Overview
Oak Hill School in Eugene, Oregon, seeks an energetic and organized Cross-Country Coach for the 2026 fall season (mid-August through late October). Located on 72 beautiful, forested acres, Oak Hill School nurtures each student by cultivating a love of learning and encouraging them to explore boldly.
The Cross-Country Coach is essential to this mission, leading a dynamic program for students in Grades 3 through 8. The coach will focus on athlete development, competitive growth, and fostering a team culture rooted in teamwork and personal improvement. Utilizing our campus trails and local community spaces, the coach will prepare athletes for a robust competitive calendar, including local meets and prestigious regional invitationals.
Major Responsibilities
- Lead Training & Development: Design and implement age-appropriate practices that build a strong aerobic base and technical running skills for elementary and middle school athletes. Practices are generally 1 hour long and held 2 to 3 afternoons per week.
- Manage Competitive Logistics: Work with Oak Hill’s athletic director to coordinate all aspects of the meet schedule (6–8 events), including transportation, uniform distribution, and athlete registration via Athletic.net.
- Monitor Progress: Utilize tools like Strava to track athlete progress and maintain engagement during independent training blocks or pre-season workouts.
- Ensure Safety & Compliance: Verify that all participating athletes have up-to-date sports physicals and adhere to all school safety protocols and risk management practices.
- Foster Mentorship: Provide a supportive environment that encourages personal bests and sportsmanship, culminating in the District Meet in late October.
- Collaborate: Work with the Athletics Department and parents to ensure clear communication regarding schedules, performance data, and program expectations.
Qualifications and Attributes
- Experience: Previous coaching experience or a strong background in competitive distance running is preferred.
- Organizational Skills: Proven ability to manage logistics for a multi-age team and handle digital platforms for race management.
- Communication: Excellent verbal skills and the ability to inspire and motivate young athletes.
- Teamwork: A collaborative spirit and a positive attitude when working with colleagues, parents, and community partners.
- Mission-Aligned: An affinity and enthusiasm for working with children in Grades 3–8 and a commitment to Oak Hill’s educational values.
Stipend
- This is a stipend-based position. The selected candidate will receive a total stipend of $2,100 for the duration of the season.
- Disbursement Schedule: Paid out in equal monthly installments of $700 over three months.
- Please note: This is a fixed stipend, not an hourly wage or a salaried position.
Pay: $700.00 per month
Application Question(s):
- Please describe your interest in this role and in working at Oak Hill, and what you would bring to the position. This response may serve in place of a cover letter, though you are welcome to attach one if you prefer.
Work Location: In person