- Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA and other rules and regulations.
- Coordinates with less-experienced coaches in implementing objectives.
- Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.
- Assists head coach in problem resolution.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.
- Communication & Influence
- Assists Head Coach in maintaining and building viewership, and maintaining and creating positive media interest, consistent with the sport.
- Supports the Head Coach in influencing public interest where applicable.
In addition, the Assistant Coach will be responsible for:
- Coordinating with Head Coach to maintain team equipment, organize equipment orders, and assist in ski preparation for training and competition.
- Assisting in the planning and organization of home competition events.
- Assisting with travel planning.
- Assisting with recruiting of potential student-athletes.
- Working with Head Coach to develop training schedules and annual training plans for the team.
- Assisting Head Coach in team training sessions, and occasionally leading training sessions when necessary.
- Operating team vehicles safely, including in winter weather conditions.
The Assistant Coach may lead some travel independently from Head Coach when academic or competition schedules require and will need to be capable of testing wax and preparing skis for high-level competition.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Requires at least 2 years of Nordic Ski coaching, or experience Nordic skiing at the collegiate, professional, or Olympic (or equivalent) level.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Requires substantial mastery of Nordic skiing knowledge and relevant issues.
- Understands the philosophy, principles and policies of Harvard and Ivy League athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy).
- Requires moderate management and leadership knowledge.
Certificates and Licenses
- Valid driver’s license needed.
- CPR and First Aid required.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift equipment associated with the sport.
Working Conditions
- Evening and weekend work required.
- Frequent travel is required.
- Job requires work in extreme environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, and high levels of noise.
Work Format: On-Site
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