Associate Head Coach, Cross Country & Track and Field-Distance

General Summary This is a full‑time (12‑month appointment) benefits‑eligible position. The Associate Head Coach, Cross Country/Track and Field – Distance is responsible for managing all facets of UMass Boston’s men’s and women’s cross‑country and track and field programs in collaboration with the Head Coach. The role oversees cross‑country, distance, and middle‑distance athletes and includes administration, budget management, alumni stewardship, recruiting, scheduling of competitions, meet management, hiring officials, team travel, weekly practice sessions, academic monitoring, advising, community service events, and compliance with NCAA and conference rules and regulations. The Associate Head Coach must comply with NCAA, conference, and university regulations and may be required to drive passenger vans after a successful background check. Participation in university and Athletic Department–sponsored events such as open houses and fundraising events is required. Responsibilities Daily operations include creating a positive, diverse and inclusive environment for student‑athletes to excel academically and athletically following the Division III philosophy. Create and develop an evolving positive, diverse, and inclusive team environment that allows student‑athletes to reach their full potential on the field, in the classroom, and on campus, providing character building and life skills such as leadership, time management, and work ethic. Maintain and enhance knowledge of sport‑specific training and coaching techniques and strategies for intercollegiate competition at the conference and national level. Adhere to departmental procedures for purchasing and travel expenditures. Coordinate team travel and logistics, including vehicles, lodging, and meals. Prepare practice plans and meet strategies to develop student‑athlete skills. Ensure that all practices are conducted professionally in accordance with UMass Boston and NCAA time requirements. Work with the sports medicine and performance staff to support the physical and mental needs of student‑athletes. Create a competitive NCAA‑approved schedule within the athletic department’s financial boundaries. Schedule facilities for practices. Provide annual evaluations with student‑athletes. Assist the Head Coach with hiring and overseeing assistant coaches. Provide team statistics and other materials to the Assistant AD for Sport Communication. Maintain safety precautions regarding student‑athlete training and health in accordance with UMass Boston Risk Management procedures. Define budget needs for equipment, travel, uniforms, and personnel, in collaboration with the Head Coach and other athletic department members. Assist with fundraising responsibilities and alumni relations through newsletters, phone‑a‑thons, and alumni activities. Manage social media accounts in accordance with university and department policies. Maintain thorough knowledge of NCAA, conference, and institutional rules and regulations. Pass the NCAA Division III Rules Test and maintain CPR/AED and Mental Health First Aid certifications. Report any alleged rule violations. Ensure compliance with Title IX and other equity regulations. Participate in collaborative campus activities and committees, mentoring colleagues. Recruiting and Enrollment Responsibilities Recruit academically qualified student‑athletes and maintain an appropriate roster size. Develop recruiting strategies to attract qualified athletes. Travel regionally and nationally to recruit. Retain and monitor academically prepared student‑athletes. Coordinate official and unofficial visits of prospective student‑athletes. Maintain an updated recruiting database with the department’s identified system. Coordinate with Enrollment Management for special events. Academic Responsibilities Assist NCAA progress toward degree requirements and support student‑athletes to graduate. Monitor and improve student‑athlete academic progress and performance. Meet regularly with the athletics academic advisor regarding team academics. Model the Division III philosophy of balancing academics, athletics, and campus involvement. Build relationships with faculty as part of the campus community and Athletics Faculty Advisor programs. Work with the academic advisor to ensure a balanced schedule that respects practice and competition requirements. Ensure student‑athletes notify faculty of competition schedule changes. Alumni and Community Outreach Responsibilities Collaborate with the Deputy Athletic Director for Strategic Advancement on fundraising and alumni engagement. Develop fundraising programs to augment the operations budget. Maintain an alumni communication plan. Organize community‑centered activities for team members and staff. Develop relationships with outside resources for community service opportunities. Student‑Athlete Development Coordinate with sports medicine and performance staff for return‑to‑play protocols. Work with strength and conditioning on injury prevention and performance programming. Provide conflict management support. Mentor student‑athletes on responsibility and accountability. Monitor behaviors detrimental to individuals or the team. Provide education on drug abuse, domestic violence, hazing, social media, etc. Additional Responsibilities Fulfill additional administration duties as assigned. Attend staff, division‑wide, and conference meetings. Perform duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor of Athletics & Recreation, Deputy Athletic Director, or designated sport administrator. Secondary Assignment The position includes a secondary assignment assigned by the Vice Chancellor based on the candidate’s credentials and expertise, such as game‑day management, event programming, or marketing. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree and college coaching experience. Ability to work well with diverse communities and constituents. Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to drive vans for team travel; license must remain valid during employment. Preferred Qualifications Master’s Degree. Collegiate cross‑country and distance coaching experience. Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and coach student‑athletes at the scholastic or collegiate level. Previous collegiate playing experience and understanding of NCAA and Little East Conference bylaws. Experience in managing fundraising activities. Knowledge of planning, designing, and implementing distance workouts in an urban setting. UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Massachusetts Boston