Head Coach, Cross Country and Distance Track

Palm Beach Atlantic University - West Palm Beach - West Palm Beach, FL 33401

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Overview

Position Type

Full Time

Education Level

4 Year Degree

Travel Percentage

Head Coach, Cross Country and Distance Track

Palm Beach Atlantic University - West Palm Beach - West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Apply

Overview

Position Type

Full Time

Education Level

4 Year Degree

Travel Percentage

Up to 50%

Apply

Head Coach, Cross Country and Distance Track

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) invites applications for the full-time position of Head Coach, Cross Country and Distance Track. We are seeking a dynamic and energetic leader focused on the comprehensive management of the Cross Country and Distance Track programs and whole-person development of student athletes. This program’s emphasis and focus remains on the cross country program and distance track disciplines. This role oversees the Cross Country and Distance Track program’s growth and success, including operations, recruiting mission-fit student athletes, fundraising, budget management, and staff hiring. The Head Coach provides guidance and mentorship to student-athletes, fostering their spiritual, academic, and athletic growth in a Christ-first environment. This is a full-time, 10-month position.  

About Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a Christ-first institution located in the heart of West Palm Beach, Florida, within a vibrant and globally connected metropolitan area. PBA competes in 18 intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) and is committed to excellence in athletics, academics, and spiritual formation

Program Leadership, Recruiting, and Student-Athlete Development

• Supports the mission of Sailfish Athletics to be a premier Christian program competing at the highest level while preparing students to be lifelong leaders and outstanding citizens in their communities.
• Leads all aspects of a competitive program, including daily operations, team practices, competitions, and overall performance.
• Ensures the program’s success by recruiting, developing, and graduating student-athletes who uphold the academic and character standards of the university and department.
• Manages all logistical aspects of the program, including scheduling practices, games, transportation/accommodations and travel itineraries for road games with the approval of the Athletic Director and in coordination with the Assistant to the Athletic Director.
• Mentors student-athletes in their personal and spiritual growth, encouraging a balance of academic, athletic, and faith development.
• Fosters a team culture of self-discipline, respect, and teamwork, while encouraging each student-athlete to thrive in their university experience.
• Prepares, oversees, and manages the program’s budget, ensuring all financial activities are in compliance with university guidelines as well as SSC and NCAA rules and regulations.
• Ensures responsible allocation of funds for travel, equipment, and other program needs, maintaining transparency and accountability in budget management.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

• Recruits and hires assistant coaches and team managers, ensuring competency, and that they effectively contribute to the program and support the growth of student-athletes.
• Supervises, mentors, and guides assistant coaches and team managers.
• Holds regular meetings to ensure support staff have clear direction and expectations for practices and competitions.
• Provides regular feedback to and professional development opportunities for support staff.

Compliance

• Ensures that all aspects of the program adhere to NCAA, SSC, and university rules and regulations.
• Attends mandatory compliance and departmental meetings, stays current on NCAA and SSC policies.
• Represents the university at SSC and national meetings as assigned, contributing to the advancement of the program and university athletics.

Marketing and Fundraising

• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, assists in the coordination of program marketing, media, and public relations to increase visibility and support for the program.
• Supports fundraising efforts by engaging with donors, facilitating charitable giving, and helping with fundraising events that benefit PBA Athletics.
• Represents the program and university at community outreach events, alumni gatherings, and other public relations opportunities to build relationships and increase support for PBA Athletics.
• Fosters a positive image for the program within the university and local community by emphasizing the importance of faith, academics, and athletics.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred, or equivalent experience. First Aid and CPR certification, required.

EXPERIENCE

3+ years of experience coaching cross country and/or distance track, preferably at the collegiate level, with a demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and mentor student-athletes; proven success in building a competitive Christ-centered program; expert knowledge of the sport; knowledge of NCAA compliance and regulations. 

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

• Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff and community partners in mind at all times. 
• Professionalism  – Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
• Christ-first Faith  – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
• Adaptable/Flexibility  – Ability to change or adjust to change.
• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making  – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues, connects data points through analysis and logical conclusions/actionable strategies.
• Change Management  – Ability to drive and implement change both internally and externally.
• Confidentiality  – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
• Conflict Management – Functions professionally and wisely during difficult conversations, while under stress, and while managing challenging situations.
• Continuous Improvement – Implement or brainstorm ways to optimize a process.
• Develops Others – Ability to promote continuous improvement within teams and/or individuals.
• Effective Communication  – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
• Establishes Trust – Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
• Leadership/Influence  – Ability to motivate, coach and develop others, as well as influence a group of people to achieve common goals, and implement university strategies. Strong supervisory skills.
• Problem-solving  – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
• Project and Time Management  – Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability and identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
• Self-development  – Grow one’s self-awareness, abilities, skills, and/or talent.
• Strategic Mindset  – Ability to step out of the everyday details, view the situation from above and provide an objective perspective.
• Teamwork & Collaboration  – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel 50% of the time.
• Ability to work non-routine regularly.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to traverse campus and stairs.
• Ability to lift/move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Must be willing to authorize a background check, including a motor vehicle record (MVR) check, as a condition of employment.

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