Athletic Coach; Head Climbing Coach

Job DetailsJob Location: University School of Nashville - Nashville, TN 37212Climbing Program Head Coach

Fall 2026 

University School of Nashville seeks a Climbing program director and high school head coach for the 2026-2027 academic year.  The goal of the school’s athletics department is to create a positive environment that reflects transformational coaching. The position calls for excellent teamwork with colleagues and incorporates best practices into a growth-oriented teaching style in a K-12 school environment. 

The ideal candidate for this position will have experience in coaching and teaching climbing skills at a variety of levels. They should also align with our school’s values and mission for fostering the best in educational practices and striving for excellence while meeting each student’s athletic potential. Our climbing program has a range of abilities and experience with program dates running from early September through March.  We are looking for a program director who can meet the needs of all of our students to grow a love of the sport and create an inclusive, supportive, and competitive team environment.

The program director will oversee all program operations by directing, promoting, and supporting all aspects of the climbing program. The high school season officially begins in early September with practices and competitions through the end of February-early March depending on post-season qualifying. Practice occurs twice a week from 4:00-6:00 at local climbing gyms.  

Specific Responsibilities:

Overall program development and planning
Vision to sustain and grow the climbing program
Teaches appropriate fundamentals, techniques, strategies, and skills
Recruitment of coaching staff and the development and management of practice/game protocols and procedures
Ability to promote a positive team culture that emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect.
Knowledge of and ability to enforce all safety procedures and protocols. 
Responsible for the health and safety of the athletes
Articulates a well-defined and understandable coaching philosophy to players and families
Applies developmentally appropriate and age-appropriate methods to coaching student-athletes
Prepares detailed practice and game plans
Emphasizes sportsmanship and leadership among athletes
Communicates to players, parents, administrators, and staff
Plans and coordinates team schedule including travel during the season
Positively motivates athletes and promotes teamwork
Inventories and organizes gear and uniforms; requests new purchases as needed
Attends all meetings required by the leagues and Athletic Department
Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
Performs other duties as assigned
QualificationsEducation Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required

Experience and Competencies:

Previous playing experience required, college preferred
Proven expertise in development across grade levels preferred
Previous coaching experience in leading high school or college programs 

Skills and Abilities:

Professional who is dependable and organized, with integrity, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude
Strong computer skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Attention to detail
Eagerness to learn and ability to adapt to change; commitment to one’s own professional growth
Ability to work productively, demonstrate initiative when unsupervised, and maintain confidentiality
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and other members of the USN community