Closing Date: When a sufficient number of qualified applicants have been identified.
Work Schedule:
Full-time, 12-month position. Monday-Friday; work schedule varies.
Evening and weekend work will be required.
General Description:
The Head Cross Country Coach is responsible for administering all aspects of a competitive Division III program, adhering to the guidelines and expectations that are set forth from Pacific Lutheran University, the Northwest Conference and the NCAA. In addition to the day-to-day coaching, the Head Coach is responsible for the organization of scheduling, budget, travel coordination, game day staff management, equipment management, recruitment and retention of student- athletes, camp operations, and fundraising. The coach will also supervise assistant coaches and student employees and serve as the assistant track coach (distance). Reports to the Director of Athletics & Recreation.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
-Plan season competition schedule and coordinate travel. -Lead practices with assistance from assistant coaching staff, instruct skill development and techniques. -Support academic success through team meetings and individual check ins with student-athletes. -Develop practice plans. -Oversee and assist in holistic personal development of student-athletes. -Recruit, retain, and graduate successful student-athletes. -Coordinate fundraising efforts. -Monitor and manage the budget and program resources. -Secondary role as the distance coach for the track team. -Maintain a high level of professionalism on and off the field toward student athletes, other coaches, parents, administrators, and members of the community. -Maintain a clear understanding and adhere to the NCAA and Northwest Conference by laws. -Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, justice, and sustainability. -Intercultural competency; ability to work with and desire to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds. -Appreciation for the value of a liberal arts experience and the philosophy of DIII athletics. -Passion and motivation to recruit and mentor student-athlete. -Excellent communication and organizational skills, with adherence to deadlines. -Possess an outcomes-oriented approach to coaching. -Professional integrity and a positive approach to conflict management/resolution. -Commitment to compliance with all NCAA and Pacific Lutheran University rules and regulations. -Knowledge of current and future sport trends.
Other Information:
PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities.
For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.
Required Qualifications: -Bachelor’s degree. -3 years assistant coaching experience. -CPR/First Aid certification required and may be obtained on the job. -Valid driver’s license (Must have had a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years). -Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks, including a driving abstract check, and pass PLU’s internal Driver’s Certification Training.
Preferred Qualifications: -Master’s degree. -Intercollegiate coaching experience. -Experience with coaching software (i.e. Hudl, Synergy, Front Rush, Arms, etc.). -Consideration given to professional memberships and committee work.
Work Conditions: -Ability to work a flexible schedule that will include evenings and weekends. -Team travel that can include local, regional, and national travel. -Recruiting travel that can include local, regional, and national travel.
Physical Requirements: -Frequent walking, standing and overall physical activity as determined by the sport itself as well as through secondary administrative roles.
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a comprehensive institution with an enrollment of approximately 3200, including international students from two dozen countries. Located on the Pacific Rim in a uniquely scenic region, the university's campus is 40 miles south of Seattle in suburban Tacoma, Washington. As a "New American College," PLU accents integration between its liberal arts program and professional degrees in the arts, business, education, nursing, and physical education, and embraces its primary mission of educating students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care. PLU enjoys a healthy and progressive relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The University is committed to diversity, endorses the goals of equal opportunity and affirmative action, and actively seeks applications from women and persons of color.
