Head Varsity Cross Country Coach (Boys & Girls)

Job Title: Head Varsity Cross Country Coach (Boys & Girls) School: North Middlesex Regional High School Location: 19 Main St, Townsend, MA 01469 Job Type: Fall 2026 Season Job Description: North Middlesex Regional High School is seeking a highly motivated and knowledgeable Head Varsity Cross Country Coach to lead the boys and girls cross country programs.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for student-athlete development, distance running, leadership, and education-based athletics while fostering a positive and competitive team culture.

The Head Varsity Cross Country Coach will oversee all aspects of the boys and girls cross country programs, including practice planning, meet management, athlete development, communication, and program organization.

The coach will serve as a positive role model who emphasizes commitment, sportsmanship, leadership, accountability, and personal growth both on and off the course.

Key Responsibilities: Program Leadership & Development: Lead and oversee all aspects of the boys and girls varsity cross country programs.

Develop and implement season training plans focused on endurance, strength, injury prevention, and athlete progression.

Foster a positive, inclusive, and competitive team culture aligned with the values of education-based athletics.

Coordinate with assistant coaches to ensure consistency throughout the program.

Athlete Development: Teach proper running mechanics, pacing strategies, race preparation, and conditioning techniques.

Support the physical, mental, and emotional development of student-athletes.

Encourage goal setting, leadership, resilience, and team accountability.

Promote healthy habits, sportsmanship, and lifelong fitness.

Practice & Competition Management: Organize and lead daily practices in a safe, structured, and engaging environment.

Coordinate transportation, meet logistics, and communication for competitions.

Prepare athletes for league, invitational, district, and state championship meets.

Maintain accurate attendance, eligibility, and team records.

Team Culture & Communication: Build strong relationships with student-athletes, families, staff, and the community.

Communicate clearly and consistently regarding schedules, expectations, and program updates.

Promote sportsmanship, inclusion, and positive representation of North Middlesex Athletics.

Work collaboratively with the Athletic Department and school administration.

Academic Support: Emphasize the importance of academics and monitor student-athlete eligibility.

Encourage student-athletes to demonstrate leadership and responsibility in the classroom and community.

Compliance & Safety: Ensure compliance with all MIAA, NFHS, and North Middlesex Regional School District policies and regulations.

Maintain a safe environment during practices and competitions.

Follow all concussion management, hydration, weather, and emergency protocols.

Required Certifications & Compliance: Must maintain or complete required certifications including: NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Concussion in Sports First Aid & CPR MIAA Coaching Education Program CORI/SORI Background Checks Qualifications: Required Qualifications: Previous coaching experience in cross country, track and field, or distance running.

Strong knowledge of training principles, conditioning, race strategy, and athlete development.

Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Ability to build a positive and inclusive team culture.

Must meet all NFHS and MIAA coaching requirements.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous high school varsity coaching experience.

Experience coaching both boys and girls programs.

Collegiate running and/or coaching experience.

Knowledge of injury prevention, nutrition, and strength training for endurance athletes.

Experience fostering leadership development and education-based athletics initiatives.

Salary: Per NMRSD Teacher Contract.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit: A cover letter outlining their coaching philosophy and experience.

A resume highlighting coaching and/or running background.

Three professional references with contact information.

North Middlesex is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.