Assistant Coach – Cross Country
DESCRIPTION OF JOB:
The Assistant Cross Country / Track & Field Coach supports the Head Coach in the coaching, recruitment, and development of student-athletes in the men’s and women’s cross country and track & field programs. Responsibilities include event-specific instruction, practice planning and implementation, meet preparation, recruiting, team travel, and program operations. Multiple assistant coaching positions may be available, including a potential Graduate Assistant appointment, with assignments based on program needs and coaching expertise.
Athletics plays an important role in the life of Edgewood University by enhancing the student-athlete experience, connecting the campus community, advancing the University’s mission and values, and supporting institutional enrollment and retention goals. The assistant coach contributes to a positive, inclusive, and competitive environment and adheres to NCAA Division III, Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC), and institutional requirements.
Responsibilities:
Coaching and Student-Athlete Development
- Assist the Head Coach with planning, organizing, and conducting practices, training sessions, and competitions.
- Provide technical and event-specific instruction in assigned areas, including sprints, jumps, throws, and/or distance events, as appropriate.
- Help prepare student-athletes for NACC and NCAA Division III competition through purposeful training, feedback, and meet preparation.
- Support the academic achievement, personal development, well-being, and retention of student-athletes.
- Promote teamwork, sportsmanship, accountability, and a positive team culture.
Recruiting and Enrollment Support
- Assist in identifying, evaluating, communicating with, and recruiting academically and athletically qualified prospective student-athletes.
- Build relationships with prospective student-athletes, families, high school and club coaches, and other recruiting contacts.
- Collaborate with the Head Coach and Admissions Office to support enrollment and roster goals.
- Maintain accurate recruiting activity and prospect information in departmental recruiting systems.
Program Operations
- Assist with scheduling, meet preparation, travel coordination, transportation, equipment management, and other team logistics.
- Transport student-athletes to practices, meets, and competitions when assigned and authorized.
- Support camps, clinics, special events, and administrative tasks as directed by the Head Coach.
- Communicate promptly and effectively with coaches, student-athletes, and Athletics staff.
Compliance Oversight
- Maintain a working knowledge of applicable NCAA Division III, NACC, and Edgewood University rules and policies.
- Follow all recruiting, eligibility, practice, travel, and competition requirements.
- Complete assigned compliance education and documentation accurately and on time.
- Model ethical conduct and communicate potential compliance concerns promptly.
Community Engagement and Alumni Relations
- Assist with team community service, campus engagement, and outreach activities.
- Represent the programs and University professionally in interactions with families, alumni, and community partners.
Other Duties
- Participate in Athletics Department meetings and events as assigned.
- Support departmental initiatives and perform other duties assigned by the Head Coach or Director of Athletics.
Leadership Expectations
The Assistant Cross Country / Track & Field Coach is expected to:
- Model the mission and values of Edgewood University Athletics.
- Create an inclusive and supportive environment in which student-athletes can thrive academically, athletically, and personally.
- Collaborate positively with the Head Coach, fellow coaches, Athletics staff, and campus partners.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, intentionality, accountability, and effective communication.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, meaningful relationships, team-oriented experiences, and personal growth.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Necessary Education or Work Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred for assistant coaching appointments; required for consideration for a Graduate Assistant appointment.
- Relevant coaching, competition, or instruction experience in cross country and/or track & field preferred.
- Familiarity with NCAA rules and regulations preferred.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of cross country and/or track & field training principles, rules, and event-specific techniques.
- Strong communication, leadership, organization, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of student-athletes and campus colleagues.
- Ability to support Edgewood University’s mission and NCAA Division III philosophy.
- Ability to meet institutional requirements for driving University vehicles when transportation duties are assigned.
Specialized Technology Skills:
- Ability to use Microsoft Office 365 and departmental communication and recruiting platforms.
- Familiarity with recruiting CRM systems and video or performance-analysis tools preferred.
Other Qualifications:
Edgewood University, a Catholic university sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. Candidates must demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply. The selected candidate must actively support the mission of the University by working with faculty, staff and students to share in our core values – truth, compassion, justice, partnership, and community.
Must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States without Employer Sponsorship.
How to Apply
Send one PDF document which includes cover letter, resume, and references with a subject line that includes the position code ACCC:
Edgewood University
Human Resources – ACCC
1000 Edgewood College Drive
Madison, WI 53711
E-mail: humanresources@edgewood.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer