Princeton Day School is seeking a Varsity Head Cross Country Coach for its Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams and the Distance Running Program within the Track and Field Team. The successful applicant will have an expert knowledge of the sport of running, the ability to properly condition athletes in a healthy and safe way, and the ability to structure practices in a competitive and positive manner.  The applicant will be expected to demonstrate excellent administrative and communication skills for interaction with athletes and families as well as the ability to create and maintain a sense of program from middle school to varsity teams.  In addition, experience competing and coaching cross country at a high level, college and/or high school experience, is strongly preferred.

This coaching opportunity reports to the Director of Athletics.  We have an immediate opening to start for the Spring 2025 Track Season, but will consider a start date of August 2025 for the start of Cross Country. 

YEAR-ROUND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Formulates objectives for the upcoming sport season.
• Works with prospective student-athletes to Princeton Day School by attending tournaments, camps, Middle School games, and maintaining relationships with key club and Middle School area coaches.
• Coordinates with the College Counseling Office and works with college coaches to assist student-athletes interested in pursuing collegiate athletics.
• Keeps abreast of new ideas and techniques by attending clinics and workshops, researching in his/her field and encouraging the assistant coaches to do the same.
• Remains knowledgeable of rules and regulations concerning his/her sport, and keeps abreast of changes.
• Adheres to proper procedures for out-of-season practices according to state high school association guidelines.
• Adheres to the rules and regulations of Princeton Day School.
• Remains active in professional organizations such as the state coach’s association.
• Selects and maintains equipment and keeps an accurate inventory.

IN-SEASON RESPONSIBILITIES:

Before Season:

• Assists the Athletic Trainer with ensuring all athletes are cleared for participation.
• Reviews the School’s policy on accident reporting and insurance procedures.
• Selects and instructs team managers on proper care of equipment, facilities, and other duties as assigned.
• Checks arrangement for all bus/van trips with the Athletic Director.
• Administers a pre-season parent meeting and clarifies all rules, regulations and expectations for the upcoming season.
• Organizes and chairs a pre-season meeting with the complete baseball staff.
• Distributes the practice schedule for the entire program. 

During Season:

• Actively participates in the Admissions Program by meeting with prospective student-athletes and their families.
• Assumes responsibility for ongoing care of equipment and facilities being used.
• Assumes supervisory control over all phases of teams in the program.
• Organizes and schedules practice sessions on a regular basis with the idea of developing the athlete’s greatest potential.
• Applies discipline in a firm and positive manner as outlined in the athletic policy.
• Ensures that facility regulations are understood and enforced.
• Emphasize safety precautions and use accepted training and injury procedures.
• Conducts oneself and teams in an ethical manner during practice and in contests.
• Reports outcome of contests to the media and the Athletic Director in a timely fashion.
• Instructs players on rules and rule changes, and new ideas and techniques.
• Provides the Athletic Director with a copy of all general correspondence and bulletins to student athletes and parents.
• Accompanies and directs the varsity team and assistant coaches, in all interscholastic activities.
• Attends all Athletic Department, League and C.I.F. scheduled meetings.

End of Season:

• Arranges for the systematic return of all school equipment/uniforms and holds the athlete responsible for all equipment/uniforms not returned.
• Arranges for cleaning, storing and conducting an inventory of all equipment/uniforms.
• Recommends student athletes who have fulfilled requirements for athletic letters, certificates or special awards.
• Recommends additions and/or improvements for the care and maintenance of facilities.
• Recommends personnel for assistant coaching positions to the Athletic Director.
• Submits recommendations for schedule for next year.
• Selects equipment and makes recommendations for purchases.
• Maintains records of team and individual accomplishments.
• Evaluates past season.
• Evaluates all assistant coaches under his/her supervision.

Princeton Day School is the region's premier independent day school for students from Pre-K through Grade 12. We aspire to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive community in which all members are seen, challenged, affirmed, respected and valued. Nestled on a picturesque 106-acre campus just two miles from Downtown Princeton and with a history dating back to 1899, PDS provides students with unparalleled opportunities for discovery, exploration and innovation and seeks employees who are passionate about their work and who embrace the importance of lifelong learning.

To apply for this position, qualified coaches should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references to hr@pds.org.