Head Middle School Cross Country Coach

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should upload a cover letter (addressed to Director of Athletics, Allie Tennyson), a resume, and a list of at least three professional references consolidated as a single PDF document.

About Girls Preparatory School:

The mission of Girls Preparatory School (GPS) is to inspire each girl to lead a life of integrity and purpose by engaging her mind, cultivating her strengths, and nurturing her self-confidence and respect for others. Currently, 130 faculty and staff serve approximately 500 girls in grades 6-12 with a college preparatory curriculum that includes a full complement of courses in the humanities, STEM, the arts, and more, as well as a rich and varied cocurricular program. 

GPS prioritizes healthy connections and relationships, fostering a culture where each girl is known, heard, and empowered to use her voice. This culture of acceptance and belonging nurtures and lifts her up in mind, body, and spirit so that she can find her place and discover her potential with confidence and joy for dynamic engagement in a rapidly changing world. 

Faculty support each student in a learner-centered and collaborative culture that is aligned with our mission, vision, and values. Furthermore, faculty and staff are expected to understand and embody our tenets of excellence.

Athletics at GPS:

The GPS Athletics mission includes teaching girls to be team players, understand the importance of mental toughness, accept challenges enthusiastically, and value strength, fitness, stamina, and good health. The bonds of friendship that come from working hard every day as teammates — striving for excellence toward an ambitious goal and developing the fundamental values of discipline and self-improvement — all are part of athletics at Girls Preparatory School.  Ultimately, the GPS athletic environment is about aiming to be the very best on the field of competition, in the classroom, and in life. That attitude is shared by the outstanding staff of award-winning GPS coaches and more than 300 athletes who are involved at the varsity and middle school level. GPS has a proud athletic history with 61 state championships won in 15 total varsity sports.  

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will show the ability to provide leadership, organization, and supervision for the Middle School Cross Country program in a manner that aligns with the mission of the total athletic program at GPS. This individual will be responsible for providing direction, instruction, and supervision to student-athletes, so they achieve a high level of skill and an appreciation for discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Interested candidates should upload a cover letter (addressed to Director of Athletics, Allie Tennyson), a resume, and a list of at least three professional references consolidated as a single PDF document.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instructs and demonstrates skill sets and techniques necessary for individual and team achievement in cross country, aiding the educational and individual growth of team members. 

• Implements and maintains a standard of performance consistent with the institution’s goals of athletics excellence while supporting the school’s standards for academic and personal discipline. 

• Plans and sets up activities, practices, and interscholastic contests. Develops appropriate training programs and practice schedules. Travels with student-athletes on the team bus to and from all games.

• Enforces discipline policies, emphasizes good sportsmanship in word and behavior, and advocates healthy lifestyles. Supports and advocates the school’s belief in the value of multi-sport participation.

• Supervises students in locker rooms at home and away games and ensures appropriate behavior. Maintains a safe environment for all student-athletes at all times. 

• Works closely with the athletic director and head varsity cross country coach in preparing practice and game schedules, purchasing equipment and supplies, and collecting necessary medical forms. Monitors sustainable budgetary practices for the sport. Notifies the Athletic Director of facility needs or improvements in a timely manner.

• Maintains appropriate certifications and training as required. Follows and maintains knowledge of all TSSAA policies, rules and procedures. Studies and upholds department and school policy outlined in the GPS Coaches’ Handbook.

• Communicates and interacts thoughtfully and courteously with all students, staff, parents and officials and resolves conflict in a professional manner.  Professionally represents Girls Preparatory School at all times.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree Expected
• A minimum of two (2) years coaching secondary cross country, preferably female student-athletes.
• Knowledge of NFHS and TSSAA Rules for cross country.
• Demonstrated commitment to building cultural competencies and empowering students to engage across differences.
  
  

It is the School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or disability or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. It is the intent and resolve of the School to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

All employees are responsible for complying with the School's equal employment opportunity policy.