About the position
The Head Cross Country Coach at American International College (AIC) is responsible for providing comprehensive coaching and instruction to student-athletes in the sport of cross country. This role involves individual and team instruction on the rules, fundamentals, and techniques necessary for successful performance. The coach will assess student-athletes' skill levels during practices and competitions, utilizing video analysis to enhance training and game strategies. The position requires the coach to stay informed about modern trends and techniques in cross country, ensuring that practices are organized, creative, and beneficial for the athletes' development. The coach will also supervise practice sessions, emphasizing the importance of physical well-being and safety. In addition to coaching responsibilities, the Head Coach will collaborate with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to recruit new student-athletes who can excel both academically and athletically at AIC. The coach must adhere to NCAA recruiting rules and regulations while fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all team members. Academically, the coach will monitor the academic progress of student-athletes in coordination with the Academic Resource Center, ensuring their eligibility and success. Leadership is a key component of this role, as the Head Coach must communicate effectively with colleagues, student-athletes, and administration, setting a professional example in all interactions. The coach will also manage the program's budget, ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations and departmental procedures. Community engagement is encouraged, with the coach actively supporting student-athlete participation in outreach efforts and maintaining positive relationships within the community. The Head Coach will also be responsible for fundraising initiatives, working with the Athletic Director to achieve annual goals and engage alumni in support of the program. The coach will assess team performance against expectations and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes. Additionally, the coach will collaborate with athletic trainers to ensure the well-being of student-athletes and manage all equipment related to the team. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the Director of Athletics as needed.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual and team instruction to student-athletes on rules and fundamentals of cross country.
- Assess student-athletes' skill attainment during practice and competition.
- Design individual and team instruction based on video analysis of opponent performance.
- Organize daily practice activities that are creative and valuable for student-athletes.
- Stay informed of modern trends, techniques, and strategies in cross country coaching.
- Supervise and evaluate practice sessions with attention to players' physical well-being.
- Collaborate with the Office of Admissions to recruit new student-athletes.
- Monitor academic progress of student-athletes in coordination with the Academic Resource Center.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, subordinates, and student-athletes.
- Plan and manage the program's budget according to NCAA regulations.
- Support student-athlete participation in community outreach efforts.
- Implement a fundraising plan to achieve annual goals set by administration.
- Assess team performance and make adjustments as necessary.
- Collaborate with athletic trainers to ensure student-athletes' well-being.
- Manage the collection, issuance, purchasing, and accounting of all team equipment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 3-5 years of coaching experience in cross country or a related sport.
- Ability to pass NCAA recruiting exam within 90 days of employment.
- Current certification in first aid, CPR, and AED use.
- Strong teaching, playing, or coaching background in cross country.
- Commitment to the academic success of student-athletes.
- Professional and respectful treatment of student-athletes.
- Understanding of NCAA Division II rules and regulations.
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills.
- Strong teamwork and collaborative abilities.
- Valid, insurable driver's license with the ability to travel.
Nice-to-haves
- Master's degree preferred.
