The St. James
Assistant Coach, Cross Country & Distance Track
The St. James, Springfield, Virginia, us, 22161
The St. James Performance Academy
Location: Springfield, VA
About The St. James Academy The St. James Academy is the premier destination for student-athletes seeking to maximize their potential. We are dedicated to providing a world-class academic and athletic development experience, fielding elite club teams that compete successfully against the best nationwide. Our model integrates professional coaching, premier facilities, and comprehensive support to prepare athletes for collegiate success and beyond. Learn more at www.thestjames.com/academy.
Position Summary The St. James Academy is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Assistant Coach for its Cross Country and Distance Track program. This is a foundational role within a rapidly growing program, designed for a coach who is passionate about athlete development, recruitment, and competing at the highest levels. The successful candidate will be a key driver in building our roster, designing individualized training, and leading our teams to national-caliber competitions, reporting directly to the Head Coach.
Key Responsibilities
Athlete Recruitment & Program Growth: Proactively identify, evaluate, and recruit talented middle school and high school athletes to build a deep, competitive, and sustainable roster for The St. James Academy.
Individualized Training Plan Development: Design, write, and implement multiple, periodized training plans. A core responsibility is to tailor programming based on individual athlete talent, development stage, and performance goals.
National Competition Strategy & Travel: Take a lead role in planning and executing the team’s competition schedule with the explicit goal of qualifying for and competing in national-caliber meets (e.g., Nike Cross Nationals, New Balance Nationals). Coordinate and accompany the team for all travel, including logistics, transportation, and on-site coaching.
On-The-Ground Coaching & Athlete Development: Directly coach athletes during daily practices, providing technical, tactical, and mental instruction. Foster a culture of excellence, discipline, and continuous improvement.
Program Administration: Assist with administrative functions, including communication with Academy families, monitoring athlete academic progress, and supporting the Head Coach with operational logistics.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years of coaching experience in cross country and/or distance track at the club, high school, or collegiate level.
Demonstrable experience in creating structured, periodized training plans for distance runners.
Proven understanding of the landscape of national-level cross country and track & field competitions.
Exceptional communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and significant travel during the competition season.
A passion for mentoring student-athletes and a commitment to their holistic development.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience as a competitive collegiate or post-collegiate distance runner.
Proven success in recruiting and retaining high-level athletic talent.
Experience coordinating team travel for athletic competitions.
Current certifications in CPR, AED, First Aid, and a recognized coaching certification (e.g., USATF, USTFCCCA).
What We Offer
A full-time position with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, and 401(k).
The unique opportunity to build a premier national program within the world-class facilities of The St. James.
Access to cutting-edge sports performance, recovery, and wellness resources to support our athletes.
A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a growing Academy structure.
Significant opportunity for professional growth and career advancement.
How To Apply Interested candidates should apply directly through The St. James Careers Portal at https://www.thestjames.com/careers. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your coaching philosophy and how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities of recruiting, programming, and competing nationally.
The St. James is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression or orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
No unsolicited agency referrals please.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About The St. James Academy The St. James Academy is the premier destination for student-athletes seeking to maximize their potential. We are dedicated to providing a world-class academic and athletic development experience, fielding elite club teams that compete successfully against the best nationwide. Our model integrates professional coaching, premier facilities, and comprehensive support to prepare athletes for collegiate success and beyond. Learn more at www.thestjames.com/academy.
Position Summary The St. James Academy is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Assistant Coach for its Cross Country and Distance Track program. This is a foundational role within a rapidly growing program, designed for a coach who is passionate about athlete development, recruitment, and competing at the highest levels. The successful candidate will be a key driver in building our roster, designing individualized training, and leading our teams to national-caliber competitions, reporting directly to the Head Coach.
Key Responsibilities
Athlete Recruitment & Program Growth: Proactively identify, evaluate, and recruit talented middle school and high school athletes to build a deep, competitive, and sustainable roster for The St. James Academy.
Individualized Training Plan Development: Design, write, and implement multiple, periodized training plans. A core responsibility is to tailor programming based on individual athlete talent, development stage, and performance goals.
National Competition Strategy & Travel: Take a lead role in planning and executing the team’s competition schedule with the explicit goal of qualifying for and competing in national-caliber meets (e.g., Nike Cross Nationals, New Balance Nationals). Coordinate and accompany the team for all travel, including logistics, transportation, and on-site coaching.
On-The-Ground Coaching & Athlete Development: Directly coach athletes during daily practices, providing technical, tactical, and mental instruction. Foster a culture of excellence, discipline, and continuous improvement.
Program Administration: Assist with administrative functions, including communication with Academy families, monitoring athlete academic progress, and supporting the Head Coach with operational logistics.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years of coaching experience in cross country and/or distance track at the club, high school, or collegiate level.
Demonstrable experience in creating structured, periodized training plans for distance runners.
Proven understanding of the landscape of national-level cross country and track & field competitions.
Exceptional communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and significant travel during the competition season.
A passion for mentoring student-athletes and a commitment to their holistic development.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience as a competitive collegiate or post-collegiate distance runner.
Proven success in recruiting and retaining high-level athletic talent.
Experience coordinating team travel for athletic competitions.
Current certifications in CPR, AED, First Aid, and a recognized coaching certification (e.g., USATF, USTFCCCA).
What We Offer
A full-time position with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, and 401(k).
The unique opportunity to build a premier national program within the world-class facilities of The St. James.
Access to cutting-edge sports performance, recovery, and wellness resources to support our athletes.
A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a growing Academy structure.
Significant opportunity for professional growth and career advancement.
How To Apply Interested candidates should apply directly through The St. James Careers Portal at https://www.thestjames.com/careers. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your coaching philosophy and how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities of recruiting, programming, and competing nationally.
The St. James is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression or orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
No unsolicited agency referrals please.
#J-18808-Ljbffr