Methow Valley Seeks Biathlon Director and MVNT Coach

Programs: Methow Valley Nordic (MVNT) Youth Team, Methow Valley Biathlon (MVB), MVNSEF programs and events
Commitment: Full-time seasonal or part-time hourly; can expand depending on experience and interest
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Compensation: $30-55k annually, including salary and overtime
Benefits: Paid vacation and sick leave
Reports to: MVNSEF Executive Director
Primary Location(s): Methow Valley, WA, variable
Summary of Position: The Methow Valley Nordic Ski Educational Foundation (MVNSEF) is a dynamic organization looking for our next Biathlon (MVB) Director and assistant MVNT coach to foster excellence and youth development as a coach, organizer and administrator with special focus and leadership within the biathlon program. The right candidate for this position:

• Is an enthusiastic and dynamic leader who connects positively with kids, parents, volunteers, and community members.
• Implements a positive, cohesive, welcoming team culture which promotes personal and group excellence, the development of life skills through – and lifelong involvement in – biathlon, cross country skiing, and outdoor activities.
• Ensures that the needs of the team are met and provides solutions when they are not. Depending on the skills, experiences, and interests of the right candidate(s), this role could also be separated into two positions: (1) MVN Youth Assistant coach, supporting the Program Director, and Head Coach for middle school aged skiers; or (2) a Biathlon Program Director and Coach.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Biathlon Program

• Refine and implement MVB program (in conjunction with the Methow Valley Nordic Team) including development philosophies that support healthy youth development through the pursuit of achievement and excellence in biathlon. This includes the creation of developmentally appropriate progressions through the implementation of winter training, competition schedules, camps, and summer/fall dryland training opportunities.
• Supervise MVB coaching staff on and off snow:
  • Recruit assistant coaches and ensure that all coaches are well-trained and empowered to provide innovative, fun training sessions and help each participant meet personal goals.
  • Outline duties and expectations for all coaches and provide post-season reviews as appropriate.
  • Ensure that coaches are fully inclusive of and provide fair and equitable attention to all participants in their group.
• Lead the team on trips to camps and races, functioning as organizer, driver, coach, and chaperone.
• Oversee biathlon races and events, including camps, and community “Try Biathlon,” days while supporting MVN race organizers as appropriate.
• Conduct and record successful completion of Rifle Safety Certifications per USBA guidelines for MVB members and junior parents.
• Conduct Range Safety Officer training for MVB-associated ranges for candidates meeting the requirements outlined in range operating procedures.
• Coordinates MVB range openings or delegate responsibility to designated MVB member.

MVNT Program:

• Make and oversee travel plans and arrangements for out-of-town races and camps, as assigned.
• Facilitate parent engagement and volunteerism to support program operations and related events
• Conduct post-season review of programs, including maintaining data on enrollment trends and attrition, and to develop annual goals in conjunction with the Youth Program Director and Executive Director.
• Conduct a post-season review of programs with key stakeholders to assess the program and develop goals for improvement.
• Meet with the Program Director and Executive Director regularly to create annual and seasonal work
• plans, assess current state of programs, and adapt as needed.

Coaching:

• Coach MVB and MVNT skiers at regular training sessions throughout the year.
• Foster a training environment that welcomes and nurtures a broad range of athletes and develops life lessons through sport such as work ethic, discipline, goal-setting, resilience, teamwork, leadership, accountability and more.
• Facilitate athlete goal setting with HS-age competitive athletes (in conjunction with other coaching staff) including an annual meeting with the skier and their parent(s).
• Review athlete training logs on a regular basis and provide feedback and training adjustments as appropriate.
• Support athletes at races including zeroing, ski service, etc.
• Coach MVNSEF Masters ski groups at weekly sessions in the fall and winter and at camps and/or clinics as appropriate

Communication:

• Maintain and facilitate consistent and clear communications with coaches, parents, and MVNT staff and board through email, website, and other media.
• Respond to all job-related email, text and phone correspondence in a timely manner, following SafeSport protocol for all communications with minor athletes.
• Send regular (weekly in winter) emails to parents and athletes regarding upcoming training sessions, logistics, and other pertinent information, that promotes excitement and involvement with upcoming events, while reinforcing program values and objectives.
• Promote MVNSEF programs as fun, welcoming outlets for skiers and their families.
• Promote and represent MVNSEF to the broader Methow Valley community, and the regional and national biathlon community.

Operations and Administrative:

• Coordinate with Program Director for the organization and implementation of a welcoming environment for returning and new participants including conducting pre season meeting(s) and new member and parent orientation.
• Ensure coaches and volunteers (including substitutes) complete membership, first aid, SafeSport training, and background checks prior to coaching with the program and follow standard safety protocols including concussion and MAAPP, incident reporting and SOPs.
• Oversee the organization and distribution of team uniforms, maintenance and care of team equipment (including rifles) and training facilities (including ranges and targets).
• Ensure that MVB ranges are used in a manner consistent with landowner MOUs and established range operating procedures.
• Support fundraising efforts and donor stewardship in cooperation with MVNSEF staff, board, volunteers and parents.
• Work with the Executive Director and Program Director to develop an annual Biathlon budget; conduct program according to budget.
• Submit expense reports and appropriate documentation according to established procedures by the end of each month.
• Review and approve monthly timecards and expenses for biathlon coaches and volunteers as appropriate.

General:

• Conduct oneself as a model of professionalism by being timely and prepared.
• Be a role model for youth and an advocate for life-long participation in skiing and healthy activity.
• Maintain a clean driving record and obey all rules of the road when operating team vehicles.
• Properly maintain and care for any equipment that is property of or loaned to the program.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Enthusiasm for and record of excellence in coaching youth age 6 to 18
• Extensive knowledge of cross-country ski and shooting technique, training, and racing and a desire to continue to learn and develop skills and knowledge.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving large passenger vehicles and trailers.
• Basic computer skills including email, word processing, spreadsheets, website editing and web based registration.
• USBA Safety Certification or equivalent
• US Ski and Snowboard L100 Coaches Training or equivalent

Preferable Skills and Experience:

• Education in youth development and coaching such as post-secondary education in a related field and/or coach certification from US Skiing, US Biathlon and/or Biathlon Canada.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals of all ages.
• Excellent and timely communication
• Excellent organization and time management
• Ability to complete independent projects in a timely manner with minimal oversight.
• Analytical and decision-making skills
• Solution-focused and creative problem-solving

Physical demands:

• This job demands the ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a range of weather conditions, carry heavy loads up to 75 pounds above and below waist level, and to be on one’s feet for extended periods.