Head Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country Coach

Fort Hays State University•Hays, KS

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Fort Hays State University seeks a transformational leader to serve as Head Coach for its Track & Field and Cross Country programs, competing in the highly competitive NCAA Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) conference. This position provides comprehensive leadership, strategic direction, scholarship management, operational and budgetary oversight for a combined program, with responsibility for building and sustaining a championship-caliber culture that prioritizes competitive excellence, academic success, and the holistic development of student-athletes. The Head Coach will recruit, develop, and mentor student-athletes; lead and supervise assistant coaches and support staff; oversee a dedicated on-campus track-and-field-only facility and an on-campus cross-country course; and ensure full compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA regulations. This role serves as a key ambassador for the athletics department, fostering strong relationships with campus partners, alumni, and supporters.

Requirements

Demonstrated success coaching Track & Field and/or Cross Country at the collegiate level.
Head collegiate coaching experience preferred.
Proven ability to recruit and develop successful student-athletes.
Strong knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance requirements.
Excellent leadership, a prominent level of organizational skills, effective public relations and communication skills, and attention to detail are required.
Valid driver's license that is in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, organization, and supervision for all aspects of the men’s and women’s track & field and cross country programs.
Supervises student-athletes during practices and competition, observing and evaluating performance and demonstrating proper techniques as applicable.
Hire, supervise, evaluate, and mentor staff. Foster a collaborative, high-performing staff environment. Coordinate and delegate responsibilities effectively to maximize program success.
Supports and monitors the academic performance of student-athletes in conjunction with the compliance and academic support staff.
Design and implement the overall program recruiting strategy – identification, evaluation, recruitment, and retention of prospective student-athletes.
Direct oversight and management of the program’s finances and administration of athletic scholarships.
Manages the men’s and women’s track & field and cross country programs within the parameters of the approved operating budget.
Develops and engages in impactful fundraising activities in conjunction with the Athletics External Relations staff.
Represents the university and men’s and women’s track & field and cross country programs at professional meetings, alumni events, University Foundation events, and other events as necessary.
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.
Develops and directs camps and clinics.
Responsible for scheduling non-conference competitions, practices, team and recruiting travel arrangements, preseason 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.
Responsible for compliance with NCAA, MIAA, and institutional rules and regulations, ensuring program compliance.
Active member of the FHSU Athletic Department and University.
Performs other duties as assigned.