Head Coach - Women's Cross Country, Track & Field

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for the development and administration for the University's NCAA Division I Women's Cross Country and Track program. Including, but not limited to, coaching, mentoring, program development, recruiting, public relations, community involvement and administrative duties in compliance with all university, conference and NCAA regulations.

Essential Functions:

• 50% - Coaching
  • Provides coaching and administrative duties to support the cross country and track program including:
    • Develop sport specific systems and strategies, with emphasis on tactical components and instruct student-athletes on these systems and concepts as well as rules and fundamentals of the sport in order to develop the student-athlete and achieve personal and team goals.
  • Evaluate student-athletes to identify strengths and deficiencies, and design instructional opportunities to teach student-athletes how to improve technical and strategic execution.
  • Provide individual skill instruction, supervision, and motivation to student-athletes.
  • Prepare and coordinate annual, seasonal, monthly, weekly, and day to day practice plan and design.
  • Conduct condition programs, in coordination with strength and conditioning staff, encompassing recognized and approved methods of improving power, speed, strength and aerobic performance, consistent with industry safety and health standards.
  • Oversee all practice sessions while incorporating basic sport strategies, as is deemed appropriate.
  • Incorporate student-athlete specific learning opportunities into daily practice design including instruction on techniques.
  • Foster an environment which develops the whole person.
  • Maintain a close working relationship with the athletic trainer and strength & conditioning staff in regard to athletic injury, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.

• 15% - Administration
  • Oversee completion and maintaining of all forms and records as required for NCAA compliance.
  • Oversee team travel coordination and logistics.
  • Manage scheduling of practices/team meetings/player meetings/video review working closely with Athletics Facilities staff. Coordinate Fall, Winter and Spring scheduling.
  • Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of all approved Alumni and fundraising events/activities.
  • Oversee the maintenance and monitoring of information required for NCAA eligibility of each student-athlete and inform the athletes on NCAA rules and regulations.
  • In coordination with assigned Academic Coordinator, oversee monitoring the academic performance of student-athletes to assure academic progress and graduation.
  • In coordination with the Equipment Manager, oversee monitoring the condition of equipment, forecasting orders and requesting repairs or replacement as necessary.
  • In coordination with Athletics Facilities staff, oversee monitoring the condition of sport-related facilities and locker room.
  • Keep current in knowledge about issues affecting the athletic program, including internal and external events, discussions and concerns.
  • Maintain a close working relationship with the SID regarding media relations, public relations, promotion, and awards to promote intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the University.
  • Perform periodic review and evaluation of program goals, analyzing findings, identifying areas requiring improvement, and pursuing more efficient methods and processes.
  • Annually participate in Title IX education training.

• 15% - Recruiting
  • Oversee student-athlete recruitment process.
  • As an NCAA certified recruiter, successfully research, scout, evaluate and contact prospective student-athletes while operating within the scope of the department, conference and NCAA regulations at all times.
  • As an on-campus recruiter, collaborate with other department and university staff in designing official and unofficial visits in compliance with all university, conference and NCAA regulations.
  • Establish and develop relationships with appropriate high school and junior college officials, amateur club coaches, and coaches within the sport's national governing body for public relations purposes, thus positioning the university nationally.
  • Develop, maintain, and use master recruit databases to support decision-making, assessments, evaluations, and program review.

• 10% - Supervision
  • Team and Operational Effectiveness: Meet regularly, at least once a month, with all direct reports (ft, Graduate Intern and volunteers).
  • Manage performance on an ongoing basis throughout the year Ensure effective performance management for indirect reports. Create and ensure opportunities for team development through multiple mechanisms and support recognition efforts that build morale.
  • Steward all resources, including budget, effectively and appropriately.
  • Meet operational targets, develop innovate solutions, and continuously improve department and operational efforts.
  • Support and contribute the hiring efforts that meet our operational and mission needs.

• 5% - NCAA COMPLIANCE
  • Employees of Gonzaga University's Athletic Department must comply with all NCAA rules and regulations and acknowledge this compliance as part of an evaluation process.

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Experience

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

• 5 years
• In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education.

Certifications and/or Licensures:

• Valid drivers license
• CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire

Skills & Abilities:

• NCAA Division I Cross Country/Track coaching experience
• Head coaching experience
• Fundraising experience
• International competition and/or coaching experience
• Demonstrated experience working in a leadership role in a collaborative environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of Northwest region as it pertains to recruiting
• Demonstrated organizational and administrative skills
• Two or more years supervisory experience
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulation
• Ability to travel throughout the academic year and summer
• Strong communication skills to effectively work with a diverse workforce and student-athlete population
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to motivate student athletes and staff
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and detail-oriented
• Demonstrated ability to effectively build and manage teams
• Demonstrated ability to operate with a high level of confidentiality and discretion

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in related field Physical Education, Recreation, Sports Administration
• College level and/or Division I Cross Country playing and/or coaching experience
• International playing and/or coaching experience
• Demonstrated experience working in a leadership role in a collaborative environment

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Daily (>75% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Often (50%-75% of time)

Cognitive Requirements:

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)