UMD Director of Track and Field and Cross Country

Position Summary The head coach develops and maintains competitive NCAA Division II women's and men’s cross country/track and field programs in a manner compatible with the department and university values, and in compliance with NCAA and conference rules and regulations. The head coach supports the UMD department of athletics mission of excellence in the Classroom, Community and Competition while furthering UMD’s strategic plan. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Program Leadership and Coaching - 30% Support the UMD department of athletics mission of excellence in the Classroom, Community and Competition while furthering UMD’s strategic plan. Plan, organize, and conduct practices, competition preparation, video review, individual development plans, and training in collaboration with appropriate athletics health and performance staff. Develop student‑athletes athletically, academically, personally, and as leaders; foster accountability, sportsmanship, and a positive team culture. Serve as an integral part of achieving community service goals. Manage an allocated operating budget. Recruiting and Roster Management - 30% Develop and execute a comprehensive recruiting and roster‑management strategy for prospects and, as applicable, transfer students, consistent with NCAA, admissions, financial aid and institutional requirements. Oversee official and unofficial visits and build and maintain relationships with club, high school and other cross country/track and field stakeholders. In collaboration with compliance and athletics administration, maintain accurate and timely recruiting documentation and educate prospective and current student‑athletes on applicable institutional and NCAA processes related to the evolving Division II environment, including NIL, transfer processes, roster management, and other permissible student‑athlete benefits. Staff Leadership and Program Administration - 15% Hire, supervise, develop and evaluate assistant coaches and other assigned program staff. Manage program budget, equipment/apparel, scheduling, travel, and daily operations in alignment with department policies. Identify, evaluate, recruit, enroll, retain, and re‑recruit student‑athletes who can succeed academically and athletically and represent the university positively. Collaborate with various areas, including, but not limited to compliance, advising, admissions, financial aid, communications, development, finance, facilities and operations. Academic Success and Student‑Athlete Support - 10% Promote academic achievement, retention, graduation, and personal development of student‑athletes. Work with academic support staff to monitor progress toward degree, class attendance, and eligibility. Support student‑athlete health, safety, and well‑being and reinforce guidance from appropriate university and athletics professionals. External Relations and Development - 10% Support fundraising, alumni relations, community engagement, camps/clinics, marketing, promotional appearances, and other external initiatives that advance the program and department mission. Participate in conference, NCAA, and institutional meetings and events as requested. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics. Represent the university and program in a positive manner with alumni, donors, fans, media, campus partners, the cross country/track and field community and the general public. Compliance and Governance - 5% Ensure full compliance with NCAA and university rules, policies and procedures. Promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct among student‑athletes, coaches, staff, and program constituents. Complete required education, reports, and documentation on time, including those related to recruiting, eligibility, camps/clinics, NIL‑related institutional processes, transfer matters, business expenses, and other applicable areas. Physical and Travel Requirements Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel extensively for competition, recruiting and program responsibilities. Ability to demonstrate and instruct cross country/track and field skills in practice and training environments. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of three years combined progressive experience as a head or assistant coach at the collegiate and/or professional level. Demonstrated experience in recruiting student‑athletes. Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations. Leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, families, alumni, donors, campus partners, and external constituents. Demonstrated commitment to academic success, student‑athlete well‑being, and building an inclusive team culture. Demonstrated understanding of the evolving Division II athletics landscape, including NIL, transfer processes, roster/scholarship management, and related student‑athlete benefit rules and institutional processes, with the ability to communicate those processes accurately and compliantly. Preferred Qualifications: MA/MS degree. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Minnesota Duluth