About this role
Position Summary The Tripoli Community School District is seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable, and student-centered Junior High Football Coach to lead and develop the district's junior high football program. The successful candidate will foster a positive, competitive, and educational athletic experience that emphasizes skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and personal growth. The coach will provide instruction in the fundamental skills of football while promoting academic success, character development, and responsible citizenship. The Junior High Football Coach will work collaboratively with the Activities Director, building administrators, high school coaching staff, student-athletes, parents, and other district personnel to ensure alignment with the district's athletic philosophy and to provide a safe, positive, and successful experience for all participants. Qualifications Education High school diploma required. Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred. Certification
• Iowa Coaching Authorization or Iowa Coaching Endorsement required, or the ability to obtain prior to the beginning of the season.
• Current certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED, or the ability to obtain prior to the season.
• Completion of all coaching education, concussion awareness, mandatory reporter training, and other certifications required by the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU), Iowa Department of Education, and district policy.
Experience
• Previous football coaching experience preferred.
• Experience working with middle school or high school students is desirable.
• Participation in football at the high school or collegiate level is beneficial but not required.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• Knowledge of football fundamentals, offensive and defensive strategies, and player development.
• Ability to teach age-appropriate skills while fostering confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to motivate and positively influence student-athletes.
• Knowledge of safe coaching techniques, injury prevention, and risk management.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents, staff, officials, and community members.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of student-athletes.
• Ability to model professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior.
Technology Requirements
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to utilize district communication platforms, scheduling software, and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to complete required online certifications, trainings, and documentation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Program Leadership
• Organize, supervise, and administer all aspects of the junior high football program.
• Promote a positive team culture emphasizing respect, responsibility, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Support the district's athletic philosophy and maintain alignment with the high school football program.
• Encourage multi-sport participation and positive student involvement.
Player Development
• Plan and conduct organized, safe, and effective practices.
• Teach fundamental football skills appropriate for junior high student-athletes.
• Develop players' physical conditioning, football knowledge, and teamwork.
• Promote good sportsmanship, leadership, self-discipline, and respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators.
• Encourage academic achievement and monitor student eligibility in accordance with district and state requirements.
Game Management
• Prepare the team for interscholastic competition.
• Supervise student-athletes during contests, practices, transportation, and other team activities.
• Ensure compliance with all IHSAA, district, conference, and school regulations.
• Demonstrate professionalism and sportsmanship during competitions.
• Coordinate equipment, uniforms, and game-day responsibilities.
Safety and Supervision
• Maintain a safe practice and competition environment.
• Teach and enforce proper tackling techniques and safe football practices.
• Monitor student-athletes for injuries and communicate concerns promptly to parents, athletic trainers (when available), and administration.
• Follow district emergency procedures and concussion protocols.
• Ensure appropriate supervision of student-athletes before, during, and after practices and contests.
Equipment and Facilities
• Assist with the inventory, distribution, collection, care, and storage of uniforms and equipment.
• Maintain practice and competition facilities in a clean, safe, and organized condition.
• Report equipment repairs, facility concerns, and safety hazards promptly.
Communication
• Maintain positive communication with student-athletes, parents, administrators, officials, transportation personnel, and fellow coaches.
• Communicate team expectations, schedules, and program information in a timely and professional manner.
• Support positive relationships between the athletic program, school, and community.
Collaboration
• Work cooperatively with the Activities Director, building administrators, high school football coaching staff, teachers, custodians, transportation staff, and other district personnel.
• Attend coaches' meetings, athletic department meetings, and professional development opportunities as assigned.
• Assist in promoting district athletic programs and school spirit.
Professional Responsibilities
• Demonstrate ethical conduct consistent with district policies, coaching ethics, and professional expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Serve as a positive role model for student-athletes through words, actions, and appearance.
• Maintain regular attendance, punctuality, and dependable work habits.
• Complete required professional development and coaching education.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Activities Director or administration.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, run, and actively supervise practices and contests for extended periods.
• Ability to demonstrate football techniques and drills.
• Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, reach, and perform repetitive physical movements.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the football season.
Working Conditions
• Outdoor athletic fields and school athletic facilities.
• Evening and occasional weekend practices, contests, meetings, and events.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• Frequent interaction with students, parents, staff, officials, and community members.
• Moderate to high noise levels typical of athletic events.
Terms of Employment Work schedule, season length, stipend, and other terms of employment are established by the Tripoli Community School District Board of Education and applicable district policies and negotiated agreements. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks and all required coaching certifications and trainings. Equal Employment Opportunity The Tripoli Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Iowa law. The District is committed to providing an inclusive educational and work environment for all students and employees. FLSA Status: Exempt Classification: Extracurricular Coach Reports To: Activities Director and Building Principal