The Head Cross Country Coach is responsible for all aspects of coaching the SC cross country program: recruiting student athletes, coordinating practices and activity, travel, and promoting events and activities. This position reports to the Athletic Director and will serve as a leader of a program that competes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference as part of the NAIA. The Head Coach will be responsible for organizing, directing, and administering a competitive cross country program in the KCAC and NAIA.

The general responsibilities of the Head Coach include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing all aspects of the cross country program and all athletes associated with the program
• Support of the track and field program as Assistant Track Coach – Distance
• Successfully manage all athletes associated with the program with a targeted focus on academic success, program culture and actions of the student-athletes
• Design and implementation of effective practice and race plans
• Direct and independent coaching and skills development of student-athletes during practice and competitions
• Assessment and recruitment of prospective student-athletes
• Supervising off-season programs, scouting reports and athlete development
• Successful hosting of multiple cross country events each year
• Supervising budget management, equipment oversight, travel planning, and summer camps programming
• Participation in public relations, marketing and fundraising for the cross country program and the athletic department
• Ensures all appropriate safety guidelines and standards are maintained during training, practice, and competition
• Compliance with NAIA, Kansas Collegiate Athletic Association and Southwestern College rules and regulations

General Expectations:

The head coach is expected to be a person of integrity with high ethical standards who will require the same of staff members and student-athletes.  Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective, and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Commitment to and responsibility for adhering to all policies, rules, and regulations of Southwestern College, KCAC and the NAIA is a priority.

Qualifications and Special Skills:

• Previous competitive cross country/distance coaching and recruiting experience is required. Preferred qualifications include head coaching experience or at least 5 years of coaching experience in cross country
• Experience managing a coaching staff and team members effectively
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured to drive college vehicles required
• Knowledge of and ability to follow college policies and procedures
• Knowledge of intercollegiate cross country
• Skill in preparing, monitoring, and maintaining budgets
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional manner
• Ability to relate to a diverse population
• Ability to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations and to effectively identify and resolve problems and to maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive information
• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate action to resolve problems using independent judgment and decision-making processes
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students, and the public

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and the complete contact information for three (3) professional references to HumanResources@sckans.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until a candidate has been selected. The successful candidate will be subject to a criminal background check. Southwestern College is an EEO/AA employer.

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