Assistant Coach for Cross Country and Track & Field

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Assistant Coach within the Athletics & Physical Education Department reports directly to the Head Coach. This role is primarily responsible for supporting all aspects of the intercollegiate athletic program, including coaching and teaching student-athletes, assisting with recruiting, coordinating team operations and travel, supporting student-athlete development, and ensuring compliance with College, conference, and NCAA Division III rules and regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong coaching, teaching, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, along with experience supporting student-athletes in an educational or competitive athletic environment. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at developing student-athletes, collaborating with coaches and campus partners, identifying and recruiting prospective student-athletes, managing program responsibilities, and fostering an inclusive team culture that supports both academic and athletic success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Coaching and Competition Support Support the Head Coach in planning, conducting, and evaluating practices, competitions, and other team activities. Coach student-athletes in sport-specific techniques, strategies, and competitive preparation. Provide guidance and feedback to student-athletes to support athletic performance, teamwork, and individual development. Monitor student-athlete academic progress and connect students with appropriate campus resources when additional support is needed. Promote team expectations and program standards consistent with Lewis & Clark College, conference, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III requirements. Teaching and Student-Athlete Development Teach sport-specific fundamentals, rules, techniques, drills, and advanced competitive strategies. Instruct individuals and groups in position-specific skills before, during, and after scheduled practices. Develop and lead skill progressions and drills that support student-athlete development. Mentor student-athletes in balancing academic, athletic, and personal responsibilities. Foster an inclusive team environment that supports student learning, belonging, sportsmanship, and academic achievement. Recruiting Identify and evaluate prospective student-athletes who align with the College’s academic and athletic expectations. Attend off-campus competitions and recruiting events to evaluate prospective student-athletes in accordance with NCAA Division III recruiting requirements. Communicate with prospective student-athletes and families through approved phone, electronic, and written recruitment methods. Coordinate campus visits and other recruiting activities for prospective student-athletes and their families. Collaborate with the Head Coach and appropriate College offices throughout the recruitment and admissions process. Program Administration and Operations Coordinate team travel logistics, including lodging, ground transportation, and airline reservations, in accordance with College procedures. Manage program-related funds and transactions in accordance with Lewis & Clark College financial policies and procedures. Collaborate with Athletics & Physical Education colleagues, faculty, staff, and other campus partners to support student-athletes and program operations. Support team, department, alumni, parent, and community engagement activities. Represent the program professionally with students, families, alumni, campus partners, and the broader community. Promote and support student-athlete participation in community service and other department initiatives. Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

Proficient knowledge of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III rules, academic standards, recruiting requirements, and compliance expectations. Excellent knowledge of sport-specific fundamentals, techniques, strategies, and competitive principles. Superior verbal and written communication skills across a range of audiences and settings. Excellent interpersonal skills that support positive, respectful, and productive relationships with students, colleagues, families, and campus partners. Proficient judgment and decision-making skills, including sound discretion in situations involving student-athletes and team operations. Extremely strong organizational and time-management skills, with flexibility to manage changing priorities and schedules. Superior coaching and instructional skills that support individual and team learning, development, motivation, and performance. Excellent interpersonal awareness and a demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusion, belonging, and respectful engagement with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Proficient technology skills, including use of standard office productivity tools, electronic communication platforms, and video review or scouting technology used in intercollegiate athletics. Extremely strong commitment to student development, academic achievement, sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and the educational mission of the College.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree. One year of coaching and/or competitive playing experience in the applicable sport. Experience teaching or instructing sport-specific fundamentals, techniques, and strategies, specifically in the areas of sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, or combined-events. Experience supporting the development, motivation, and performance of student-athletes or athletes. Current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, or completion of department-provided certification upon hire. Knowledge of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III academic, recruiting, admissions, financial aid, and compliance standards.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in a related field. Two years of coaching experience. Experience coaching and recruiting at the intercollegiate level. Experience teaching physical education, activity, or sport-related courses. Experience working in higher education settings. Experience supporting student-athletes within an academic environment.

WORK SCHEDULE

Full Time Schedule: Schedule varies based on practices, competitions, recruiting, and team activities and regularly includes evenings, weekends, extended days, and occasional holidays. Benefit Eligible: Yes Travel: Regular travel for competitions, recruiting, and other program activities, including occasional overnight travel. Driving College or rental vehicles may be required. Hybrid/Remote: This position is primarily in person.

PAY RATE

FLSA Status: Exempt Starting at $XXX per year, with consideration for experience #J-18808-Ljbffr Lewis & Clark College