Assistant Track & Cross Country Coach - Distance

American University•Washington, DC

2d•$48,000 - $53,000•Onsite

About The Position

Works directly with the Head Cross Country and Track Coach to assist in all aspects associated with the operation of a successful NCAA Division I track and cross country program, focusing primarily on the Women’s distance program. Works closely with the Head Coach to suggest and create sport specific training programs to enhance the student-athletes’ overall track and/or cross country performance. Assists with recruiting leading and conducting distance team activities, practices and meets. If the Head Coach is not present, collaborates with other Assistant Coaches to complete necessary activities for practice and competition.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
5 - 8 years of relevant experience.
Knowledge and expertise in coaching sufficient to assume the duties of a head coach in the event of a head coaches’ absence from the program.
Demonstrated ability to coach, recruit, create practice plans and strategies, monitor student’s academic progress and wellbeing, and run the overall day-to-day operations of the program at the same level as a head coach.
Commitment and ability to maintain and exhibit the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate well to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Previous experience as a track and/or cross country athlete at the collegiate or professional level.
Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Head Track/Cross Country Head Coach, provides general oversight and direction for day-to-day plans, goals, and activities of distance program.
Assists the Head Coach by providing guidance on departmental or University policies and coaching philosophy, and participating in coaching decisions.
Assists the Head Coach in scheduling of competition by appropriate timelines to allow other administrative needs to be met (events management, athletic trainers, travel, lodging, meals, etc.).
Perform other administrative duties as assigned by the Head Coach.
Assists in the recruiting efforts designed to attract academically qualified and athletically gifted student-athletes to the men’s & women’s track distance programs.
Evaluates prospective student-athletes in-person and through reports from high school coaches on their athletic and academic performance.
Keeps all recruiting records in good order and provides regular reports to the Head Coach on the recruitment status of each prospective student-athlete.
Reports any major concerns or attention for recruitment related issues to the Head Coach.
Responsible for enhancing the performance of distance student-athletes, primarily Women’s Distance.
Physically develop student-athletes for all phases of season, pre- and post-season practice and competitions.
Suggests and develops running program for each athlete with individualized plans and programs to the Head Coach, and supervises workouts and attends practices.
Implement the practice plans approved and/or established by the Head Coach and will recommend plans or modifications for athletes in assigned events.
Assists with regular testing to determine progress and making needed individual adjustments.
Leads and conducts all distance team activities, practices and meets if the Head Coach is not present.
Coordinates with Athletic Training and Strength & Conditioning staff on all aspects of team strength and condition programs and injury recovery and prevention with assigned track & cross-country student-athletes.