Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach (Distance)

FH Fort Hays State University•Hays, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Fort Hays State University Athletics invites applications for a Full-Time Assistant Coach specializing in Distance Running within the Cross Country and Track & Field programs. This is a full-time, 12-month staff position reporting directly to the Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field. This position will serve as the Distance Coach and will assume primary responsibility for developing and directing all aspects of the distance program, long distance (5,000m–10,000m), steeplechase, and cross country, for both the Men's and Women's programs. This role demands a coach who is passionate about student-athlete development, excels in building recruiting pipelines, and upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and competitive excellence consistent with NCAA Division II and MIAA conference expectations. More generally, this position is responsible for assisting with the organization, development, and administration of all functions related to coaching a competitive Division II Cross Country and Track & Field program. Fundamental duties include, but are not limited to, coaching, recruiting student-athletes, commitment to the academic and athletic success of student-athletes, student-athlete development, assisting or directing camps and clinics, and overall program operations. This position collaborates with intercollegiate athletics staff members, sports medicine and performance staff, academic support staff, compliance staff, and institutional partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Relevant, successful competitive or coaching experience is required.
Relevant, successful competitive or coaching experience, preferably at the collegiate level.
Proven ability to teach specific strategies and techniques, and develop successful competitive strategies.
Strong communication skills (written and oral), a high level of organization, and attention to detail are required.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary coach for all distance athletes across men's and women's cross country and track & field programs
Design, plan, and implement periodized training programs for cross country (fall) and track & field (indoor/outdoor) seasons
Lead practice sessions, meet-day warm-ups, race strategies, and post-competition reviews
Monitor student-athlete workloads, fitness progression, and injury prevention in collaboration with sports medicine and sports performance staff
Develop and execute race and competition strategies for individual student-athletes and team scoring scenarios
Manage distance student-athlete schedules for dual-season training, overseeing cross-training and recovery protocols
Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes at the high school and transfer (portal) levels to meet program talent needs
Build and maintain relationships with high school coaches, club coaches, and prep programs both nationally and internationally
Conduct on-campus visits, official/unofficial visit weekends, and off-campus evaluations in accordance with NCAA DII compliance
Manage a recruiting database and maintain consistent communication with prospects through all permissible channels
Evaluate transfer portal candidates and manage the eligibility clearance process in coordination with the compliance office
Monitor and support student-athletes’ academic progress and eligibility in collaboration with the FHSU academic support staff
Mentor student-athletes in areas of personal growth, leadership, and transition planning beyond athletics
Foster a positive, competitive, and supportive team culture consistent with the values of FHSU Athletics
In collaboration with sports medicine, sports performance, and University resources, support student-athlete development as it relates to sports nutrition, mental performance strategies, and overall wellness
Responsible for compliance with NCAA, MIAA, and institutional rules and regulations, ensuring program compliance.
Aid in the organization and supervision of all aspects of the Cross Country and Track & Field program.
Enhances the student-athlete experience through team expectations, personal development, and opportunities, such as but not limited to community service, team building, leadership development, etc.
Assists in directing camps and clinics.
Responsible for providing support with scheduling of practices, team and recruiting travel arrangements, and student-athlete meetings.
Attends and participates in scheduled compliance seminars and complies with all Athletic Department efforts to monitor compliance with NCAA regulations.
Active member of the FHSU Athletic Department and University, while representing the university and Cross Country and Track & Field program in a professional manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.