Position Title: Nordic Comp Team Head Coach (high school age athletes)
Organization: Bridger Ski Foundation
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) is a nonprofit community ski organization rooted in Bozeman, Montana. Committed to fostering a love for skiing and promoting athletic excellence, BSF offers educational and competitive programs across Nordic, Alpine, and Freestyle/Freeskiing disciplines for all age groups. Bridger Ski Foundation has a large, robust and invested Nordic ski community. BSF maintains and grooms an extensive network of community Nordic ski trails, ensuring access for all. Our dedication to accessibility is reflected in our efforts to keep skiing affordable through fundraising, scholarships, financial aid, open trail access, and equipment assistance. BSF consistently upholds the highest standards of excellence in our programs and services.
Mission:
Fostering personal growth, athletic development, and community wellness through accessible skiing and winter trail stewardship.
Job Description:
Bridger Ski Foundation is seeking a motivated and dedicated individual to join our team as the Head Coach for our Comp Team, focusing on high school-age athletes. This position plays a crucial role in the development of our athletes, both on and off the snow, while upholding the values and mission of BSF.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with co-coaches and Nordic Program Director weekly on training plans tailored to support individual athletes as well as the team as a whole, utilizing resources such as USSS Long Term Athlete Development Plan and Training Peaks.
- Send weekly email newsletters to Comp Team families with the training plan, resources for athletes, supportive and engaging videos or articles and community events.
- Plan all aspects of a race weekend and/or team camp, including budget, lodging, meals, race preparation activities, daily enrichment activities, and travel plans for approximately 40-50 athletes. Ensure that all vans are packed with essential items required for the race weekend or camp.
- Organize and maintain BSF waxing gear, including pre-season wax orders and in-season cleaning of test skis and tools.
- The Comp Team Head Coach is expected to be at all Intermountain Division race weekends and all team camps.
- Create a nurturing team atmosphere through effective positive communication strategies. Use SafeSport standards to provide an environment that is supportive and safe for all athletes on the team.
- Drive after-school shuttles in a 12-passenger Sprinter van from September to March, as well as shuttles to training camps and race trips, which may involve extended periods of driving.
- Guarantee the upkeep of travel vans by scheduling routine oil changes, tire rotations, and ensuring they are adequately fueled. Coordinate with athletes to allocate time for van cleaning sessions, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork among the team members.
- Work closely with fellow coaches and staff to meticulously plan enrichment sessions, such as team ski waxing nights, mental health workshops tailored for races, and nutrition sessions specifically designed for teenage athletes.
- Delegate to Comp Team co-coaches, as necessary, for race/camp planning, practice set-up, cleaning and maintenance of waxing equipment, van maintenance, athlete support, race/camp packing, etc.
- Arrange substitute or fill-in coaches as necessary in the event of absences among the Comp Team coaches.
- Complete USSS Level 100 coaching certification, pass background check, complete SafeSport training, and have a valid driver’s license.
Essential Skills, Knowledge, Abilities & Background:
- Passion for BSF’s Mission: Demonstrate passion for the mission and values of BSF, with a commitment to promoting the organization’s goals.
- Nordic Race Experience: College-level or higher experience Nordic ski racing preferred.
- Previous Coaching Experience: Must have at least 2 years of coaching high-school-aged athletes or older.
- Safe and Fun Environment: Create and maintain a safe, engaging and enjoyable environment for athletes during training sessions and off-snow activities.
- Leadership: Lead and direct athletes through various practice activities, demonstrating strong leadership skills and a strong emphasis in fostering a positive team culture.
- Communication Skills: Exhibit effective communication skills with athletes, parents, and co-coaches, ensuring transparency and clarity in all interactions.
- Collaboration: The Comp Team Head Coach must be capable of both independent work and collaboration with co-coaches across all age groups within the organization. They must maintain strong and clear communication with the Nordic Program Director as well as co-coaches, ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.
- Work Ethic: Strong work ethic, willingness, and ability to work extended hours during the winter race season, race weekends and camps to support athlete development.
- Planning and Adaptability: Proven ability to plan, facilitate, and adapt within a structured environment, adjusting training sessions as necessary to optimize athlete performance.
- Nordic Expertise: Knowledge of Nordic training techniques, USSS Long Term Athlete Development Plan and a strong understanding of Nordic waxing and equipment.
Time Commitment/Benefits:
- Starting date: June 2024 (preferred)
- Summer practices: Monday – Friday, 8am to 10am with 2 afternoon gym sessions
- Fall and Winter practices: Tuesday – Friday, 4pm to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 11am with 1 morning and 1 afternoon gym session
- Plus summer and fall camps and winter races
- Compensation: $40,000 – $50,000 DOE
- Eligible for health care package and 401k with 4% match upon meeting BSF work requirements
- Crosscut Mountain Sports Center season pass
- Community Nordic Trails season pass
- BSF coaching apparel
- First Aid/CPR training
- Reimbursement for USSS Level 100 Certification
- All expenses related to food and lodging during camp and race travel are fully covered
- BSF provides additional coach education opportunities (e.g., mental health and nutrition)
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of BSF’s Nordic program while working with talented high school athletes in a vibrant outdoor community. If you are passionate about Nordic skiing and motivated to make a positive impact on young athletes’ lives, we encourage you to apply.
Application Procedure:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references to:
Andrew Morehouse, BSF Nordic Program Director
andrew.morehouse@bridgerskifoundation.org
BSF is an equal opportunity employer.
