Assistant Track Coach - Cross Country/Distance

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

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Responsible to the Head Coach and Vice President for Athletics to promote, enhance, and oversee the Cross Country and Distance program while maintaining compliance with all ACU, UAC, and NCAA Division I rules and regulations. Promote and support the university's mission and vision within their sport's program, coaching staff, and student-athletes. Responsible for the oversight of the academic, athletic, and spiritual development of student-athletes. 

Basic Responsibilities

• Recruitment of student-athletes who are athletically, academically, and spiritually compatible with the ACU mission.

• Organization and administration of aspects related to managing a Division I Cross Country and Distance Track program. Including but not limited to program administration, workout preparation, meet hosting duties, travel planning, team budget, NCAA compliance, academics, etc.

• Provide student-athletes with holistic opportunities for athletic, academic, professional and spiritual development in a Christ-centered environment

• Assist in fundraising and alumni relations.

• Other duties as assigned per the Head Coach and the Vice President for Athletics.

Essential Duties

Recruitment of student-athletes who are athletically, academically, and spiritually compatible with the ACU mission

• Recruit student-athletes who have the athletic ability and desire to compete at the NCAA DI level.  Evaluate prospect’s fundamental skills and athletic talent. 

• Personally interview each prospective student-athlete in order to evaluate character, personal motivation, work ethic, etc. Prospects must have morals compatible with ACU’s mission. Interview coaches, family members, and friends of prospective student-athletes. 

• Evaluate academic success of prospective student-athletes by reviewing grades and national test scores.

Organization and administration of aspects related to managing a Division I Cross Country and Distance program. Including but not limited to program administration, team budget, NCAA compliance, academics, etc.

• Be a good steward of financial resources and assist with remaining on budget. 

• Maintain understanding and compliance of NCAA, UAC, and university rules, regulations, and policy.

• Create a competitive Cross Country schedule within confines of budget

• Assist with scheduling and troubleshooting of academic and degree progress issues.

• Host home meet(s) for Cross Country and assist in planning competitive distance races during the Track & Field season.

Provide student-athletes with holistic opportunities for athletic, academic, professional, and spiritual development.

• Develop a comprehensive plan to ensure our student-athletes are able to compete at the highest Division I level. Including but not limited to distance training, strength training, team culture development, and mental success strategies.

• Monitor academic progress of student-athletes to ensure eligibility, APR, and graduation standards are being met. 

• Encourage open communication between student-athletes and coaches. Provide many opportunities for spiritual growth, i.e. devotionals, mentoring program, application of biblical principles in midst of competition (life principles).

Assist in fundraising and alumni relations.

• Help identify individuals interested in the Distance program and/or have a relationship with the coach and a willingness to provide funds for the program.

• Establish relationships with key donors and maintain contact with donors through regular updates and information about the program.

• Responsible for promoting ACU Athletics and XC/Track & Field program via media relations requests, i.e. broadcasting coaches shows, interviews, and public relations opportunities. 

Other duties as assigned per the Head Coach and the Vice President for Athletics.

Professional Development Requirements:

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of mid-distance and distance events, and the ability to teach and motivate student-athletes to perform at the highest level with integrity and a Christ-centered focus.

• Communication skills: ability to effectively communicate with a diverse group of people

• Organization skills: ability to handle specific details of each event, budget, trip, meeting, etc. 

• Proper time management: ability to meet deadlines. 

• Training Required

• Attend sport-related clinics, coaching clinics, and workshops, or regularly seek out professional development opportunities within your field.  

• Study materials on improving communication skills, motivational skills, and coaching techniques

• Attend promotional and administrator seminars. 

Qualifications:

Professional

• Bachelor's degree required/Master’s degree preferred.

• Background in distance running and/or coaching at the collegiate level, up to and including meet management and team budgeting experience.

• Ethics and integrity to work within rules of the NCAA and UAC.

Personal

• Morals, ethics, and loyalty to the University and ACU Mission.

• Be a positive role model in daily life and actions.

• Willingness to integrate your Christian faith into coaching and professional relationships.

Physical Demands

• Demonstrate physical skills of running fundamentals.

• Be in good cardiovascular condition to endure long hours of the work day as well as outdoor elements during practice and competition.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle physically, spiritually, and mentally.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.