July 28, 2017 (Ottawa, Ont.) – Kanata Nordic is a non-profit, community-based organization run by volunteers. Established in 1979, it is dedicated to promoting life-long activity, fitness and enjoyment of the outdoors through a variety of cross country-ski programs offered in a family-friendly club environment. Kanata Nordic offers learn-to-ski and racer training programs for young children through to adults. The club is a member of Cross Country Ontario (CCO) and Cross Country Canada (CCC), and its programs adhere to CCC’s national skills development model.

Position: Club Coach Job Opening
Location: Wesley Clover Park, Ottawa, ON and other locations in the local area (including Gatineau Park)

Overview

Kanata Nordic is looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our team, to oversee the delivery and implementation of the club’s ski programs, both on-snow and dryland components. The primary responsibilities will be:

• the development and delivery of the youth and masters racing program
• mentoring the volunteer learn-to-ski leaders and helping them develop their own ski and teaching skills
• investigating, recommending, developing and implementing, as appropriate, new programming and ski opportunities to generate additional revenue.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a well-established community club that is on the threshold of a new level of growth and maturity. Recently relocated to Wesley Clover Parks, Kanata Nordic has almost 800 members and a 25km trail network, and growing. The Ottawa area has a huge base of passionate cross-country skiers, and Kanata Nordic is working with other clubs to create some exceptional assets in the region, including snowmaking.

Reporting to the club President, the head coach will work most closely with the program coordinators (Jackrabbit, Racing and Masters).

Kanata Nordic is looking for a highly-skilled skier and coach, but will consider more junior applicants who have the dedication, attitude and aptitude to help the club grow and thrive. See below for a full job description.

To Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to info@kanatanordic.ca. Application deadline is July 28, 2017. Feel free to email with any questions as well. We are committed to employment equity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We thank you for your interest.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

The position is multi-faceted and includes both supporting the club recreational programs, including volunteer coaches, the Racing program (coaches and athletes), and development of the club itself. See below for more details. Note that the head coach can delegate some of the functions to club volunteers or sub-contract them, with supervisor authorization.

Planning and Management

• Design and develop the club offerings (e.g. program planning) in coordination with the other club volunteer coaches.
• Prepare professionally written training plans (on a monthly basis) and adjust as necessary using feedback from the other coaches and the athletes.
• Distribute training plans to volunteer coaches and athletes in a timely manner.
• Work with the Racing Coordinator and other volunteer coaches to plan and provide a fun and informative year-round training program for a range of athletes.
• Research training plans and technique teaching best practices to transfer knowledge to the participants of the program and other coaches.
• Provide feedback on athlete progress to the Racing Coordinator and volunteer coaches as applicable.
• Plan training sessions for volunteer coaches and club coordinators to improve program development.
• Respect and comply with all Kanata Nordic policies and guidelines.
• Attend the annual AGM and prepare brief reports for the monthly Executive meeting.
• Maintain a record of expenses that aligns with the budget to submit monthly.
• Promote the club’s activities and successes through social media.

Coaching and Program Development

• Recruit additional club resources to assist with coaching and each program component (e.g. dryland, roller skiing, strength, skiing, training camps, races).
• Oversee coaching plans for individual groups (Racing, Jack Rabbit, Adult programs)
• Maintain a record of coaches contact information with a substitute coaches list and schedules.
• Ensure that practice plans, including locations, are prepared for each practice and distributed to the coaches and athletes (as required) in advance of practices.
• Solicit feedback from coaches to improve the abilities of current and future volunteer and assistant coaches.
• Hold coach-the-coach sessions and meetings at key points throughout the year.
• Assist in determining professional development opportunities for yourself and others.
• Foster a safe, supportive, inclusive environment for athletes and coaches
• Obtain feedback from club members and coaches regularly on the efficacy of the program, monitoring for improvements.

Training Camps

• Determine with the club Executive, the need for, location, dates, accommodations, facilities, training program and budget for any training camps.
• Help develop communication materials for the camps; identify coaches to assist; work with the Treasurer to ensure the budget and expenses of the camp are taken care of.

Racing

• Maintain the racing calendar and related program information on the club website, in tandem with the Communications and Racing Coordinators (training available).
• Recommend races for club participation, in tandem with Racing Coordinator.
• Assist in the planning and delivery of the club’s annual Pretzel Race.
• Determine waxing support for the club at designated races and arrange for all club waxing equipment to be available for such races.
• Assist in communications regarding club designated races.
• Assist with organization of any destination races, establish optimum schedule for travel, training, waxing, etc.
• Provide coaching and waxing support at races where possible.

Ad Hoc Training Sessions

• Plan classroom or outdoor training sessions as needed that may include field experts to help in athlete development (e.g. mental training, waxing, extra technique, video analysis, yoga, injury prevention and treatment, nutrition, training equipment, race planning, race tactics and strategies, etc.).

Qualifications*

• Experience with coaching and instructing youth and adults in cross country skiing.
• NCCP coaching certification (ideally a minimum of Learn to Train level), or equivalent national coaching certification.
• Experience with waxing for races.
• Personal experience with classic ski racing, skate ski racing, and roller skiing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work as a team player with volunteers in various roles.
• Current ‘Vulnerable Sector’ police record check
• First Aid-CPR “C” certificate (desirable)
• Strength and conditioning coaching certification

* some of the above may be in-progress or fulfilled within an agreed-upon time

Job Particulars

• One-year contract (renewable), based on $25,000 budget
• Compensation is based on an hourly rate + generous incentive program
• Flexible vacation break(s)
• Evening and weekend work required
• Travel in Ontario and possibly elsewhere in Canada and nearby US states required; club will cover approved expenses
• Compensation includes small budget for professional development
• Contractor will be responsible for maintain appropriate level of insurance
• As a contractor, successful applicant is responsible for his/her own remunerations to Canada Revenue Agency.

The responsibilities listed above are a guide of the scope of work and may not include all tasks required. Any concerns or questions can be brought forward to the President of Kanata Nordic, or any of the program coordinators.