Head Women's Cross Country/Track & Field Coach

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

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 regards to athletic injury, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.

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 of opponents

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 graduation

In coordination with the Equipment Manager, oversee monitoring the condition of equipment, forecasting equipment 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

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.

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.

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. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

 

Desired Qualifications:

Division I Cross Country/Track competition experience

Professional and/or International competition and/or coaching experience

Demonstrated experience working in a leadership role in a collaborative environment

 

APPLICANT REVIEW

Review will begin on 10/23/26 and the position will be Open Until Filled

TARGET START DATE

Targeting 12/1/2026 but can be flexible