Associate Head Coach-Cross Country & Track & Field

Associate Head Coach Cross Country & Track & Field
University of Mary is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate Head Coach Cross Country and Track & Field to assist with the leadership, development, and administration of the university's cross country and track & field programs. The Associate Coach will work closely with the Head Coach to develop a competitive program that emphasizes academic achievement, athletic excellence, personal development, leadership, and a positive team culture.
The successful candidate will contribute to all aspects of the program, including recruiting, athlete development, training, meet preparation and management, team operations, compliance, fundraising, community engagement, and student-athlete mentoring.
Candidates will be invited to demonstrate a willingness to support the Christian, Catholic, Benedictine mission of the University of Mary.
Coaching & Student-Athlete Development:

• Coach and Recruit for the cross-country team and distance event group.
• Assist the Head Coach with the planning and implementation of comprehensive training programs for cross country and track & field student-athletes.
• Provide technical instruction and coaching appropriate to assigned event areas.
• Develop individualized training plans based on student-athlete abilities, goals, and competitive schedules.
• Monitor student-athlete progress and make appropriate adjustments to training and competition plans.
• Promote proper training, recovery, nutrition, injury prevention, and overall student-athlete wellness.
• Mentor student-athletes and promote academic success, leadership development, accountability, and personal growth.
• Foster a team culture based on discipline, respect, responsibility, inclusion, and competitive excellence.

Recruiting

• Assist in developing and executing a comprehensive recruiting strategy.
• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes who fit the university's academic and athletic standards.
• Maintain regular communication with prospective student-athletes, families, coaches, and recruiting contacts.
• Conduct campus visits and recruiting events.
• Build and maintain relationships with high school, club, and collegiate coaches.
• Assist with recruiting databases, evaluations, scholarship recommendations, and recruiting correspondence.
• Represent the university and athletic department professionally throughout the recruiting process.

Competition & Meet Management

• Assist with preparation for cross-country meets and indoor and outdoor track & field competitions.
• Assist with travel planning, entries, equipment, logistics, and meet-day operations.
• Attend practices, competitions, team meetings, and other required program activities.
• Assist with hosting and managing home competitions.
• Evaluate team and individual performances and provide feedback following competitions.
• Assist with conference, regional, and national championship preparation.
• Program Administration
• Assist the Head Coach with the day-to-day administration of the program.
• Maintain accurate student-athlete records, recruiting records, training information, and team documentation.
• Assist with scheduling, travel arrangements, equipment management, and facility coordination.
• Assist with team budgets, purchasing, fundraising, and other financial responsibilities as assigned.
• Participate in departmental meetings and university athletics initiatives.
• Assist with alumni, booster, community, and donor relations.
• Promote the university and athletic program through community engagement and public relations activities.

Compliance

• Maintain knowledge of and compliance with all NCAA, conference, university, and athletic department rules and regulations.
• Complete all required NCAA and institutional compliance education.
• Ensure recruiting and student-athlete activities are conducted within applicable rules and policies.
• Report potential compliance concerns promptly to the appropriate athletic department personnel.

Desired Minimum Qualifications, Education, and Experience Include:
Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Collegiate coaching experience or relevant competitive coaching experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cross country and track & field training and competition.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by the competitive season.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet university requirements for driving university vehicles, if applicable.

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Collegiate coaching experience.
• Experience with NCAA Division I, Division II, or Division III athletics.
• Experience recruiting and developing collegiate student-athletes.
• Experience working with recruiting databases and performance-management systems.
• Experience assisting with home meet administration and championship competition.
• Strong understanding of NCAA and conference rules.
• Demonstrated success developing student-athletes and building a positive team culture.
• Has or has the ability to get a CDL License for driving a bus.
• Supports the ongoing implementation of Ex Corde Ecclesiae , the apostolic constitution on Catholic colleges and universities.
• Builds a culture of ready and earnest hospitality in the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics and throughout the university, in accord with Saint Benedict’s admonition that all be received as Christ.

Knowledge and Skills Required:
The Associate Head Coach will be expected to:

• Contribute to the competitive success of the cross country and track & field programs.
• Recruit and retain high-quality student-athletes who meet university academic and athletic standards.
• Develop student-athletes to maximize their athletic potential.
• Support strong academic performance and student-athlete retention.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture.
• Maintain professional relationships with student-athletes, families, coaches, alumni, donors, and university personnel.
• Operate the program in full compliance with NCAA, conference, and university policies.
• Demonstrate professionalism and represent University of Mary positively.

About the University of Mary
We thank you for your interest in the University of Mary. Founded in 1959 by the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, the campus overlooks the beautiful Missouri river and is located in Bismarck, North Dakota, a community of approximately 75,000 people, with wonderful family and parish life, friendly neighborhoods, enjoyable recreational and cultural facilities, a low crime rate, clean air, and excellent schools. The University of Mary, with an enrollment of over 3,800 students, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
For more information on the University of Mary, please watch a short video by clicking on this link:
Review of application materials will begin immediately.  Position will remain open until filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer