Head Girls and Boys Cross Country Coach (Stipend)

Simi Valley Unified School District
Simi Valley, CA


To establish a list of eligible candidates that will be used to fill current and future vacancies. The immediate need is at Simi Valley High School.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting in order to move forward in the recruitment process. The recruitment process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email.

The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Purpose Statement

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, the Head Girls and Boys Cross Country Coach is responsible for planning, directing, and supporting the school’s cross-country program. The Coach oversees year-round program development, including athlete training, conditioning, race preparation, and competitive participation at the high school level. The Coach implements safe, developmentally appropriate training; ensures adherence to behavior, academic, and safety standards; and maintains compliance with District policies, State requirements, league rules, and CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) regulations governing interscholastic athletics.

The Head Cross Country Coach fosters a positive, inclusive, and sportsmanlike team culture that supports student-athlete growth both on and off the course. The position includes collaboration with school administration, the Athletic Department, fellow coaches, and community partners to promote student connectedness, sportsmanship, and program success. This is a stipend-compensated, seasonal position and is not part of the permanent classified service.

Compensation
Stipend per the District coaching salary schedule:$3,159 - $4,210, based on demonstrated coaching experience. The stipend is paid inone installment upon completion of the season.
  • Recruit, instruct, and develop student-athletes to prepare them for cross country competition.
  • Plan and implement effective training plans and conditioning programs appropriate for endurance athletics.
  • Conduct structured, high-quality practice sessions focused on skill development, endurance, and race preparation.
  • Supervise student-athletes during practices, competitions, meets, events, and team-related activities.
  • Motivate and lead athletes while fostering individual growth and overall team success.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and supervisory skills.
  • Organize program operations, delegate responsibilities effectively, and manage day-to-day team functions.
  • Analyze race results, training data, and athlete progress to build, maintain, and continuously improve a competitive program.
  • Promote the cross-country program within the school and community, including participation in fundraising activities.
  • Support student-athletes in building endurance, maintaining peak physical fitness, and performing under competitive pressure.
  • Teach or support a semester-long physical education class, as assigned.
  • Assemble, supervise, and develop a qualified and competent coaching staff.
  • Monitor student-athlete academic eligibility and promote academic accountability and achievement.
  • Communicate effectively with athletes, parents, staff, and stakeholders using email and social media platforms.
  • Maintain strong team organization, recordkeeping, and scheduling.
  • Collaborate with fellow coaches, the Athletic Director, school administration, the ASB office, and Parks and Recreation.
  • Ensure compliance with District policies, league requirements, and CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) regulations governing interscholastic athletics.

Other Functions

  • Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Required at Time of Application (Screening Requirement)

Applicants must upload all required certificates at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not move forward. Required uploaded documents include:

  1. NFHS Certifications (via NFHS Learn,https://nfhslearn.com/) for:
  • Fundamentals of Coaching
  • Concussion in Sports
  • Heat Illness Prevention
  • Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Required statewide for interscholastic coaches and widely used across CIF programs.

  1. Valid First Aid & CPR certification (Pre-Employment Requirement)

The coach must possess a current First Aid and CPR certification that meets American Red Cross (ARC) or American Heart Association (AHA) standards, or equivalent training aligned with ARC/AHA guidelines including an in-person, hands-on CPR skills assessment completed prior to the first day of coaching duties.

  • Required under Cal. Educ. Code 49413 (training must be based on ARC/AHA equivalent standards).
  • ARC guidance states that online-only CPR without hands-on skills testing does not meet certification requirements.

3. Additional Required Documents

Any materials required by the District’s online application platform (e.g., resume, references)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Cross country fundamentals, endurance training principles, conditioning methods, and skill development appropriate for high school student-athletes.
  • CIF regulations and NFHS rules governing interscholastic cross-country competition and participant safety.
  • District and program procedures related to student supervision, athletic operations, and team management.
  • Required coaching competency areas defined in 5 CCR 5593, including injury care and prevention, coaching techniques, sport rules, and youth/adolescent psychology.

Ability to:

  • Teach cross country skills and conditioning using safe, developmentally appropriate, and effective instructional methods.
  • Plan and implement structured training programs and competitive strategies.
  • Communicate effectively with student-athletes, families, staff, and administrators.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, strong organizational skills, and sound judgment.
  • Supervise student-athletes and enforce required safety, conduct, and eligibility standards.
  • Build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and student-centered team environment.

Physical Abilities:

  • Ability to demonstrate conditioning drills and actively supervise practices, competitions, and team activities.
  • Requires standing, walking, running, bending, and sustained physical activity during practices, meets, and events.

Working Conditions:

  • Seasonal stipend position; requires availability for afternoons, evenings, weekends, and intersession/off-season activities and events.
  • Work performed indoors and outdoors in varied environmental conditions, including race courses, tracks, and travel settings.

Employment Clearances (post-offer)

  • Live scan/fingerprint background clearance
  • TB clearance
  • Completion of District-mandated trainings and coach onboarding requirements

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience as a Cross-Country Coach or assistant coach.
  • Experience supervising student groups or leading athletic programs.
  • Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate (ASCC), if applicable.
  • Relevant coaching certifications or safety-related training.


Selection Priority (Education Code)

In accordance with California Education Code 44919(b), temporary athletic coaching assignments must first be offered to qualified certificated teachers currently employed by the District. If no certificated employee accepts the assignment, the District may consider non-certificated (walk-on/classified) applicants who meet all requirements.

Compensation
  • Stipend per District coaching salary schedule

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