Head Coach - Track & Field

DescriptionJob Title: Head Coach - Track & Field

Effective Date: January 1, 2027 or earlier

Department: Athletics

Schedule: Regular, 12 mo., FT, M-F 8am-5pm

Supervisor: Director of Track & Field, XC, & Women’s Triathlon

Salary Range: $35,000 - $50,000

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for coaching, directing, recruiting, and administering the EMU Track & Field Sprints and Jumps program and assumes other duties as assigned by the Director for Track & Field, XC and Women’s Triathlon (Program Director). The candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to academic and athletic excellence and to the philosophy and goals of Eastern Mennonite University. This position will either be an Assistant Coach or Head Coach depending on experience and qualifications.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Organize, develop and administer all phases of a competitive collegiate Track & Field program with an emphasis on sprints and jumps..

Recruitment - develop a comprehensive recruiting plan including roster targets and needs, and operate within the rules and expectations of EMU & the NCAA with a goal of building a roster of approximately 70 student-athletes.
Budget management - present a preliminary budget annually to the Program Director, and understand and effectively manage the finances of the program.
On-field coaching - demonstrate knowledge of sport specific conditioning needs, strategies and trends, training equipment, practice planning, position specific personnel expectations, and provide student-athlete centered coaching and feedback.
Team Culture - Create an environment that honors diversity, provides support & accountability, and holds student athletes to high expectations reflecting EMU Athletics mission and vision.
Facility and equipment care -manage and utilize the athletic facilities as shared spaces and properly maintain equipment associated with the program.
Fundraising & alumni engagement - collaborate with Advancement, the Alumni & Parent Engagement Offices, and outside agencies to connect with alumni and execute effective fundraising activities.
Supervision of an assistant and/or part-time coach(es) - see supervisory responsibilities below

Build a successful, respected program, a department & campus community contributor, and adhere to the policies and guidelines of EMU’s Athletics Department, NCAA, ODAC, & CVC.
Utilize current educational pedagogy that maximizes holistic student athlete development.
Foster positive working relationships with Athletic Department colleagues including support staff (Athletic Training, Athletics Communications, Administrative Assistants, Assistant Coaches) by meeting deadlines, timely communication, attending required staff & campus meetings, and actively working toward departmental and campus goals.
Prioritize academic success for student-athletes as well as the importance of good citizenship both on and off the playing field, including monitoring and documentation of academic status, class attendance, player campus community engagement (required convocation points), and student conduct.
Perform additional athletic department duties as assigned, up to 25% of annual load

Required Skills/Abilities:

Thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the applicable team sport.
Thorough understanding of the rules and regulations associated with student athletes and coaches in the sport.
Thorough understanding of the rules and regulations associated with the NCAA Division III.
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and managerial skills.
Ability to appropriately communicate with athletes, coaching staff, administrators, and other campus colleagues.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficient in Google Drive and associated platforms.

Education and Experience:

Master's degree or higher preferred.
Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of 3 years of collegiate, competitive high school, or elite club coaching experience, including active involvement in athlete recruitment.

Expertise in Sprints and Jumps required.
Experience with recruiting, practice and game planning, skill instruction, team culture building, and competencies in administration and budget management of a team preferred.

First Aid/CPR/AED certification preferred at time of application, and required as a condition of employment.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly requi