Head Coach of Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track & Field

Will lead the organization and development of highly competitive Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field programs in support of the mission and core values of Union College.

Union College sponsors 27 intercollegiate sports and are members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Eastern College Athletic Conference Hockey League (ECAC Hockey), and the Liberty League. Men’s and women’s ice hockey compete at the NCAA Division I level; all other sports compete at the NCAA Division III level.

Job Title: Head Coach of Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track and Field 

Pay status and classification: Exempt, regular full-time. This is a 12-month position.  

Supervisor: Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Ticketing

Position Purpose: Will lead the organization and development of highly competitive Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field programs in support of the mission and core values of Union College.

Union College sponsors 27 intercollegiate sports and are members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Eastern College Athletic Conference Hockey League (ECAC Hockey), and the Liberty League. Men’s and women’s ice hockey compete at the NCAA Division I level; all other sports compete at the NCAA Division III level. 

Essential Responsibilities and Duties: 

Coaching and Leadership

• Recruits and retains high achieving student-athletes. Builds relationships with students to provide mentorship, guidance and support both in and out of competition. Works to enhance the student-athlete experience through training, competition and leadership development.

Program Oversight and Administration

• Adheres to NCAA rules and compliance. Manages the team budget including recruitment, equipment, travel, uniforms and supplies. Oversees team travel arrangements and scheduling. Recruits, hires and supervises assistant coaches. 

Team Development and Innovation

• Contributes ideas, input and support to the Union Athletics Department. Seeks out, applies and shares knowledge of sport trends and innovations in competing and teaching.

Collaboration and Fundraising

• Partners with campus stakeholders to build strong relationships and to create a positive experience for the student-athletes, alumni and prospective students. Connects student-athletes with academic and professional resources. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience coaching track & field/cross country or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience. Master’s degree and competition experience at the collegiate level is preferred.

• Experience in leading, motivating and providing guidance to high achieving and competitive student-athletes.

• Experience in recruiting and successfully identifying talented prospective student-athletes who can thrive in a rigorous academic environment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends is required.

• Ability to lift moderately heavy items (up to 30 lbs.) and stand, bend and stoop for extended periods of time.

• A valid New York State driver’s license is required.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.

• The ability to foster and enhance a thriving, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community, while promoting a sense of belonging among students, alumni, faculty and staff colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience with distance track and field and cross country athletes at the collegiate level. 

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000-72,000 annually. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from