Job Description
Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ski community organization in the ideal outdoor adventure town of Bozeman, Montana. BSF provides and funds educational and competitive programs for all ages, year round, in Nordic, Alpine, and Freestyle/Freeskiing. BSF works with over 800 nordic ski athletes of all ages each year, focusing on inspiring a lifelong love of skiing, athletic excellence, and personal growth. BSF also grooms an incredible network of community trails with free public access at six venues in Bozeman.
Position Overview
The Development Program Head Coach works with the Nordic Program Director and the Development Program Coordinator to develop, implement, and manage Nordic ski programming for athletes ages 9-15. Together with the Program Coordinator, the Head Coach assists with the management and education of all Development Program coaches, weekly communications to parents, and additional program coordination duties. Additionally, the Development Program Head Coach serves as the primary coach for the Devo Progressive Team (the bridge between Devo and Comp teams) and works closely with coaches on the Competition Team to plan and execute weekly training sessions, training camps, races, and additional events as needed.
Ideal candidates are passionate about sustainable and holistic athletic development, have previous Nordic ski race experience, and are inspired to teach life skills through sport.
Responsibilities
Program Development
- Develop curriculum, training plans, and lesson plans that meet the USSS LTAD framework for athletes within the Development Program Develop, and maintain coach resources and manuals to enhance practices
- Assist with organizing coach development and education opportunities
Communications
- Create weekly newsletters with practice plans to parents and community stakeholders within the Development Program
- Assist the Program Coordinator with weekly communications to coaches, parents, and athletes as needed through email, phone calls, and TeamReach correspondence
Coach Leadership
- Serve as the primary Devo Progressive coach; develop and execute weekly practice plans
- Assist with Competition Team weekly planning
Transportation
- Drive afterschool shuttles in 12-passenger Sprinter van
- Drive shuttles to training camps and race trips for up to 8-10 hours at a time (common destinations include Jackson, WY; Sun Valley, ID; McCall, ID; Park City, UT).
Misc.
- Assist with planning of BSF events, including training camps and races
- Assist with waxing duties as needed
Essential Skills, Knowledge, Abilities & Background
- Completion of Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Preferred past Nordic race experience
- Passion around mission and values of BSF
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Strong managerial, administrative, and organizational skills
- Strong work ethic, willingness ability to work extended hours during race weekends and camps
- Proven ability to plan, facilitate, and adapt in work structure
- Comprehensive knowledge in Nordic training and technique
- Basic knowledge in Nordic waxing and equipment preferred
- Computer competency in Google Suite (including Google Sheets) and ability to learn Constant Contact and SkiClubPro software
Training Requirements
To be eligible to coach in the 2022/23 BSF season, you must complete the following:
US Ski and Snowboard Coaching Certificate
Online coaching fundamentals modules that cover a variety of coaching concepts to sport-specific aspects of skiing. Must pass an online final exam to complete the certification program. Cost is $135 with a $10 Northern Division fee, which BSF will reimburse.
US Ski and Snowboard Level 100
Online modules and on-snow training that cover a variety of coaching concepts to sport-specific aspects of Nordic skiing. Must pass an online final exam to complete the certification program, including a coaching fundamentals course.
SafeSport Online Training
Required as part of the Coaching Certificate process. Series of online modules that train coaches to recognize and reduce misconduct in sport.
CPR & First Aid Training
If you are certified, please send a photocopy of your certification to Andrew Morehouse, BSF Nordic Program Director. BSF will provide a first aid and CPR training course free to coaches in the 2022/23 season.
Availability Requirements
The BSF season runs from June 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023. Additional work opportunities are available to interested coaches in the off-season from April 1 – May 31. The Development Program meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Athletes meet from 8:00-10:00 AM in the summer, and 4:00-5:45 PM during weekdays and 9-11 AM on weekends in the fall and winter.
Between attending practices and planning duties, the Development Program Head Coach should anticipate approximately 20-30 hours/week of work. Travel and race weeks will require more hours of work; coaches are encouraged to take time off throughout the season to balance the increased hours.
Gear & Equipment
The Development Program Head Coach is expected to show up prepared with the proper clothing, equipment, and first aid gear. Practice sessions are not a time for you to get a workout, so keep in mind that you will have to bring multiple layers and dress more warmly than you may anticipate.
At every practice, coaches must have:
- A fully charged, accessible cell-phone with the ringer turned on full volume
- Water and snacks for personal use
- A hip pack or backpack to carry first aid kits, group emergency contact information, etc.
BSF will provide first aid kits and any necessary backcountry (e.g., bear spray) or practice equipment (e.g., cones, balls, etc.).
BSF will provide additional uniform items and access to pro-deals to purchase Nordic ski and training attire and equipment. Coaches are required to provide their own:
- Nordic ski equipment (skate and classic)
- Running shoes
- Mountain bike (hardtail or rigid will work fine)
- Helmet, sunglasses, and other personal protective gear
- Roller skis preferred (BSF has extra roller skis to borrow if necessary)
Compensation & Benefits
June 1 – August 31, 2022: $18-22/hour DOE
September 1 – March 31, 2022: $2000 – $2500/mo depending on experience
This position is hourly throughout the summer and will move to salary during the fall/winter and may be eligible for employee benefits after the first season.
To Apply
Send resume and cover letter outlining your coaching values and philosophy to Nordic Program Director Andrew Morehouse (andrew.morehouse@bridgerskifoundation.org).
