2026-27 Festival Track and Field Head Coach - Desert Shadows MS

Temporary position at Desert Shadows Middle School for the 2026 festival track and field season (11/2/2026 - 12/5/2026). Salary: $1,389.00. All coaches must be district-approved volunteers.

About the Role

The Head Coach designs and implements the athletic program for assigned sport(s) 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 various organizations.

Responsibilities

• Assesses student athletes to provide feedback and determine team placement.
• Attends meetings, workshops, and conferences to convey and receive information.
• Conducts supporting activities such as parent orientations, recognition events, and banquets.
• Develops team and individual practice regimes (e.g., strength, speed, agility, nutritional, injury prevention).
• Creates game strategies by analyzing opponent strengths/weaknesses and athlete abilities.
• Guides other coaching personnel in instructional techniques and supervision guidelines.
• Identifies program needs and recommends expenditures for equipment and supplies.
• Implements practice schedules and coordinates facility/equipment usage.
• Instructs student athletes to promote growth in skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Maintains records (e.g., statistics, insurance, permission forms, schedules, inventories) for compliance.
• Monitors academic eligibility of student athletes and provides intervention as needed.
• Oversees assistant coaches, student managers, and volunteers.
• Promotes the athletic program through off-season clinics, skill camps, and community engagement.
• Responds to inquiries from students, parents, school personnel, media, and college representatives.
• Informs the athletic director of issues impacting the program (e.g., liability, parent concerns).
• Provides supervision for all athletes and students in the program.
• Explains and enforces the PVUSD Athletic Code of Conduct.
• Maintains high standards of personal conduct as a role model.
• Ensures all coaches (paid or volunteer) are cleared through the HR department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Adapts to changing work priorities and administers first aid.
• Applies pertinent laws, codes, policies, and regulations.
• Coordinates activities with schools, districts, and agencies.
• Organizes and communicates information effectively.
• Knowledge of community support organizations, public relations, and equipment used in the program.
• Understands injury prevention, treatment protocols, and safety practices.
• Familiarity with participant eligibility, attendance, and discipline guidelines.
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups and handle frequent interruptions.
• Exhibits strong leadership, maintains confidentiality, and meets deadlines.
• Models sportsmanship and enforces sportsmanlike behavior.
• Motivates student athletes and provides firm, fair discipline.
• Travels to off-campus events and competitions; works evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

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

Work Environment

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