Nominally Stipend Volunteer Coach - Assistant Coach for Boys and Girls Cross Country

NOMINALLY STIPEND VOLUNTEER COACH ASSIGNMENT

ASSISTANT COACH - BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

CRSJ VISION

Through a culture of joyful learning, Cristo Rey San José celebrates and develops students’ unique gifts as they encounter God’s love and become leaders who shape society with and for others.

CRSJ MISSION

Cristo Rey San José is a Jesuit, Catholic college-prep high school where students of any faith commit to a rigorous curriculum and professional work experience. Students realize their inherent potential and prepare to complete a post-secondary education that will set them on a path toward a sustainable, fulfilling future. Through the Ignatian charism of cura personalis, students facing barriers to opportunity become leaders filled with passion, purpose, confidence and conscience.

ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY

Cristo Rey San José High School has a nominally stipend volunteer opening for Boys and Girls Track & Field program in the spring of 2027, and we are seeking a passionate and dedicated Head Coach to lead the team in its very first season. This is a unique opportunity to build a program from the ground up and make a lasting impact on student-athletes who are new to the sport.

As this is a brand-new program, most student-athletes will be experiencing cross country for the first time and may have little to no prior competitive experience. The Head Coach will play a critical role in introducing the game, teaching fundamental skills, and creating a positive, supportive, and development-focused environment where athletes can grow in confidence, ability, and love for the sport.

The Head Coach will be responsible for all aspects of the program, including planning and leading practices, coaching games, and fostering a team culture centered on sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership. This role requires a strong commitment to mentorship, patience, and the ability to develop beginner-level athletes while building a competitive and inclusive program that reflects the mission and values of CRSJ Athletics.

VOLUNTEER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, organize, and lead all team practices, ensuring a structured, safe, and development-focused environment
• Coach and supervise all games, including game strategy, player rotations, and in-game decision making
• Teach fundamental skills, game concepts, and sport-specific knowledge for cross country
• Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, accountability, and positive character development among student-athletes
• Build an inclusive and supportive team culture that reflects the values of Cristo Rey San José
• Monitor and support student-athlete academic progress in alignment with school expectations
• Communicate effectively with student-athletes, families, the Athletic Director, and school staff
• Manage team logistics, including equipment, uniforms, and practice/game schedules
• Ensure compliance with school policies and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules and regulations
• Supervise student-athletes before, during, and after practices and games to maintain a safe environment
• Assist with program development, including promoting participation and helping grow the cross country program
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and school athletic events as needed
• Represent CRSJ Athletics with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the school’s mission

QUALIFICATIONS TO VOLUNTEER 

• Previous coaching experience in cross country or a related sport preferred (high school or youth level)
• Strong knowledge of cross country rules, strategies, and skill development
• Experience working with high school–aged students and a passion for mentoring youth
• Ability to build a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented culture
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills
• Commitment to supporting the academic and personal development of student-athletes
• Availability for after-school practices, games, and occasional weekend commitments
• Willingness to collaborate with the Athletic Director, school staff, and families
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain prior to the season)
• Must meet all (or willingness to obtain prior to the season) school, diocesan, and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) coaching requirements (including background check, fingerprinting, and required trainings).
• Must be at least 21 years of age with a valid California driver’s license. 

KEY ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS 

• Passion for Mission: Deep belief in the transformative power of education and a commitment to serving underrepresented communities.
• Team Player: Desire to collaborate, be flexible and pitch in as needed.
• Growth mindset: Embrace challenges, solicit and learn from feedback, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
• Self-Motivated and Proactive: Takes initiative without needing close supervision; anticipates needs, identifies opportunities for improvement, and follows through on tasks and projects with persistence and purpose.
• Work style: Excellent organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Attention to detail: Highly detail oriented… slightly obsessed with accuracy :)
• Strong Multi-Tasker: Effectively manages and prioritizes multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear Communicator: Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills tailored to a variety of audiences.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift 15-30 pounds on an as needed basis.

STIPEND

• $1,000 payable at the end of the season

TO APPLY

Complete application through application system on Cristo Rey website. Click on the desired position to access the desired application. https://www.cristoreysanjose.org/employment