Full-Time/ Part-Time| Reports to: Program Manager
Salary: $45k – 55k
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications, and coaching background, with opportunities for growth as the program expands. Final compensation will be discussed during the interview process.
The Competitive Head Coach is responsible for leading Alta’s Youth Competitive Climbing Program at our Scottsdale location. This role combines athlete development, staff leadership, and operational execution to uphold Alta’s Coaching philosophy and core values. The Head Coach sets the tone for team culture, ensures program integrity, and drives both short- and long-term success within the competitive program.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
1. Staff Leadership & Development
- Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified coaches aligned with Alta’s values and vision.
- Provide consistent training and mentorship to support professional growth and performance.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively to maximize team efficiency and ownership.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions.
- Foster an environment of camaraderie, trust, and direct communication among coaching staff.
2. Operational & Program Management
- Oversee all administrative and logistical aspects of the competitive program.
- Manage competition schedules, registration, and athlete travel logistics.
- Coordinate apparel orders, inventory, and uniform distribution.
- Maintain and update BETA accounts for roster management, billing, and communication.
- Collaborate with the Program Manager to develop and monitor budgets.
- Contribute to long-term strategic planning and program improvement initiatives.
3. Culture, Communication, & Program Design
- Embody and promote Alta’s values and team mission in all interactions.
- Cultivate an inclusive, positive, and motivating team culture.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, providing clear and professional communication.
- Design and implement youth programs that support athlete development and engagement.
- Partner with the Program Manager to align program goals and support operational success.
4. Technical Program Design & Curriculum Mastery
- Develop and maintain a structured seasonal training curriculum.
- Create customized training plans for athletes at varying levels of competition.
- Stay current with modern climbing movement, techniques, and USAC regulations.
- Provide technical coaching oversight to ensure consistency and quality across the program.
- Evaluate athlete progress and adapt training plans for continual improvement.
5. Safety, Risk Management, & Facility Flow
- Ensure strict adherence to all safety and risk management policies.
- Conduct regular safety audits and reinforce best practices among staff and athletes.
- Make timely, informed decisions regarding athlete and facility safety.
- Oversee facility flow and athlete supervision during practice to maintain a safe, efficient environment.
- Serve as a role model for risk awareness and proactive prevention.
6. Team Performance Excellence & Achievement
- Establish and communicate clear competitive goals for each season.
- Direct training and competition strategies to meet team benchmarks (80% ? Regionals, 50% ? Divisionals, 25% ? Nationals).
- Analyze performance data to guide coaching adjustments and athlete preparation.
- Encourage a growth mindset and accountability within the athlete community.
- Celebrate successes and maintain motivation through all levels of competition.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Age 18+; must pass background check and drug screening
- Minimum 5 years of climbing experience, with lead climbing and belaying proficiency
- 3+ years of experience working with youth; 2+ years in youth climbing instruction
- Previous leadership and coaching team management experience
- Strong understanding of youth development, coaching methodology, and athlete care
- USAC Certified Coach or ability to become certified within 90 days
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; customer service-oriented
- Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and ongoing learning
- Capable of handling logistics, scheduling, and administrative responsibilities
- Available for travel to competitions and team events, as needed
- Able to work collaboratively within Alta’s team structure while taking initiative in the role
KEY INTERNAL DELIVERABLES
- Seasonal and weekly practice plans
- Updated athlete progress reports and parent communication logs
- Quarterly staff development check-ins and feedback
- Competition travel itineraries and budget tracking
- Annual review of training curriculum and program structure
Perks of Being Part of Alta
- Medical, Dental, Vision benefits options available for full-time
- Free membership
- 25% discounts on retail and gear;
- Staff climb nights and events;
- Growth opportunities are available to any staff member that is committed to the team and has a desire to succeed.
Employee Conduct:
Alta employees are responsible for following rules of conduct based on honesty, good taste, fair play, courtesy, safety, and professionalism when interacting with co-workers, customers, and vendors.
This is a “safety sensitive” position and requires the employee to be drug free. Pre-employment drug tests will be performed for all employees. Violations will result in non-compensated suspension or dismissal.
