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.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
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 & 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 ENGAGMENT AND 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
Three (3) years’ experience as a head coach at the NCAA D-I-III levels preferred, full-time NAIA and community college experience will be considered.
Proficient in working with word processing and electronic spreadsheets (preferably Microsoft Office Suite).
Must pass the NCAA D-II coach’s test.
Must possess and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.
Must clear background check, pass sexual harassment test and have a valid Washington State 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.
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.
Saint Martin’s University is a Catholic Benedictine institution of higher education that empowers students to pursue a lifetime of learning and accomplishment in all arenas of human endeavor.Saint Martin’s students learn to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others through the interaction of faith, reason, and service.The University honors both the sacredness of the individual and the significance of community in the ongoing journey of becoming.Established in 1895, Saint Martin’s University is the educational mission of Saint Martin’s Abbey, a Catholic Benedictine monastery, whose members pray, work, and live together on the University campus. The physical beauty of Saint Martin’s 300-acre campus reflects the rich intellectual and spiritual nature of its presence in the Pacific Northwest.Essential features of university life are animated by its Benedictine identity and its participation in the centuries-old traditions of Catholic intellectual thought and the search for truth. Thus, the University honors students and guides them towards achieving academic excellence. Superior teaching is the expected norm. Rooted in the long tradition of the liberal arts, ...the university curriculum cultivates creativity and the ability to communicate and pursue ideas; critical thinking and independent inquiry; academic proficiency; the formation of sound ethical judgments; and service to humanity. Reflecting the Benedictine virtue of hospitality, the University welcomes and, indeed, seeks students not only from the Pacific Northwest, but also from other parts of the nation and the world at its main and extension campuses. Saint Martin’s treasures persons of all ages, religions, and nationalities as it encourages cognizance of diverse viewpoints and an appreciation of all cultures