Middle School Head Volleyball Coach (AY26-27)

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To: Director of Athletics

Start Date: August 2026

Compensation: A season-long stipend of $2,500 - $3,000

About Buckingham Browne & Nichols:

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Buckingham Browne & Nichols is a day school that engages students in grades Pre-K through 12 in a rich and invigorating educational experience of the highest quality. The school excels at helping students discover their unique talents and passions and develop those strengths to the fullest. The curriculum is challenging, forward-thinking, innovative, and flexible, designed to help qualified students, from a range of backgrounds and with a wide spectrum of talents and interests, reach new levels of accomplishment. Co-curricular opportunities in athletics, the arts, community service, and other areas add important dimensions to students’ learning. Students learn on three age and developmentally-appropriate campuses. At every grade, BB&N takes full advantage of the range of opportunities its locations afford.

BB&N is committed to becoming an anti-racist institution. This commitment is integral to the mission and vision of the School. BB&N is an academically excellent, diverse, and inclusive community where students develop into lifelong learners who lead with kindness, curiosity, and integrity. We prepare students to be responsible and open-minded as they engage with the world around them. Our school is guided by the core values of:

• Inquiry, in which we promote curiosity and critical thinking to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

• Integrity, in which we strive to be honest, conscientious, and accountable in our actions, even when no one is watching.

• Belonging, in which we foster a culture of respect, well-being, and connection that values all individuals and empowers them to discover and be their authentic selves, and

• Kindness, in which we strengthen our communities by recognizing our common humanity and treating ourselves and others with respect and compassion.

The vibrancy and vitality we feel in the classrooms, hallways, stages, and playing fields of BB&N derive from the people who are here. At its root are the varied interests and experiences, the different backgrounds, cultures, religions, views, and perspectives that our students and faculty bring to their classes and families bring to myriad activities. Each of us adds to the richness of another’s experience. Working and playing together teaches us lifelong lessons about appreciating, knowing, understanding, and learning from each other.

Summary Description:

BB&N is seeking a Head Middle School Volleyball Coach (Grades 6-8) for the 2026-2027 Fall Season. This is a stipend, part-time position that is not eligible for employee benefits during the season. Responsibilities include all aspects of team organization, including practice planning and administrative tasks. The head coach will provide examples of fair play, team building, character building, and respect for the players. The BB&N Athletic Department expects its coaches to operate within the athletic philosophy of BB&N and adhere to the BB&N coaches’ manual as well as the Independent School League (ISL) and the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) rules and guidelines.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

Key functions for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Practice planning and game oversight, including teaching skill techniques and helping athletes prepare for competitive events.

• Mentoring and instructing players in skill development, character development, and teamwork.

• Communicating with parents/guardians relevant information regarding games, practices, and other team commitments.

• Commitment to the support and development of those students with an ability and/or desire to compete at the high school level.

• Attend all BB&N practices, at-home and away meets, in-school events, and other related athletics functions.

• Model positive behavior, maintain a supportive environment, and exhibit a high level of professionalism.

• Work collaboratively with other coaches, parents, and community members.

• Seek assistance should emergencies arise.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements, Skills, and Competencies:

The ideal candidate is approachable, knowledgeable, collaborative, and eager to be an active member of a dynamic athletic and learning community. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire athletes to perform at their highest level, with a commitment to academic success and character development.

• Demonstrate a passion for their sport and for working with middle school-aged students.

• Demonstrate a commitment to an inclusive and equitable approach to all student athletes.

• Effective and responsible communication with students, parents, and colleagues.

• Demonstrate high standards of professional conduct with strong interpersonal skills to handle disputes, challenges, or conflicts that may arise among athletes.

• Adjust coaching methods based on individual athletes' needs, team dynamics, and changing circumstances.

Middle School Coaching Schedule

• Pre-season Fall Coaches Meeting on Monday, August 31, 2026.

• The fall season runs from September 10, 2026, through November 9, 2026.

• Weekly practices occur during the time frame of 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

• There will be around 1 to 2 games a week (only on weekdays), and the coach must be on-site at 2:00 pm and will generally be done at 5:00 pm (depending on whether the game is home or away).

Holidays when school is not in session include*:

• Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026

• Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21, 2026

• Indigenous Peoples Day: Monday, October 12, 2026

• Professional Day: Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Please visit the Careers at BB&N page to complete your online application. Please upload your Cover Letter, Resume, and Reference List. Successful candidates submit complete applications, inclusive of all requested materials, and respond to all posting questions completely and thoughtfully.

Buckingham Browne & Nichols School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any non-job-related physical or mental disability. We welcome candidates who will increase our diversity; we encourage candidates of color and all diverse candidates to apply.