2026-27 Festival Boys Basketball Head Coach - Desert Shadows MS

Temporary 1.0 FTE position at Desert Shadows Middle School for the 2026 boys basketball season (8/31/2026 – 10/22/2026). Salary: $1,909.00. All coaches must be district-approved volunteers.

Purpose

The Head Coach designs and implements the athletic program for the assigned sport in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Responsibilities include supervising coaching personnel and students, using sound instructional techniques, serving as a positive role model, and acting as a liaison between the school, community, and other organizations.

Responsibilities

• Assess student athletes to provide feedback and determine team placement.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences to convey and receive information.
• Conduct supporting activities such as parent orientations, recognition events, and banquets.
• Develop team and individual practice regimes (e.g., strength, speed, agility, nutrition, injury prevention).
• Create game strategies by analyzing opponent strengths/weaknesses and athlete abilities.
• Guide other coaching personnel in instructional techniques, practice organization, and supervision.
• Identify program needs and recommend expenditures for equipment, supplies, and activities.
• Implement practice schedules, facility/equipment usage, and staff assignments.
• Instruct student athletes to promote growth in skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Maintain records (e.g., statistics, insurance, permission forms, schedules, equipment inventories) for compliance with district, conference, and state requirements.
• Monitor student athletes’ academic eligibility and provide intervention (e.g., counseling, tutoring) as needed.
• Oversee assistant coaches, student managers, and volunteers.
• Promote the athletic program through off-season clinics, skill camps, and community engagement.
• Respond to inquiries from students, parents, school personnel, media, and college representatives.
• Inform the athletic director of issues impacting the program (e.g., liability concerns, parent concerns).
• Provide supervision for all athletes and students in the program.
• Explain and enforce the PVUSD Athletic Code of Conduct.
• Maintain high standards of personal conduct as a role model.
• Ensure all coaches (paid or volunteer) are cleared through the PVUSD Human Resources Department.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Adapt to changing work priorities, administer first aid, and apply pertinent laws, codes, and regulations.
• Coordinate activities with schools, districts, and agencies; organize and communicate information.
• Knowledge of community support organizations, public relations, equipment, injury prevention/treatment, eligibility guidelines, and safety practices.
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups, handle interruptions, exhibit leadership, maintain confidentiality, meet deadlines, and enforce sportsmanlike behavior.
• Ability to motivate athletes, provide discipline, and build teamwork.
• Willingness to travel to off-campus events and work extended hours, including evenings/weekends.

Work Environment

The role requires occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling; climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fine finger dexterity. The job involves 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing, with exposure to temperature extremes and risk of injury/illness.

Qualifications

• Job-related experience required.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate, Arizona Substitute Certificate, or NFHS Level 2 Certificate.
• IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card and criminal background clearance.