Head Coach, Track & Field and Cross Country

The Head Coach, Track & Field and Cross Country oversees the men’s and women’s varsity track & field and cross-country programs, fostering athletic excellence, academic achievement, and alignment with the Catholic Benedictine values of the university. This role involves developing effective coaching strategies, recruiting talented athletes, and cultivating a positive, competitive program culture.

The position requires strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes. The head coach works closely with the athletic department, university administration, and the broader campus community to advance the program’s success and enhance the university’s athletic reputation, ensuring compliance with University policies, NCAA Division II regulations, and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standards.

Saint Martin’s University is more than just a place of learning—it’s a welcoming community where students, faculty, and staff come together with purpose and heart. Founded in 1895 by the Benedictine monks of Saint Martin’s Abbey, we are grounded in the timeless Benedictine values of community, hospitality, and balance. These values, combined with a Saint Martin’s liberal arts education, shape our approach to education and daily life, encouraging students to think deeply, act with compassion, and serve with purpose. 

As part of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we honor the integration of faith and reason, the dignity of every person, and a shared responsibility for the common good. Our mission is to form graduates who are not only intellectually curious and ethically grounded, but also deeply committed to building a more just and equitable world. At Saint Martin’s, we care about the whole person. 

Our supportive campus culture is built to help students thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. We pay special attention to the needs of those who have been historically underserved, and we work intentionally to create an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate environment for all. 

We warmly invite mission-driven individuals to join our community—not just to work here, but to be part of something meaningful. Together, we educate students who go on to make a positive difference in their lives, their communities, and the world.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions & Responsibilities -  Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this position. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following.

The Head Coach, Track & Field and Cross Country oversees the men’s and women’s varsity track & field and cross-country programs, fostering athletic excellence, academic achievement, and alignment with the Catholic Benedictine values of the university. This role involves developing effective coaching strategies, recruiting talented athletes, and cultivating a positive, competitive program culture.

The position requires strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes. The head coach works closely with the athletic department, university administration, and the broader campus community to advance the program’s success and enhance the university’s athletic reputation, ensuring compliance with University policies, NCAA Division II regulations, and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standards.

Saint Martin’s University is more than just a place of learning—it’s a welcoming community where students, faculty, and staff come together with purpose and heart. Founded in 1895 by the Benedictine monks of Saint Martin’s Abbey, we are grounded in the timeless Benedictine values of community, hospitality, and balance. These values, combined with a Saint Martin’s liberal arts education, shape our approach to education and daily life, encouraging students to think deeply, act with compassion, and serve with purpose. 

As part of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we honor the integration of faith and reason, the dignity of every person, and a shared responsibility for the common good. Our mission is to form graduates who are not only intellectually curious and ethically grounded, but also deeply committed to building a more just and equitable world. At Saint Martin’s, we care about the whole person. 

Our supportive campus culture is built to help students thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. We pay special attention to the needs of those who have been historically underserved, and we work intentionally to create an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate environment for all. 

We warmly invite mission-driven individuals to join our community—not just to work here, but to be part of something meaningful. Together, we educate students who go on to make a positive difference in their lives, their communities, and the world.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions & Responsibilities -  Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this position. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following.

Coaching Leadership

• Develop, implement, and oversee the overall vision and coaching strategy for the Track & Field and Cross Country programs, including daily practice plans, training sessions, competition preparation, and seasonal performance objectives 
• Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to the full-time assistant coach and event area coaches, ensuring alignment in coaching philosophy, athlete development, recruiting efforts, communication and overall program objectives
• Design and implement effective training and coaching strategies that support student-athletes across all event areas and disciplines, maximizing individual and team performance 
• Foster an integrated and collaborative culture between Track & Field and Cross Country that emphasizes accountability, discipline, sportsmanship, and student-athlete development
• Analyze performance metrics and competition results to inform coaching decisions and continuously improve team performance
• Ensure athletes understand their roles within the program’s strategy and foster a culture of discipline, respect and accountability
• Provide ongoing evaluation, mentorship, and feedback to student-athletes to support technical, tactical, physical and personal development
• Lead by example in promoting integrity, respect, professionalism, and a strong work ethic, ensuring the program represents the institution positively on and off the competition field 

Program Administration

• Maintain a thorough understanding of NCAA Division II, conference and institutional rules and regulations, ensuring compliance in all areas including recruitment, eligibility, scholarships, and competition
• Attend NCAA compliance meetings and remain current on rule changes and emerging best practi es with collegate athletics 
• Oversee and coordinate annual competition and training schedules for both Track & Field and Cross Country, including travel planning, logistics and budget management 
• Manage the program’s budget responsibly, including travel, equipment, recruiting and operational expenses, while collaborating with the Athletic Director on financial planning and resource allocation.
• Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches and event specalists, ensuring alignment with program goals, expectations and institutional values
• Collaborate and communicate regularly with the Athletic Director, department staff, campus partners,and other coaches to support the overall success of the athletic department and student-athlete experience
• Pursue ongoing professional development opportunities and stay informed on trends and advancements within Track & Field and Cross Country.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Serve on department, university conference and NCAAA committees as requested 

Academic Support and Student-Athlete Success

• Ensure student-athletes maintain high academic standards and eligibility to participate in competitions, monitoring progress and collaborating with the Faculty Athletic Representative and academic advisors to provide necessary resources and support.
• Foster leadership, personal growth and character development among student-athletes, emphasizing personal success both academically and athletically.
• Prioritize the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes, working collaboratively with athletic trainers to ensure health and safety protocols.

Recruitment and Retention

• Lead all recruiting efforts for Track & Field and Cross Country, identifying and attracting student-athletes who align with the institution’s academic standards, athletic goals and program culture.
• Oversee all aspects of the recruiting process, including talent evaluation, relationship-building, campus visits, scholarships recommendations, and NCAA compliance
• Build and maintain strong relationships with high school, club, community college, and international coaches and recruiting networks.
• Communicate and collaborate regularly with admissions regarding the status of prospective student-athletes.

Community Engagement & Fundraising

• Lead community engagement initiatives and youth outreach programs that promote Track & Field and Cross Country while supporting the institutional mission
• Serve as the primary representative and ambassador for the Track & Field and Cross Country programs in media, public appearances, alumni relations and community events
• Cultivate strong relationships with alumni, donors and supporters to enhance engagement and investment in the programs 
• Actively contribute to the financial sustainability of the program by generating revenue through summer camps, 3.21 Give, fundraising initiatives, and identifying potential donors, sponsors, and alumni.

- Assist with departmental fundraising events, championships, and community engagement initiatives 

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COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates expertise in a diverse range of coaching methods, strategies, and knowledge to achieve the goals and objectives of a comprehensive men’s and women’s track and field program.
• Develops, plans, implements, and adjusts detailed practice sessions for the program and individual players, focusing on their growth and skill development.
• Effectively plans, coordinates, analyzes, and communicates tactical strategies during competition, ensuring optimal team performance
• Seamlessly transfers coaching insights from games to practices and vice versa, fostering continuous improvement and consistency.
• Communicates clearly and tactfully, both verbally and in writing, outlining specific performance objectives for athletes’ improvement, focusing on both short-term (game-to-game) and long-term (season-to-season) goals, as well as position-specific skills and tactics.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite to complete tasks and produce high-quality work, both independently and collaboratively.
• Skilled in conveying both straightforward and sensitive information with clarity, professionalism, and precision, in both oral and written formats.
• Ensures effective follow-through with the department, university, and external parties, delivering appropriate messages regarding issues impacting the men’s and women’s track and field programs at SMU.
• Demonstrates commitment to the department and university’s initiatives, embracing and supporting initiatives to support Catholic and Benedictine values in all aspects of coaching and program development. 

REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Three (3) years of experience as a head coach at the NCAA Division I, II, or III levels. Full-time head coaching experience at the NAIA level, community colleges, or equivalent roles will also be considered.
• Proficient in working with word processing and electronic spreadsheets (preferably Microsoft Office Suite).
• Must pass the annual NCAA D-II Coaches Certification Education Modules 
• Must possess and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Must clear background check, pass sexual harassment test, and have a valid driver’s license. Provide a copy of a three-year driver’s abstract indicating no major moving violations on file.
• May be asked to pass a driving test (driving school vehicles).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed indoors, at sport practices or events or in an office environment. Physical demands include:

• Move heavy objects (more than 20 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Ability to be mobile campus wide and for game traveling for appropriate athletic needs. 
• Operates a variety of standard office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements.
• Reading, writing, speaking, hearing, standing, bending, sitting.
• Learning and comprehending.
• Requires visual concentration on detail.
• Manual dexterity and precision required for performing stress and special tests, demonstrating rehabilitation exercises.
• May often be required to deal with distraught student-athletes.
• Must be able to concentrate on details and process complex information while experiencing frequent interruptions.
• This position requires extensive travel and availability to work evenings and weekends as necessary to accommodate team practices, competitions, and events.

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